TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Saudi Arabia is getting ready to lift its 72-year ban on alcohol. Starting in 2026, limited sales will be allowed in specific tourist areas. This decision is part of the country's "Vision 2030" plan, which aims to boost its international tourism industry, especially before the 2034 World Cup.
According to reports from The Sun and Turkiye Today on Saturday, May 26, the Kingdom will put in place a very strict system for selling alcohol. This system will apply to about 600 chosen places across the country. These places include five-star hotels, fancy resorts, areas for diplomats, and new tourism development zones like Neom, Sindalah Island, and the Red Sea Project.
The types of alcoholic drinks allowed will be limited to beer, wine, and cider. Strong alcoholic drinks with more than 20 percent alcohol, such as spirits, will still be completely forbidden. Only licensed staff will be allowed to sell alcohol, and they will follow strict rules to ensure responsible handling.
Ban Remains in Public Areas
Despite this limited relaxation, alcohol will continue to be strictly prohibited in public spaces, private residences, retail stores, and football fan zones, and personal production will not be permitted. This policy is specifically designed to cater to international visitors and expatriates within designated areas only.
Any misuse or violation of these regulations will incur strict penalties. The government emphasizes that this is not a policy of unlimited freedom but a controlled approach that respects Islamic values and Saudi cultural identity.
This step is part of the Vision 2030 plan led by Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman. The plan aims to make the economy more diverse and help Saudi Arabia compete with other Gulf countries like the UAE and Bahrain, which already allow alcohol in tourist areas.
The government hopes this new rule will create new jobs, attract international investment, and show Saudi Arabia as a modern yet traditional global travel spot. Some international hotel chains have already started changing their plans to prepare for these new rules.
Why Alcohol Was Banned
Alcohol has been banned in Saudi Arabia since 1952, based on Sharia law, which deems alcoholic beverages haram (forbidden). This ban stems from the strict interpretation of Sunni Wahhabism applied by the kingdom, where alcohol is viewed as detrimental to morals and social order.
This new policy comes as Saudi Arabia prepares to host various major international events, including the 2030 Expo and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. This step is expected to mitigate international criticism while preserving the country's religious and cultural identity.
"[The goal is] to welcome the world without losing cultural identity – positioning Saudi Arabia as a progressive, yet respectful player on the global tourism map," a government official stated.
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