Saudi Arabia Denies Lifting Alcohol Ban for Major Events
A government official confirms the Kingdom has no plans to end its decades-long ban on alcohol.
Saudi Arabia has denied recent international media reports suggesting that the Kingdom is planning to lift its long-enforced ban on alcohol. The statement came in response to speculation that reforms under the Vision 2030 programme could include changes to regulations surrounding the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, particularly for major events such as the FIFA World Cup 2034.
According to a recent report from Reuters, an unnamed Saudi official clarified that the Kingdom's position remains unchanged and that there is no plan to permit the sale or consumption of alcohol. The comment follows a wave of reports that Saudi authorities were preparing to allow alcohol in certain zones or resorts, potentially targeting foreign visitors as part of broader tourism development efforts.
The clarification comes as the Kingdom continues to promote itself as a global investment and tourism hub, hosting major events and developing large-scale projects like NEOM and the Red Sea destination. Alongside this push to attract international visitors, authorities have reiterated that any changes to public policy must align with cultural and religious values.
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