Saudi Arabia to Reportedly Allow Alcohol Sale From Next Year

Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing to permit alcohol sales at select tourist venues starting in 2026, marking a major policy shift as the kingdom seeks to boost tourism ahead of Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034.

According to reports, around 600 licensed locations—including five-star hotels, resorts, and designated zones within large-scale tourism projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Sindalah Island—will be authorized to serve alcoholic beverages to non-Muslim visitors. This will be the first significant easing of Saudi Arabia’s alcohol ban in over seventy years.

The permitted drinks will be limited to wine, beer, and cider, each with a maximum alcohol content of 20%. Spirits and other high-alcohol beverages will remain prohibited. All alcohol must be consumed on-site; takeaway sales, retail distribution, and public advertising will not be allowed. Alcohol will also remain unavailable in homes, shops, and public areas outside the licensed zones.

Officials say the move is part of Vision 2030, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s initiative to diversify the Saudi economy and reduce reliance on oil. The plan aims to position Saudi Arabia as a leading destination for international tourism and investment.

Strict controls will govern the new policy. Licensed venues will be operated by trained staff and regulated by clear operational standards. Violations, such as serving unauthorized individuals or offering takeaway alcohol, could result in venue closures or legal action.

The general ban on alcohol for Saudi citizens and Muslim residents will remain in place. Religious cities such as Mecca and Medina will continue to prohibit alcohol entirely.

Saudi Arabia had already opened its first alcohol shop in decades in January 2024, located in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter and accessible only to non-Muslim foreign diplomats. Access is tightly controlled, requiring registration via a government app, foreign ministry clearance, and compliance with monthly quotas.

The broader alcohol licensing program is expected to roll out in 2026, ahead of major international events. However, Saudi officials have clarified that alcohol will not be available during the 2034 FIFA World Cup, with the country’s ambassador to the UK stating that the tournament will remain alcohol-free, including in hotels.