Saudi Official Denies Lifting of Alcohol Ban

Riyadh-A Saudi official on Monday dismissed media reports suggesting the kingdom plans to lift its 73-year-old ban on alcohol.

The reports, initially published on a wine blog and later picked up by some international outlets, claimed that Saudi authorities intended to permit alcohol sales in designated tourist areas ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. However, the original report did not cite any official sources.

While Saudi Arabia has relaxed some social restrictions in recent years to attract tourists and international investment, officials have made no indication that the long-standing alcohol ban will be reversed.

While alcoholic drinks are still off limits, both Saudis and foreigners can take part in activities that were once unthinkable in the Gulf country – from dancing at desert raves to watching models at fashion shows or going to the cinema.

The report about alcohol rules sparked a vigorous online debate in the kingdom, whose king also holds the title of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques – Islam’s most revered places in Makkah and Madina.

Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, has pushed a series of reforms, which included ending a prohibition on allowing women to drive in 2017, easing some rules on sex segregation in public spaces and reducing the power of the religious police.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are the only Gulf countries that prohibit the sale of alcohol.

A minor move to allow alcoholic drinks to be consumed in the kingdom was the opening of the first alcohol store in the capital, Riyadh, last year serving exclusively non-Muslim diplomats.

Prior to that, alcohol was available only through diplomatic mail or on the black market.