In a historic shift, Saudi Arabia is set to permit the sale and consumption of alcohol at 600 designated tourist locations across the kingdom, according to recent reports. The move marks the most significant relaxation of the country’s alcohol prohibition in over seven decades.
The decision comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader preparations to welcome international visitors ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which the kingdom aims to co-host in the coming years. The introduction of controlled alcohol availability at specific sites is seen as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ongoing efforts to modernize the conservative nation and boost its tourism sector under the Vision 2030 reform agenda.
Sources indicate that alcohol will be available only in restricted zones catering to foreign visitors, and not in public spaces. Strict regulations are expected to remain in place to prevent misuse and ensure compliance with Saudi laws and cultural norms.
This policy shift represents a dramatic cultural change in a country where alcohol has been strictly banned since the 1950s. The announcement has sparked both praise and debate, highlighting the kingdom’s balancing act between modernisation and tradition.
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