RIYADH, May 27 (Alliance News): A Saudi official on Monday refuted media reports claiming the kingdom intends to lift its decades-old ban on alcohol sales, particularly in the lead-up to hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
The speculation originated from a wine blog last week and was subsequently picked up by some international media outlets. The blog claimed that Saudi authorities planned to introduce alcohol sales in designated tourist zones, though it failed to cite any official source.
Saudi Arabia, which prohibits alcohol consumption for Muslims, has remained firm on its long-standing ban. The official emphasized that there is no change in the kingdom’s policy, despite recent social reforms aimed at opening the country to global tourism and investment under Vision 2030.
The unverified report ignited a strong online debate among Saudis, especially given the kingdom’s religious significance as home to Islam’s holiest cities — Mecca and Medina.
King Salman holds the title of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, making any perceived shift in religious norms particularly sensitive.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has spearheaded a wide range of reforms in recent years — including allowing women to drive, reducing the influence of the religious police, and promoting mixed-gender entertainment events — as part of a broader modernization strategy.
Despite these reforms, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait remain the only Gulf states where the sale of alcohol is strictly prohibited. However, in a controlled move, the kingdom opened its first alcohol store in Riyadh last year, catering exclusively to non-Muslim diplomats.
Before that, alcohol was available only through diplomatic shipments or illegal black market channels.
The government’s reaffirmation of the alcohol ban signals that while Saudi Arabia is open to economic and social modernization, it remains cautious about altering religiously sensitive laws.
