A Saudi official dismissed on Monday rumors circulating in the media about the kingdom considering lifting its 73-year-old alcohol ban, which is specifically enforced for Muslims.
The speculation gained traction after some international outlets picked it up following a mention in a wine blog last week. The claim suggested that Saudi authorities were looking to permit alcohol sales in tourist areas as the nation gears up for the 2034 soccer World Cup, but it did not cite any credible sources.
In an effort to attract tourists and international businesses, the kingdom has relaxed some regulations as part of a broader initiative to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil.
This discussion on alcohol laws ignited a lively online debate within the kingdom, given that the king also bears the title of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques—Islam’s most revered sites located in Mecca and Medina.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, often referred to as MBS, has championed numerous reforms. These reforms include allowing women to drive starting in 2017, loosening certain gender segregation rules in public spaces, and curbing the powers of the religious police.
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait stand as the only Gulf nations that maintain a ban on alcohol sales.
One minor step towards permitting alcoholic beverages in the kingdom was the opening of the first alcohol store in Riyadh last year, which was exclusively available to non-Muslim diplomats.
Before this, individuals could only obtain alcohol through diplomatic channels or on the black market.
