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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.
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42 Articles

The HinduThe Hindu
+5 Reposted by 5 other sources
Lean Left

Saudi Arabia official denies reports of lifting ban on alcohol

The report, which was picked up by some international media after it appeared on a wine blog last week, said Saudi authorities planned to allow the controlled sale of alcohol

·India
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Lean Left

Saudi Arabia is said to be lifting its ban on alcohol in 600 places this year, as the country hopes to win the support of tourists and football fans ahead of the 2034 World Cup. The ultra-conservative nation will end a 73-year ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol in tourist destinations by 2026. Visitors will be allowed to drink wine, beer and cider in licensed venues, such as five-star hotels and tourist developments, local media claimed,…

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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.

·Paris, France
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  • 38% of the sources lean Left, 38% of the sources lean Right
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Deccan Herald broke the news in Karnataka, India on Saturday, May 24, 2025.
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