Saudi Arabia is set to lift its decades-long ban on alcohol at 600 designated locations across the country as part of its sweeping Vision 2030 reform agenda, which aims to boost tourism and global investment.
According to Daily Mail, the unprecedented move will allow the sale of select alcoholic beverages, namely wine, beer, and cider, at licensed venues such as luxury hotels, five-star resorts, and high-end tourism developments.
However, the consumption of alcohol will remain strictly prohibited in public spaces, private homes, retail shops, and fan zones, with spirits containing over 20% alcohol content still off-limits.
The development marked a significant departure from the Kingdom’s traditionally conservative stance, reflecting a broader effort to position Saudi Arabia as a major player in the international tourism and events space ahead of its hosting of the FIFA World Cup in 2034 and the Expo 2030.
According to officials, the alcohol rollout will be tightly regulated with only licensed venues staffed with trained personnel permitted to serve alcohol under stringent guidelines.
The government emphasised that the changes were being introduced cautiously and with cultural sensitivity.
“The goal is to welcome the world without losing cultural identity, positioning Saudi Arabia as a progressive, yet respectful player on the global tourism map,” authorities said in a statement.
Targeted locations for the policy rollout include the futuristic city of Neom, the luxury Red Sea Project, and Sindalah Island, regions touted as flagship destinations for the country’s reimagined tourism landscape.
The move came as Saudi Arabia seeks to compete with regional neighbours like the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, where alcohol is legally available in tourist hubs.
By opening up to controlled alcohol sales, the Kingdom hopes to attract a broader international audience, particularly during high-profile events.
While the change is expected to appeal to foreign visitors, the government maintains that core Islamic values will continue to guide national policies.
The selective easing of the alcohol ban is designed to balance modernisation efforts with preserving cultural and religious norms in the Kingdom.
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