Key Points
- Saudi Arabia to partially lift 73-year alcohol ban in 2026 for select tourist venues, ahead of Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034.
- Alcohol sales will be tightly regulated, limited to non-Muslim visitors in about 600 licensed luxury hotels, resorts, and tourism projects.
- Permitted drinks include beer, wine, and cider (max 20% ABV); spirits remain banned.
- No alcohol in public, retail, or homes; on-site consumption only under strict controls.
- Move is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and boost tourism.
- Controversy and official denials persist, with some Saudi officials stating no formal change has been made yet.
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia, long known for its strict adherence to Islamic law and conservative social norms, is on the verge of a major policy shift: partially lifting its 73-year-old ban on alcohol sales. This dramatic move is closely linked to the kingdom’s preparations to host two of the world’s biggest events Expo 2030 in Riyadh and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Alcohol Ban Easing: What’s Changing?
According to multiple reports, Saudi authorities are preparing to allow alcohol sales for the first time since 1952, but only in highly controlled settings. The plan, reportedly set to begin in 2026, will:
- Permit alcohol sales at around 600 licensed venues, including five-star hotels, luxury resorts, and designated zones within major tourism projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Sindalah Island.
- Restrict sales to non-Muslim visitors, with all alcohol to be consumed on-site no takeaway, retail, or public advertising allowed.
- Allow only beer, wine, and cider (up to 20% alcohol by volume); spirits and high-proof liquors will remain banned.
- Enforce strict licensing and staff training, with violations leading to venue closures or legal action.
Officials emphasize that these changes are part of Vision 2030, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious blueprint to diversify Saudi Arabia’s oil-dependent economy, attract international investment, and transform the kingdom into a global tourism and entertainment hub.
Why Now? The Global Spotlight
Saudi Arabia’s decision is driven by its desire to successfully host Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, events expected to draw millions of international visitors. The move echoes similar (though more limited) alcohol relaxations seen during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where alcohol was available in fan zones but not stadiums.
Reform Track Record: MBS’s Modernization Push
The potential alcohol law change is just the latest in a series of headline-grabbing reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS):
- Women’s rights: The ban on women driving was lifted in 2018, and women can now travel without a male guardian’s permission.
- Cultural openness: Cinemas, concerts, and mixed-gender public events are now allowed.
- Religious police: The powers of the once-feared Mutawa have been sharply curtailed.
- Tourism: Saudi Arabia now issues tourist visas and is investing billions in mega-projects like NEOM and Qiddiya.
Controversy and Official Denials
Despite widespread reports and growing international anticipation, Saudi officials have denied any official decision to lift the alcohol ban, insisting that current policies remain unchanged. The debate has sparked heated discussion within the kingdom, where alcohol is considered haram (forbidden) under Islamic law and violations can result in fines, imprisonment, or deportation.
The only current exception is a single government-run store in Riyadh, opened in 2024 to serve non-Muslim diplomats under strict controls.
What’s Next?
- If implemented, the partial lifting of the alcohol ban would mark one of the most significant social changes in Saudi history, signaling a new era of openness as the kingdom seeks to welcome the world.
- The world will be watching as Saudi Arabia balances tradition, religion, and its ambitious modernization goals in the run-up to Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Saudi Arabia is poised for a cultural revolution, with plans to ease its alcohol ban in select tourist areas as part of Vision 2030 and preparations for global mega-events. While the move is controversial and not yet officially confirmed, it reflects Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s sweeping efforts to modernize the kingdom and reshape its global image.
