Saudi Arabia has announced that it will maintain its strict prohibition on alcohol during the 2034 FIFA World Cup. This means that alcohol will not be available in stadiums, fan zones, hotels, or any other venues throughout the country during the tournament. The Saudi ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, emphasized that while the nation is eager to welcome fans from around the world, it expects visitors to respect its cultural norms. He stated, “Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol—it’s not 100% necessary. And if you want to drink, after you leave you’re welcome to, but at the moment we don’t have alcohol.”
This decision aligns with Saudi Arabia’s longstanding ban on alcohol, which has been in place since 1952. Unlike the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where alcohol was available in certain hotels and designated fan zones, Saudi Arabia plans to enforce a complete ban without exceptions. This policy has sparked discussions among international fans accustomed to alcohol being part of the World Cup experience.
In addition to the alcohol ban, concerns have been raised regarding the safety and acceptance of LGBTQ+ fans attending the tournament, given Saudi Arabia’s strict laws against homosexuality. Addressing these concerns, Prince Khalid assured that “everyone is welcome” at the event, emphasizing the country’s commitment to hosting an inclusive World Cup.
Saudi Arabia’s selection as the host for the 2034 World Cup has been met with both anticipation and criticism. While the nation is investing heavily in infrastructure and aims to showcase its culture on a global stage, human rights organizations have expressed concerns over issues such as freedom of expression, women’s rights, and the treatment of migrant workers. The international community will be closely monitoring how Saudi Arabia addresses these concerns in the lead-up to the tournament.
