Fans who watched the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia will not be able to buy or consume alcohol during the tournament, the country’s ambassador to the United Kingdom confirmed.
Speaking in an interview with LBC, Prince Khalid Bin Bandar Al Saud said alcohol sales would be completely banned, including hotels.
Following FIFA’s confirmation that Saudi Arabia will host the Men’s World Cup in 2034, Prince Khalid made it clear that the country’s stance on alcohol would remain unchanged.
“At the moment, we don’t allow alcohol,” he said.
“A lot of fun may have no alcohol – it’s not 100% necessary and if you want to drink after you leave, you’re welcome, but we don’t have alcohol right now.”
When asked if fans would be allowed to drink at a hotel bars, as permitted in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he reiterated: “No, there is no alcohol at all. Probably like our weather, it is a dry country.
“Everyone has their own culture. We are pleased to host people within the limits of our culture, but we do not want to change our culture for someone else.”
Alcohol supply in the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia has been confirmed.#Bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/lxnblwf63j
– BBC Sport (@BBCSport) 12 February 2025
The issue of alcohol availability was an important issue that led to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, another Muslim majority nation with strict alcohol regulations.
Initially, Qatar had planned to allow alcohol sales on the stadiums, but that decision was reversed just a few days before the tournament began. However, fans were still able to buy alcoholic beverages in designated fan zones and choose hotel bars.
However, Saudi Arabia seems to take a more steady attitude by imposing a complete ban on alcohol throughout the event.
Their stance on human rights was also the subject of global control, especially with regard to LGBTQ+rights. The same sex relations are illegal in the country and the identities of transsexuals are not officially recognized. However, Prince Khalid assured that everyone would be welcomed in the tournament.
He added: “We will welcome everyone in Saudi Arabia. It is not an event in Saudi Arabia, it is a global event and, to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come.”
Saudi Arabia has faced allegations for the use of its increasing participation in world sport as a means of “sport” – an attempt to improve its international image among human rights concerns and environmental policies.
The nation has invested in sports, including football, boxing and formula 1, creating questions about its wider intentions.
