A senior Saudi official has firmly denied recent reports claiming that the kingdom is planning to lift its long-standing ban on alcohol. The clarification comes after a wine blog suggested that controlled alcohol sales could be introduced in preparation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup — a claim that quickly circulated in international media despite lacking a named source.
The rumor stirred a flurry of online discussions across the conservative kingdom, where the consumption of alcohol has been strictly prohibited for over seven decades. The country’s monarch holds the title of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s central role in Islam and the significance of preserving its traditions.
Despite a wave of social reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, including lifting the driving ban on women and easing some gender segregation laws, officials have repeatedly stated that the alcohol ban remains in place.
Last year, Saudi Arabia opened its first alcohol store in Riyadh — but it was strictly for non-Muslim diplomats and not the general public.
As speculation grew about how Saudi Arabia would handle the influx of international fans for the 2034 World Cup, Saudi ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, reaffirmed the kingdom’s stance.
“Everyone has their own culture,” he told LBC. “We’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else.”
He added that alcohol would not be served in stadiums, hotels, or public spaces during the tournament.
The scenario mirrors the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where alcohol was available only in select locations such as hotels and fan zones, but remained off-limits in stadiums.