Saudi officials have denied recent media reports claiming that the country would lift its 73-year-old ban on alcohol. The unverified report, which originated from a wine blog and was picked up by some international outlets, suggested that Saudi Arabia might allow limited alcohol sales in preparation for hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup. However, no official sources backed the claim, and a government spokesperson has confirmed that the ban remains firmly in place.
Social Media Reaction and Cultural Sensitivity
The rumors triggered strong reactions online, especially given the conservative cultural and religious context of the kingdom. As the birthplace of Islam and home to the holy cities of Mekkah and Medinah, Saudi Arabia has strict rules around alcohol consumption. Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, Saudi ambassador to the UK, emphasized that visitors during the World Cup will need to respect local customs, stating, “We’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture, but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else.”
Ongoing Reforms with Clear Limits
While Saudi Arabia has introduced several major reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—including allowing women to drive and easing public segregation laws—it continues to uphold strict rules on alcohol. Last year, the kingdom opened its first alcohol store in Riyadh, but access is limited exclusively to non-Muslim diplomats.World Cup Will Remain Dry
Saudi officials have confirmed that the 2034 FIFA World Cup will not include alcohol sales, not only inside stadiums but across hotels and public venues nationwide. The decision follows a similar approach taken by Qatar in the 2022 World Cup, where alcohol was only available in certain hotels and fan zones, not at match venues.
