Latest news with #FIFAWorldCup2034
Business Wire
05-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
PIF and FIFA forge partnership for FIFA Club World Cup 2025™
ZURICH & RIYADH, Saudi Arabia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PIF and FIFA today announced PIF as an official partner of FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, which will take place in the U.S. from June 14 to July 13, 2025. The partnership reflects FIFA and PIF's shared vision to enable greater participation in sports by unlocking new opportunities, fostering innovation and engaging fans around the world. With a focus on youth, the partnership will provide opportunities for young people, supporting FIFA in its efforts to engage and inspire at a grassroots level. The new FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ marks a fresh chapter for club football on the global stage. It will feature 32 of the world's top football clubs, bringing together champions from all six FIFA confederations for a month-long tournament in 11 cities across the U.S. Romy Gai, Chief Business Officer at FIFA, said: 'We are delighted to welcome PIF as a partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. Together, we look forward to delivering a historic tournament that inspires and unites fans from around the world. 'The partners of the first-ever 32-team FIFA Club World Cup believe in our vision to make football truly global. Their support of the tournament will not only be integral to its success but will underpin investment in supporting the development of club football everywhere.' Mohammed AlSayyad, Head of Corporate Brand at PIF, said: 'PIF is creating a legacy of transformative impact in sports including through its partnerships, delivering positive and lasting results at every level, from players and fans to host communities. 'PIF is at the forefront of growing football around the world following our Concacaf partnership announced last year and our continued investment in football. We are unlocking opportunities to drive the growth of the sport around the world.' Football plays a crucial role in the ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia and as host of the FIFA World Cup 2034™, reinforces the country's ambition to grow the game globally, create new opportunities for all and extend its benefits in Saudi Arabia and every part of the world for generations to come. The FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ will be played in 12 stadiums across 11 U.S. host cities. The 63-match tournament will culminate with what promises to be a spectacular final at MetLife Stadium New York New Jersey, on Sunday, July 13, when the FIFA club world champion will be crowned. All tournament fixtures will be live-streamed for free on bringing the excitement of the first edition of the competition to every football fan around the world. Tickets and ticket-inclusive hospitality packages are on sale via ABOUT PIF PIF is the investment engine driving economic transformation for Saudi Arabia and the world. With an ambitious program to deliver Vision 2030, PIF invests in projects, companies and partners to diversify the Saudi economy, stimulate growth in every major sector, and create new opportunities for investment and employment. And as a global investor and catalyst of change, PIF actively partners with the most pioneering organizations across the world to accelerate their growth, and transfer the technology and knowledge needed to build industry ecosystems of the future. Since 2017, PIF has established 103 companies and is driving the transition to a more sustainable economy through strategic investments and partnerships across the Saudi public and private sector. PIF is laying the foundations for local and international partners to invest in the economic and societal transformation of Saudi Arabia.
CairoScene
27-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
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.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
26-05-2025
- Business
- First Post
Saudi Arabia may ease alcohol ban ahead of 2034 World Cup but with strict rules
Saudi Arabia may lift its 70-year alcohol ban in 2026 ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup and Expo 2030. Reports suggest limited alcohol sales at select tourist spots will be allowed. However, there is still no official confirmation on this with government people denying any change in law. read more Saudi Arabia could be preparing for a major change ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. According to reports, the Kingdom is planning to allow alcohol sales for the first time in over 70 years. Reports suggest that Saudi Arabia may partially lift its alcohol ban in 2026 as the country gets ready to host global events including Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034. Saudi Arabia looking to revoke alcohol ban? According to The Economic Times, alcohol might be available in a very controlled way at specific locations, accessible only at high-end hotels, resorts, and other tourist spots. About 600 licensed places may reportedly get permission to serve drinks. But even if the ban is lifted, it won't be for everyone as local people will still be barred from drinking. Only lighter drinks like beer, wine, and cider would be allowed if the ban is revoked, suggested the report. Stronger alcohol like spirits and hard liquors will still be banned. Despite these reports, MailOnline on Monday reported that a Saudi government spokesperson has denied that the country has plans to relax its alcohol laws. