Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UK has confirmed there will be a complete alcohol ban at the 2034 FIFA World Cup, with no exceptions for hotels, restaurants or stadiums.
Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud told LBC radio that alcoholic beverages would not be permitted anywhere during the tournament.
The announcement marks a stricter approach than the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where alcohol was available in designated fan zones and five-star hotels.
The Saudi Kingdom has maintained a strict prohibition on alcohol for over 70 years.
Saudi Arabia have tough laws on alcohol consumption
PA
“At the moment, we don’t allow alcohol,” Prince Khalid told LBC. “Rather like our weather, it’s a dry country.”
When asked if fans would be able to drink in their hotels, as was permitted during Qatar 2022, the ambassador was unequivocal: “No, there is no alcohol at all.”
The policy means supporters will face a complete ban on alcohol throughout their stay in the Kingdom.
This differs significantly from Qatar’s approach, where despite a last-minute reversal on stadium sales, fans could still purchase drinks in designated fan zones and hotel bars.
Prince Khalid emphasised that Saudi Arabia would not alter its cultural values for the tournament.
“Everyone has their own culture. We’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else,” he said.
The ambassador dismissed concerns about the alcohol-free environment, stating: “Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol – it’s not 100 per cent necessary.”
He added that visitors were welcome to drink after leaving the country, saying: “If you want to drink when you leave, after you leave, you’re welcome to.”
Despite the strict regulations, Prince Khalid insisted the tournament would be open to all visitors.
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The World Cup will go ahead in Saudi Arabia in 2034
PA
“We will welcome everyone in Saudi,” he told LBC. “It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event and, to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come.”
Same-sex relations and being transgender are not legally recognised in Saudi Arabia.
The country has faced criticism from Amnesty International, who warn the tournament could lead to widespread rights violations.
“We have come a long way and there’s still a long way to go,” Prince Khalid said. “Our principle is to develop something that is right for us.”