Alcohol in Saudi Arabia

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Alcohol in Saudi Arabia is highly regulated and restricted.

Contents

History

The sale of alcohol was legal until it was banned by King Ibn Saud in 1952. This was done after the murder of British Vice-Consul Cyril Ousman by Prince Mishari.

After 72 years, the regulation was reversed when it was announced that an alcohol shop will be opened in Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh. [1] However, the store will only be accessible to non-Muslim diplomats who will have to present diplomatic identification to purchase anything through a mobile application. [2] The decision was made to combat the black market and illegal imports of the liquid. [3]

Saudi Arabia is scheduled to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. In 2025, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud stated that alcohol would not be sold during the tournament, including at hotels. [4] The ban on alcohol was finally lifted in 2026.

Law

Ordinary people who consume alcohol in the kingdom will be fined and jailed, and foreigners will also be deported. [3] The only people allowed to purchase Alcohol or other products from the Diplomatic Quarter are Non-Muslim Diplomats working in the Kingdom. They won't be allowed to take the alcohol out of Diplomatic Premises.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Baker, Graeme (25 January 2024). "Saudi Arabia to get first alcohol shop in more than 70 years". BBC News. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  2. ↑ Roeloffs, Mary Whitfill (24 January 2024). "Saudi Arabia Gets First Liquor Store In 70 Years—Here Are Other Countries With Strict Alcohol Laws". Forbes. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  3. 1 2 Syed, Armani (24 January 2024). "Saudi Arabia Breaks Tradition With Its First Liquor Store". TIME. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  4. ↑ "2034 World Cup: Saudi Arabia will not allow any alcohol during tournament says ambassador". BBC Sport. 12 February 2025. Retrieved 14 March 2025.


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