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Saudi Arabia to Permit Alcohol Sales at 600 Tourist Sites by 2026
- In 2026, Saudi Arabia plans to allow the sale and drinking of alcoholic beverages for the first time in over seven decades, limiting these activities to 600 locations primarily geared toward tourists.
- This decision responds to the kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and increase international tourism ahead of the 2030 Expo and 2034 FIFA World Cup.
- Permitted alcoholic beverages will include beer, wine, and cider with under 20% alcohol, and sales will only occur under strict licensing in controlled venues like luxury resorts and developments such as Neom.
- Officials emphasized that alcohol will not be allowed in stadiums during tournaments and that consumption remains banned for Muslim residents, with penalties including fines and imprisonment for violations.
- This measured policy aims to modernize Saudi Arabia’s image, attract tourists, create jobs, and compete with neighboring Gulf states while preserving Islamic values and existing social restrictions.
42 Articles
42 Articles
Saudi Arabia to lift 73-year-old alcohol ban by 2026
Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is reportedly set to lift its 73-year ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol by 2026 under a strict licensing system. This significant policy shift forms part of the kingdom’s preparations to host major international events, including Riyadh Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034. Saudi Arabia has maintained a alcohol ban since 1952, prohibiting both citizens and foreign nationals from consuming al…
Saudi Arabia Will Lift Its Ban on Alcohol Sales & Consumption in 2026 to Boost International Tourism - WORLD OF BUZZ
Saudi Arabia is reportedly set to lift its 73-year ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol in the country next year under a strict licensing system. Under the new framework, around 600 locations across the Kingdom will be permitted to sell beer, wine and cider, as part of the country’s wider efforts to boost international tourism and prepare for major global events that it will be hosting. Among the upcoming international events that the King…
It is a plan that has leaked on the web and that Saudi Arabia has not yet denied. It foresees that from 2026, the consumption of alcohol on Saudi territory is allowed. A serious breach of the principles of sharia, rigorously applied by the kingdom.
Saudi Arabia to make major change to alcohol rules ahead of World Cup
British football fans drank 364 million pints during the Euro 2020 tournament (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) Saudi Arabia will reportedly lift its ban on alcohol at 600 sites this year as the country hopes to win over tourists and football fans before the 2034 World Cup. The ultra-conservative nation will end its 73-year ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol in tourist venues by 2026. Visitors will be allowed to drink wine, beer, and c…
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