Saudi Arabia has officially denied recent media reports claiming that the Kingdom is planning to lift its 73-year-old ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol by 2026, amid preparations for major global events including Riyadh Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034.

A Saudi official, speaking to Reuters on Monday, dismissed the speculation, reaffirming that the Kingdom — regarded as the birthplace of Islam — continues to strictly prohibit the sale and consumption of alcohol for Muslims. “There is no change in the Kingdom’s policy regarding alcohol,” the official stated, responding to international media coverage that stemmed from an unverified report on a wine blog last week.

The blog post, which did not cite any official sources, claimed that Saudi authorities were preparing to roll out a licensing system for controlled alcohol sales in designated tourist areas such as NEOM, Sindalah Island, and the Red Sea Project. The blog further speculated that the framework would allow alcohol in around 600 venues nationwide, including five-star hotels, diplomatic quarters, and luxury resorts.

Despite these claims, Saudi authorities reiterated their ongoing commitment to Islamic values and national cultural heritage, aligning with the broader goals of Vision 2030 — the Kingdom's ambitious reform agenda focused on economic diversification and tourism development. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in transforming its tourism and entertainment sectors, drawing global attention and investment. However, officials maintain that such progress does not necessitate compromising on core cultural or religious principles.

In February 2025, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, the Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom, categorically stated that alcohol would not be permitted at the FIFA World Cup 2034. Similarly, in 2022, Assistant Minister of Tourism Princess Haifa bint Mohammed stressed that Saudi Arabia had no intentions of lifting the alcohol ban.

The only partial exception to the policy came in January 2024, when a regulated shop in Riyadh was licensed to sell alcohol exclusively to non-Muslim diplomats — a move interpreted by some analysts as a tightly controlled diplomatic measure rather than a sign of broader liberalization.

While speculation continues around Saudi Arabia’s evolving stance on tourism and international hospitality standards, officials have made it clear that no changes to alcohol laws are forthcoming at this stage.

The Kingdom’s stance reflects a delicate balance — modernizing its global image while upholding deeply rooted traditions. As the countdown to the Riyadh Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034 continues, Saudi Arabia appears determined to prove that global events can be hosted without compromising its cultural identity.

BOB Post