Latest news with #SaudiMinistryofTourism
Miami Herald
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Will Saudi Arabia's Alcohol Ban be Lifted? Reports Prompt Flare-Up
Media reports that Saudi Arabia will lift its decades-old ban on alcohol in select tourist zones have prompted the flare-up of a vigorous online debate in the conservative kingdom, with some voices in support and others in strong opposition. Newsweek has contacted the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and the government's Center for International Communication for comment. The government has previously said it has no intention of lifting the ban. The media reports sourced to a government statement and to unidentified authorities come as Saudi Arabia gears up for preparations to host the 2030 World Expo and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a key ally to President Donald Trump, has also pushed to rebrand the country as more moderate to attract foreign tourism, especially to megaprojects such as NEOM. The kingdom has already stirred some backlash for hosting international female performers, but legalizing alcohol would be a more controversial leap. Media reported that the ban on alcohol sales would be lifted at 600 sites this year in an attempt to attract tourists as part of the Gulf state's Vision 2030. "Sales will only happen under controlled environments, with licensed service staff and clear operational rules in place to make sure alcohol is handled responsibly and respectfully," according to a government statement quoted by Metro. The consumption, possession or sale of alcohol are crimes that can lead to jail sentences, fines or flogging. In Islam, consuming alcohol is viewed as haram, meaning it is religiously prohibited. This stance is often supported by a verse in the Quran which refers to intoxicating substances as "the work of Satan" and urges followers to stay away from them. Scholars and religious leaders also refer to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and emphasize the harmful consequences associated with alcohol use. Alcohol was banned in 1952 in Saudi Arabia, which is home to Islam's holiest sites, but there is an underground market in illegal alcohol. Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, ambassador to the United Kingdom, has advised football fans not to expect alcohol at the 2034 World Cup. When Qatar hosted the World Cup in 2022 it had initially said it would ease restrictions on alcohol sales, but reimposed them days before the tournament. A user by the name of Fahad on X: "Alcoholic beverages are present in all countries of the world without exception. Why are they prohibited in the Kingdom? Why not in Mecca or Medina? They are part of the tourism project and our economic project." A user by the name of Elhameed Saeed on X: "That's misinformation. Saudi Arabia hasn't announced any plan to legalize alcohol. The Kingdom is modernizing in many ways - but always within the framework of its Islamic values. Don't confuse development with abandoning principles." A user by the name Jugglerofcats on Reddit: "They won't. After the tickets are sold and hotel bookings made, they'll likely go back on their word like Qatar did a week before the tournament starts." If Saudi Arabia lifts its alcohol ban at some locations, particularly with a view to the hosting of global events, restrictions are likely to remain for local Muslims. Related Articles Images Show Trump Tower Saudi Arabia Planned for 2029Trump Administration Initiated Boeing 747 Deal With QatarWorld's Largest Building Construction Site Shares Development UpdateNew Boss Named for World's Biggest Construction Project 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Will Saudi Arabia's Alcohol Ban be Lifted? Reports Prompt Flare-Up
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Media reports that Saudi Arabia will lift its decades-old ban on alcohol in select tourist zones have prompted the flare-up of a vigorous online debate in the conservative kingdom, with some voices in support and others in strong opposition. Newsweek has contacted the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and the government's Center for International Communication for comment. The government has previously said it has no intention of lifting the ban. Why It Matters The media reports sourced to a government statement and to unidentified authorities come as Saudi Arabia gears up for preparations to host the 2030 World Expo and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a key ally to President Donald Trump, has also pushed to rebrand the country as more moderate to attract foreign tourism, especially to megaprojects such as NEOM. The kingdom has already stirred some backlash for hosting international female performers, but legalizing alcohol would be a more controversial leap. AI generated image of a glass of beer. AI generated image of a glass of beer. Newsweek What To Know Media reported that the ban on alcohol sales would be lifted at 600 sites this year in an attempt to attract tourists as part of the Gulf state's Vision 2030. "Sales will only happen under controlled environments, with licensed service staff and clear operational rules in place to make sure alcohol is handled responsibly and respectfully," according to a government statement quoted by Metro. The consumption, possession or sale of alcohol are crimes that can lead to jail sentences, fines or flogging. In Islam, consuming alcohol is viewed as haram, meaning it is religiously prohibited. This stance is often supported by a verse in the Quran which refers to intoxicating substances as "the work of Satan" and urges followers to stay away from them. Scholars and religious leaders also refer to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and emphasize the harmful consequences associated with alcohol use. Alcohol was banned in 1952 in Saudi Arabia, which is home to Islam's holiest sites, but there is an underground market in illegal alcohol. Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, ambassador to the United Kingdom, has advised football fans not to expect alcohol at the 2034 World Cup. When Qatar hosted the World Cup in 2022 it had initially said it would ease restrictions on alcohol sales, but reimposed them days before the tournament. What People Are Saying A user by the name of Fahad on X: "Alcoholic beverages are present in all countries of the world without exception. Why are they prohibited in the Kingdom? Why not in Mecca or Medina? They are part of the tourism project and our economic project." A user by the name of Elhameed Saeed on X: "That's misinformation. Saudi Arabia hasn't announced any plan to legalize alcohol. The Kingdom is modernizing in many ways — but always within the framework of its Islamic values. Don't confuse development with abandoning principles." A user by the name Jugglerofcats on Reddit: "They won't. After the tickets are sold and hotel bookings made, they'll likely go back on their word like Qatar did a week before the tournament starts." What Happens Next If Saudi Arabia lifts its alcohol ban at some locations, particularly with a view to the hosting of global events, restrictions are likely to remain for local Muslims.
