Riyadh: A senior Saudi official on Monday dismissed media reports suggesting that the Kingdom is planning to lift its decades-long ban on alcohol consumption, despite recent reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030.
The denial comes in response to a report published last week on an alcohol-related blog, which claimed that Saudi authorities were considering allowing alcohol sales at select tourist destinations in preparation for hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
A government spokesperson categorically rejected the claim, labeling it “baseless”, and reaffirmed that the Kingdom has no intention of altering its current laws prohibiting alcohol, which have been in place since 1952.
The spokesperson emphasized that Saudi Arabia remains committed to upholding its Islamic values and traditions, which form the foundation of the country’s legal and social framework.
The clarification follows recent speculation sparked by the opening of a controlled liquor store in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter, which serves a limited amount of alcohol exclusively to non-Muslim diplomats. While this move was seen by some as a softening of restrictions, officials clarified that the measure was intended to curb illegal alcohol trafficking and not a step toward public alcohol availability.
Saudi authorities reiterated that any social or cultural reforms will be implemented with caution and in the interest of the public, ensuring they align with the religious and cultural identity of the nation.
