Saudi Arabia Denies Plans to Lift 73-Year Alcohol Ban Ahead of 2034 World Cup

Saudi officials have firmly denied recent media reports suggesting the kingdom plans to lift its 73-year-old ban on alcohol in preparation for hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup. These rumors, which originated from an unverified wine blog and lacked credible sources, sparked debate both within Saudi Arabia and internationally. The Saudi government emphasized that the alcohol ban remains firmly in place, with the country's cultural and religious customs strictly forbidding alcohol consumption. Officials, including the Saudi ambassador to the UK, reiterated that the World Cup would be a sober event with no alcohol available in stadiums, hotels, or elsewhere in the country. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has introduced various social and economic reforms, but the kingdom maintains its conservative stance on alcohol. Visitors are expected to respect Saudi Arabia's cultural norms during the tournament.