The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will lift its long-term ban on 600 tourist sites by 2026-in an attempt to attract visitors before the FIFA 2034 World Cup and 2030 exhibition.
In the event of a shock, the Kingdom will allow very preserved to sell wine, beer, apple juice in licensed sites including five -star hotels, luxury resorts and friendly vehicles.
5
5
5
Booze will remain banned in public places, homes, shops and fans – with lives completely outside the list under new strict rules.
The dramatic political transformation is part of the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman 2030 campaign to enhance international tourism, lure foreign money and get rid of its leakage image.
Officials hope that they will control alcohol sales in bright areas such as sleep, Cinda Island, and the Red Sea project will help the country to compete with Gulf competitors such as the Emirates and Bahrain – where Boozing is already legally in tourist areas.
The licensed places will work under a regulatory system tightly, with trained employees and strict rules to prevent abuse and support the Islamic values of the Kingdom.
Read more about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The authorities said that the goal is to “welcome the world without losing the cultural identity – the position of Saudi Arabia as a progressive player, but it is respectful on the map of global tourism.”
The plan is scheduled to be presented in 2026 – eight years before the World Cup start – and comes amid increasing pressure to update the Kingdom's image.
Many international hotels chains are already preparing their plans to accommodate wine areas, as tourism heads are looking for a flood of new jobs and international investment.
This is followed by a dry storm earlier this year when the Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom announced completely alcohol in the 2034 World Cup, which angered England fans.
Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Soud told Radio LBC in February: “There is absolutely no alcohol, like our weather, it is a dry country.
“Everyone has their own culture. We are happy to accommodate people within the limits of our culture, but we do not want to change our culture to another person.
“It is not a Saudi event, it is a global event, to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come.”
Fans Tim Billy emptied x: “Their country, their bases. But why does anyone want to go there anyway?”
One of the supporters added: “Strange … they always want everyone to change their culture for them.”
But now, the Saudi informed hope that the new wine policy will control critics and show that the country is ready for parties – borders.
5
5
The sources say that the model is inspired by the successful alcohol successors in Dubai and Manama, as it strengthened narrow control and business without traditions.
The Kingdom insists that this will not be free for everyone-and anyone who misuses the system will face rapid consequences.
A government statement said: “Sales will only occur in light of the controlled environments, with the presence of licensed service employees and clear operational rules to ensure alcohol treatment with responsibility and respect.”
Sells and solid alcoholic drinks will remain more than 20 % ABV prohibited, with no sign of stores, fast food or the permissible homeland.
Why is alcohol out in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?
Alcohol is banned in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia because the country's legal system depends on Islamic law, or the law, which precisely prohibits the consumption, sale and possession of alcohol.
This ban stems from the teachings of Islam, especially the Qur’an, which is considered forbidden, or prohibited.
The verses in the Qur'an warn against using alcohol, and reached their climax with a clear guidance for believers to avoid this completely.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia follows a strict interpretation of Sunni Islam known as Wahhabism, which imposes these religious prohibitions through law.
As a result, alcohol production, importing, or drinking it is illegal and punished through harsh penalties, including fines, imprisonment and deportation of foreigners and general skin previously.
Also, the embargo is deeply rooted in the conservative social standards in the country, as alcohol is associated with immoral behavior and societal disruption.
The royal Saudi royal family also depends on support from the religious establishment, and to maintain alcohol embargo, enhances their political legitimacy and harmonization with Islamic values.
While modern reforms under the Vision 2030 initiative are pushed for modernization, including an alcohol sales program in tourist areas since 2026, the basic ban is still fixed to maintain cultural and religious identity.
