Saudi Arabia to lift 73-year-old ban on alcohol for FIFA World Cup 2034? Country clarifies

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are the only Gulf countries that prohibit the sale of alcohol

Updated on: May 26, 2025, 22:21:29 IST

By HT News Desk

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Saudi Arabia on Monday denied media reports that the kingdom would lift its 73-year-old ban on alcohol, prohibited for Muslims under Islam, as part of reform plans in the lead up to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

The report ignited an online debate among people in the kingdom, which calls itself as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques - Islam's most revered places in Mecca and Medina. (AP file)

The purported plan, reported by a wine blog last week, said Saudi authorities were mulling to allow alcohol sales in tourist settings as the kingdom prepares to host the mega sporting event. The report did not mention the source for this information.

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The report ignited an online debate among people in the kingdom, which calls itself as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques - Islam's most revered places in Mecca and Medina.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are the only Gulf countries that prohibit the sale of alcohol. Signs of easing alcohol restrictions emerged last year with the opening of first alcohol store in the capital, Riyadh, last year serving exclusively non-Muslim diplomats. Before this move, alcohol was available only through diplomatic mail or on the black market.

Also read | Soccer–Mo Salah: Talks with Saudi League officials were serious

Reforms by MBS

Saudi Arabia's de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, has implemented a series of reforms since assuming control in the kingdom's affairs. These were part of his efforts to diversify the kingdom's economy away from oil under his Vision 2030.

MBS allowed women to drive in 2017 and also implemented other reforms which were once seen as impossible in the oil-rich kingdom. Some rules on sex segregation in public spaces were eased and the power of the religious police was curtailed.

Also read | Gold smuggling racket busted after police rescue abducted Saudi returnees

Women over 21 were allowed to obtain passports and travel abroad without male guardian approval. They were also allowed register births, marriages, and divorces.

Other measures implemented to attract foreign tourists include allowing dancing at desert raves to watching models at fashion shows or going to the cinema.

MBS's $14 trillion megacity “NEOM” featuring futuristic developments like “The Line” and “Trojena,” a vertical ski village have sparked global attention.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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