Saudi Arabia has confirmed that alcohol will not be sold at the 2034 FIFA World Cup as the country will uphold its current ban on spirits.
This was confirmed by Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Accordance to him, fans attending the tournament will not be able to buy alcoholic drinks anywhere in the country.
Speaking to radio station LBC, the ambassador made it clear that there would be “no alcohol at all” during the tournament, upholding the nation’s strict laws. This decision sets Saudi Arabia apart from Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World Cup, where alcohol was available, albeit at premium prices, within certain fan zones and five-star hotels.
However, Saudi authorities have decided against making similar accommodations for visitors in 2034.
Fans enjoying an alcohol at a football match (Photo by Christoph Reichwein/picture alliance via Getty Images)
“Rather like our weather, it’s a dry country. At the moment, we don’t allow alcohol, but plenty of fun can be had without it. It’s not 100 percent necessary. If you want to drink after you leave, you’re welcome to, but at the moment, we don’t have alcohol,” Prince Khalid said.
The ambassador further stressed that Saudi Arabia will remain firm on its cultural values and will not make exceptions for World Cup visitors.
“Everyone has their own culture, and we’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture, but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else. I mean, really, you can’t live without a drink?”
