Saudi Arabia Confirms Alcohol Ban For 2034 World Cup.
Football fans attending the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia will not have access to alcohol during the tournament, the country’s ambassador to the United Kingdom has confirmed.
Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, speaking in an interview on LBC, stated that alcohol would not be sold anywhere, including hotels, maintaining the country’s longstanding policy.
“At the moment, we don’t allow alcohol,” he said. “Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol – 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.”
When asked if fans would be permitted to drink in their hotels, as was the case during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he responded: “No, there is no alcohol at all. Rather like our weather, it’s a dry country.”
Prince Khalid also addressed concerns about inclusivity, stating: “It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event, and to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come.”
The announcement comes after FIFA confirmed Saudi Arabia as the host nation for the tournament. The decision has sparked debate, with some campaigners raising concerns over human rights issues. However, Saudi Arabia continues to emphasise its commitment to delivering a welcoming and well-organised World Cup.
The move follows similar discussions ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where alcohol sales were initially planned for stadiums but later restricted to designated fan zones and hotels. Saudi officials have made it clear that their position on alcohol will remain unchanged throughout the event.
With preparations underway, Saudi Arabia aims to showcase its hospitality and cultural heritage on the global stage, ensuring a unique and memorable experience for football fans.