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In fact, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, had earlier said that alcohol would still be banned during the 2034 World Cup as it is not part of their culture. This disappointed a lot of fans, especially from England and other European countries, where drinking and watching sports is a big part of their routine. More from Football 'Everyone has their own culture. We're happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture but we don't want to change our culture for someone else. It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event and, to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come,' he was quoted as saying by LBC Radio. However, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has already introduced reforms to modernise Saudi Arabia. Last year, the kingdom opened its first alcohol store in Riyadh but only for non-Muslim diplomats. Before that, alcohol was only available through diplomatic mail or the black market. This suggests that Saudi Arabia may go the Qatar way before the next World Cup. Qatar hosted the 2022 World Cup, where it served alcohol despite being a Muslim country. Initially, reports had claimed that Qatar will not serve alcohol to fans travelling for the event but the government decided otherwise.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Saudi Arabia to lift 73-year-old alcohol ban: Here's what you need to know
Saudi Arabia is poised to lift its 73-year alcohol ban in 2026, permitting controlled sales in select locations like luxury hotels and tourist spots. This significant shift, driven by preparations for Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034, will limit sales to beer, wine, and cider. Strict licensing and trained staff will oversee distribution, aligning with Saudi customs. Change is the only constant. And if you think that these are mere words of wisdom, it's time to head to Saudi Arabia to experience it, as as the authorities will now allow the controlled sale and consumption of alcohol in 2026. The change is part of the country's preparations for international events, including Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034. As per reports, the country is all set to remove the 73-year-old alcohol ban since 1952, keeping the global events in mind. It is reported that the sale will be limited to certain areas, which will include luxury hotels, resorts, and other tourist places, along with 600 places around Saudi Arabia. It has been reported that only beer, wine, and cider will be allowed at these places and strong alcoholic drinks will be strictly prohibited. Also, the government will not allow alcohol in homes, shops, and other public places, states a report by Economic Times. The strict licensing rules for alcohol sale states that only licensed venues and trained staff will be allowed to serve alcohol. And these rules are being defined to match the country's customs and standards. What do you think of this change in beverage consumption in Saudi Arabia? Share your thoughts in the comment section. Thumb and Embed Images Courtesy: istock Can't eat your food without snapping a picture first? Join our Food Photography Contest and stand a chance to win exciting prizes! Click HERE for details. Join our WhatsApp Food Community to discover delicious recipes, enjoy fascinating food stories, and stay updated with the latest food news! Click here One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
News18
26-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Saudi Arabia To Lift Decades-Old Alcohol Ban Ahead Of 2034 FIFA World Cup
Last Updated: The sales of wine, beer, and cider will be limited to 600 licensed locations across the country, including five-star hotels, luxury resorts, and expat-friendly compounds. In a historic move, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is planning to lift 73-year-old ban and allow the controlled sale and consumption of alcohol in 2026. The change is part of the country's preparations for hosting international events, including the Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034. Saudi authorities believe allowing alcohol at certain tourist sites would help the country compete with the UAE and Bahrain, where alcohol is allowed at some tourist hotspots. As per the media reports, the sales of wine, beer, and cider will be limited to 600 licensed locations across the country, including five-star hotels, luxury resorts, and expat-friendly compounds like Neom, Sindalah Island, and the Red Sea Project. What Drinks Would Be Allowed? advetisement Permitted locations will be able to serve wine, beer and cider. However, this allowance does not extend to stronger alcoholic drinks, such as spirits. Drinks and liquor with more than 20% alcohol content will remain banned, according to a report by the UK-based Metro, which quoted local Saudi media. The government will not allow alcohol in homes, shops or public places. Personal alcohol production will also remain banned. Additionally, only licensed venues and trained staff will be allowed to serve alcohol. The sale of alcohol will follow fixed procedures, the reports said. Decision Will End 73-Year-Old Ban The alcohol policy is part of Vision 2030. The move will in effect bring to an end Saudi Arabia's 73-year ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol. The Kingdom aims to expand tourism, entertainment and hospitality with its more-inclusive national plan. Officials believe the change will help create jobs and bring in foreign investment. As per the reports, Saudi Arabia was founded in 1932 under Abdulaziz Al Saud with a legal system based on Wahhabi Islam. It followed Sharia law and alcohol was always forbidden, but the actual enforcement and legal ban on alcohol was enforced in 1952. Saudi Arabia, once an ultra-conservative country, is giving up its traditional image and ushering in a new era of openness and modernity under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The country has eased some limitations on women's rights, allowing them to drive, go to athletic events and concerts with men. In 2018, it abolished a ban on cinema and screened 'Black Panther', which marked the historic return of film to the kingdom. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 26, 2025, 16:21 IST
