Saudi Arabia has confirmed that it will maintain its long-standing alcohol ban during the 2034 FIFA World Cup, despite its successful bid to host the global event. Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, the country’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, made the announcement in a recent interview, emphasizing that the kingdom’s cultural and religious values will guide the event.
The ambassador explained that alcohol has been prohibited in Saudi Arabia since 1952, a policy that aligns with Islamic teachings. While alcohol was not sold in stadiums during Qatar’s World Cup in 2022, it was available in designated fan zones and some hotels. In Saudi Arabia, however, alcohol will be absent from all official World Cup venues.
“Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol,” said Al Saud during his interview with British radio station LBC. “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.”
Despite the alcohol restrictions, Al Saud assured fans that they would be welcome in Saudi Arabia. He noted that the 2034 World Cup is a global event and emphasized the country’s commitment to accommodating visitors within the boundaries of its culture.
When asked about the treatment of LGBTQ fans, the ambassador confirmed that they would be welcome to attend the tournament, stating, “We will welcome everyone in Saudi Arabia. It is not a Saudi event; it is a world event.”
This marks a shift from previous perceptions of the kingdom’s stance on LGBTQ issues, as Saudi Arabia remains one of the few countries where same-sex sexual acts are illegal. While LGBTQ advocacy groups are not publicly active in Saudi Arabia, the country has expressed its intent to respect the privacy of all fans, including those from the LGBTQ community, attending the World Cup.
In preparation for the 2034 tournament, Saudi Arabia has committed to building and refurbishing 15 stadiums by 2032, with the help of migrant labor. However, human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have raised concerns about the treatment of migrant workers, citing the country’s “kafala” system, which controls foreign labor sponsorship.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has invested heavily in sports, acquiring Premier League club Newcastle United and establishing the LIV Golf Tour. Despite this, critics argue that the kingdom is using sport to distract from its human rights record, a practice known as “sportswashing.”
Saudi officials have denied accusations of human rights violations, asserting that the country’s laws are designed to protect national security.
As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2034 World Cup, the international community will continue to watch closely, with both optimism for the country’s potential and caution regarding its human rights practices.
