Saudi Arabia to lift booze ban at 600 tourist locations by 2026 in bid to lure in holidaymakers ahead of World Cup

Scottish Sun

24-05-2025

SAUDI Arabia will lift its long-standing booze ban at 600 tourist sites by 2026 — in a boozy bid to attract visitors ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup and 2030 Expo.
In a shock U-turn, the ultra-conservative Kingdom will allow the sale of wine, beer, and cider at licensed locations including five-star hotels, luxury resorts, and expat-friendly compounds.
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Saudi Arabia will lift its alcohol ban ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup
Credit: Getty
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The move comes as part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 plan to boost international tourism
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Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Booze will still be banned in public, homes, shops, and fan zones — with spirits off the menu altogether under strict new rules.
The dramatic policy shift is part of Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman's Vision 2030 drive to boost international tourism, lure foreign cash and shake off its teetotal image.
Officials hope controlled alcohol sales in glitzy areas like Neom, Sindalah Island and the Red Sea Project will help the country compete with Gulf rivals like the UAE and Bahrain — where boozing is already legal in tourist zones.
Licensed venues will operate under a tightly regulated system, with trained staff and strict rules to prevent abuse and uphold the Kingdom's Islamic values.
The goal, authorities said, 'is to welcome the world without losing cultural identity — positioning Saudi Arabia as a progressive, yet respectful player on the global tourism map.'
The plan is set to roll out in 2026 — eight years before the World Cup kicks off — and comes amid growing pressure to modernise the Kingdom's image.
Several global hotel chains are already rejigging their blueprints to accommodate booze zones, with tourism bosses eyeing a flood of new jobs and international investment.
It follows a dry storm earlier this year when Saudi's ambassador to the UK announced alcohol will be banned entirely at the 2034 World Cup, sparking fury among England fans.
Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud told LBC radio in February: 'There is no alcohol at all, rather like our weather, it's a dry country.
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"Everyone has their own culture. We're happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture but we don't want to change our culture for someone else.
'It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event and, to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come.'
Fan Tim Bailey fumed on X: 'Their country, their rules. But why the f*** would anyone want to go there anyway?'
One supporter added: 'Weird . . . they always want everyone else to change their culture for them.'
But now, Saudi insiders hope the new booze policy will silence critics and show the country is ready to party — with limits.
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Officials hope easing the ban will allow the country to better compete with Gulf neighbours such as the United Arab Emirates (pictured)
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In Dubai, for instance, boozing is already legal in tourist zones
Credit: Alamy
Sources say the model is inspired by successful alcohol rollouts in Dubai and Manama, where tight control has boosted tourism and business without trashing tradition.
The Kingdom insists this will not be a free-for-all — and anyone caught misusing the system will face swift consequences.
'Sales will only happen under controlled environments, with licensed service staff and clear operational rules in place to make sure alcohol is handled responsibly and respectfully,' a government statement read.
Spirits and hard liquor above 20% ABV will remain banned, with no sign of shops, takeaways or home brewing being permitted.