A night view of Al Tahlia Street featuring the iconic Al Faisaliah Tower in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, accessed on May 24, 2025.
Saudi Arabia will begin permitting the sale and limited consumption of alcohol in 2026 under a tightly regulated licensing system, as part of its preparations to host major international events, including Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034, Saudi media reported.
An alcohol ban has been in place in Saudi Arabia since 1952, prohibiting both citizens and foreigners from consuming alcoholic beverages.
A view of Al-Tabakha Market, known for its long-standing restaurants in Medina, Saudi Arabia on June, 27 2024.
Permitted venues will be allowed to serve beer, wine, and cider; however, beverages with more than 20% alcohol content—such as spirits—will remain restricted.
Front view of the Mövenpick Hotel Al Madinah, a Swiss-owned international hotel chain in Medina, Saudi Arabia on June 26, 2024.
According to government officials, the objective is to manage the change in a way that supports economic goals while preserving the country’s identity. »