Saudi Arabia Rules Out Alcohol at 2034 World Cup venues
Saudi Arabia’s position has not changed since the country’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, affirmed that alcohol will not be available in venues during the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
This is despite ongoing speculation about a potential easing of the Kingdom’s ban.
His statement counters widespread media reports claiming that Saudi Arabia was preparing to lift its long-standing prohibition on alcohol in time for the global football tournament.
Several international news outlets had reported that the Kingdom might allow the sale of wine, beer, and cider in licensed venues, including luxury hotels, five-star resorts, and designated tourism zones.
One report even suggested an imminent regulatory shift aimed at boosting tourism and accommodating international visitors.
However, a Saudi official speaking to Reuters this week denied the claims. A source familiar with the matter told Arab News:
“These claims lack any official confirmation from relevant authorities and do not reflect existing policies or regulations in Saudi Arabia.”
Prince Khalid echoed this stance, saying: “Rather like our weather, it’s a dry country. Everyone has their own culture, and we’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of ours, but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else.”
While Saudi Arabia has undertaken major social reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 strategy, the alcohol ban for the public remains intact. The ambitious plan, launched in 2016, aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy away from oil and reshape its global image.
Since the rollout of Vision 2030, the country has legalized music festivals, cinemas, and fashion shows, and in 2017, lifted the ban on women driving. Restrictions on gender segregation in public places have also been relaxed.
In 2023, the first alcohol store in Riyadh was opened—but it is limited to non-Muslim diplomats, who previously accessed alcohol via diplomatic shipments or the black market. Authorities say the move is designed to regulate and monitor alcohol use under strict guidelines, rather than signal a broader policy change.
Saudi Arabia was officially named host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup in December. Like its Gulf neighbour Qatar—host of the 2022 World Cup—Saudi Arabia is expected to maintain its conservative stance on alcohol. Qatar prohibited alcohol in match venues but allowed limited sales in controlled fan zones.
As of now, Saudi Arabia has no plans to follow suit, reinforcing its commitment to cultural and religious values.