Gulf Insider
12-04-2025
- Gulf Insider
Hajj 2025: Permit Mandatory for Guests at Mecca Hotels
Saudi authorities have banned hospitality facilities in the Saudi holy city of Mecca from accommodating any guests unless they hold a Hajj permit or a Mecca entry permit for residents during this year's Islamic pilgrimage season. The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has sent an urgent circular to all hospitality facilities in Mecca, stressing that this decision will take effect starting from the first day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul Qadah, corresponding to April 29, the Okaz newspaper has reported. The paper quoted the ministry as saying that the stipulation is based on concerns for the safety and security of pilgrims and complies with instructions issued by the relevant authorities in the kingdom. The ministry warned that failure to comply with the circular and its provisions will result in the enforcement of the 'harshest penalties' against violators in accordance with the tourism law and its executive regulations. Saudi Arabia has already set April 29 as the final day for Muslim foreigners performing the Umrah rites or lesser pilgrimage in Mecca to leave the country, as the kingdom is stepping up efforts for the upcoming Hajj season. This year's Hajj is due in early June. Hajj is one of Islam's five obligatory duties. Muslims, who can physically and financially afford Hajj, have to perform it at least once in a lifetime.
Gulf Insider
28-03-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia: Tourism Ministry To Penalize 150 Erring Tourism Offices
The Saudi Ministry of Tourism started taking punitive measures against 150 tourism offices across the Kingdom after detecting their violations. The tour operators and travel and tourism agencies were found involved in providing unlicensed services and activities during inspection campaigns carried out by the ministry officials. Penalties will be imposed on violators, in accordance with the provisions of the Tourism Law and its executive regulations. The ministry officials conducted approximately 300 inspection tours, covering the regions of Riyadh, Madinah, Al-Baha, Jazan, and Al-Ahsa. The inspections were carried out in participation with several relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Public Security Department; Ministry of Transport and Logistics; Ministry of Municipalities and Housing; Ministry of Hajj and Umrah; and the Transport General Authority. The ministry emphasized the importance of tourism offices' commitment to obtaining the necessary licenses from the Ministry of Tourism, in accordance with the provisions of the Tourism Law and its executive regulations. This is to ensure the provision of high-quality services to tourists and visitors and to keep pace with the rapid developments witnessed by the tourism sector in the Kingdom
Zawya
28-03-2025
- Zawya
Saudi ministry to penalize 150 erring tourism offices
RIYADH — The Saudi Ministry of Tourism started taking punitive measures against 150 tourism offices across the Kingdom after detecting their violations. The tour operators and travel and tourism agencies were found involved in providing unlicensed services and activities during inspection campaigns carried out by the ministry officials. Penalties will be imposed on violators, in accordance with the provisions of the Tourism Law and its executive regulations. The ministry officials conducted approximately 300 inspection tours, covering the regions of Riyadh, Madinah, Al-Baha, Jazan, and Al-Ahsa. The inspections were carried out in participation with several relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Public Security Department; Ministry of Transport and Logistics; Ministry of Municipalities and Housing; Ministry of Hajj and Umrah; and the Transport General Authority. The ministry emphasized the importance of tourism offices' commitment to obtaining the necessary licenses from the Ministry of Tourism, in accordance with the provisions of the Tourism Law and its executive regulations. This is to ensure the provision of high-quality services to tourists and visitors and to keep pace with the rapid developments witnessed by the tourism sector in the Kingdom © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
