Saudi official dismisses reports of alcohol ban being lifted ahead of 2034 FIFA World Cup

Riyadh: A Saudi Arabian official has denied recent international media reports suggesting that the kingdom intends to lift its decades-old ban on alcohol ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which the country is set to host.

According to reuters, the clarification comes after a report, originally published on a wine blog and later picked up by several global media outlets, claimed that Saudi authorities were preparing to permit alcohol sales in select tourist environments. However, the report lacked verifiable sources and has since sparked widespread debate online.

Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam and home to the religion’s holiest sites in Mecca and Medina, has maintained a strict ban on alcoholic beverages since 1951. Both Saudi nationals and foreign residents are prohibited from consuming alcohol, and violations can result in severe penalties.

Despite the ban, the kingdom has undergone notable social reforms under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, widely known as MBS. As part of the Vision 2030 initiative to reduce reliance on oil and attract tourism and foreign investment, the country has relaxed many of its traditional social norms. These include lifting the ban on women driving, easing restrictions on gender segregation, reducing the power of the religious police, and allowing public entertainment such as cinemas, concerts, and fashion events.

Still, the notion of legalising alcohol remains highly sensitive. Although the country opened its first alcohol shop in Riyadh last year, it caters solely to non-Muslim diplomats. Until then, alcohol was accessible only through diplomatic pouches or illegal channels such as the black market.

The recent rumours have reignited cultural and religious discussions among citizens and on social media, with many expressing strong views about maintaining the kingdom’s religious values. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are currently the only Gulf nations where alcohol remains entirely prohibited.

(With inputs from Reuters)