Saudi Arabia, a conservative Muslim country, has reportedly lifted 73-year-old alcohol ban and will allow liquor consumption in 600 designated tourist zones by 2026 in what described as a groundbreaking policy shift aligned with its economic transformation blueprint Vision 2030. The change is also part of the country’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2034.
The policy will allow a restricted access to alcohol—limited to wine and beer—within select high-end tourist venues, including five-star hotels, licensed resorts, and designated tourism zones.
The move, according to Travel and Tour World citing regional tourism officials and industry sources, signals a noteworthy shift in both cultural norms and regulatory practices within a nation long recognized for its conservative stance. It reflects the Kingdom’s broader ambition to rebrand itself as a premier global travel destination.
This initiative aligns with the goals outlined in Vision 2030, the national transformation agenda launched in 2016 under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The program aims to diversify the Saudi economy by expanding non-oil sectors such as tourism, technology, renewable energy, and entertainment.
According to the official Vision 2030 platform, one of the strategic targets is to welcome 100 million visitors annually by the end of the decade and to establish Saudi Arabia among the top five global tourist destinations.
