Saudi Arabia to lift ban on alcohol sales
Saudi Arabia is allowing the sale of alcohol in a controlled manner as part of preparations for hosting major international events such as the upcoming 2030 Expo and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, according to Saudi media reports. The news outlet Turkey Today reported this information.
The Saudi government is going to allow the sale and limited consumption of alcohol under a strictly regulated licensing system from 2026.
Alcohol has been banned in Saudi Arabia since 1952, which applies to all local citizens and foreigners.
The new framework will apply to the sale of alcohol in about 600 locations nationwide, including five-star hotels, high-end resorts, diplomatic zones, and tourism development projects (such as Neom, Sindalah Island and the Red Sea Project).
The move is part of Saudi Arabia’s ‘Vision 2030’ plan, where the country seeks to diversify its economy through tourism and hosting global events. However, strict policies regarding alcohol will be maintained, and it will be limited to licensed venues only.
