Riyadh17 minutes ago
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Saudi Arabia, famous for hardcore Islamic rules, is now preparing to remove the ban on alcohol. According to media reports, the Saudi government is planning to start selling liquor at 600 tourist places in the country.
According to Metro News, the new licensing law allowing liquor will be applicable in 2026. This is being done keeping in mind the World Expo in 2030 and the Football World Cup starting in 2034.
There have been many major changes since the power in the hands of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in Saudi Arabia. He allowed women to drive, reopen the cinemas, and also approved concerts. Now preparations are being made to limit alcohol as well.
Ban on over 20% alcohol alcohol
This liquor will be available only in some licensed places like 5-star hotels, luxury resorts and special foreign areas. Only light alcohol beverages like beer, wine will be found here. More than 20% of alcohol beverages will still be banned. The government believes that this will increase tourism and compete with countries such as Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Bahrain, where tourists are allowed to drink alcohol.
Since the formation of Saudi in 1932, liquor was banned according to Islamic law. But in 1952, very strict rules were made about this. Now after 73 years, it is being relaxed. However, drinking or keeping alcohol in common people’s homes, shops and public places in Saudi will still be forbidden. This exemption will be limited to foreign tourists and certain places only.
In Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, a bartender without a alcohol drink (mocktail).
Open shop for foreign diplomats in 2024
The first liquor shop was opened in 2024 in the Diplomatic area of Riyadh. This shop is only for non-Muslim foreign diplomats. However, he is forbidden to take a mobile phone in the shop and every customer has been fixed to buy liquor from the mobile app.
Officials said that their aim is to openly welcome people around the world while maintaining their culture. So that the world is considered to be Saudi as a country that is moving forward, but also respects its traditions.
What is World Expo for which MBS changing rules
The World Expo 2025 begins on 13 April in Japan. It will run till 13 October.
World Expo is a show where different countries, companies or organizations present their products, technology, culture, or ideas to the world. Its purpose is to show new things to people, increase business, exchange culture and technology.
The World Expo brings many countries on one platform. In this, countries show their culture, technology, and achievements. It is held every 5 years and lasts for 6 months. The World Expo 2030 will be in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The event will run from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031.
Alcohol consumption and sales in Arab countries are mostly controlled or restricted due to Islamic laws (Sharia), as alcohol is considered haraam in Islam. However, some Arab countries have exemption for consumption and sale of alcohol, especially for non-Muslims and tourists.
Qatar refused to sell liquor
Qatar changed the liquor policy for the World Cup just before the start of the World Cup. In fact, in the year 2022, Qatar hosted the Football World Cup. During this time he assured FIFA that he would allow him to sell liquor in the stadium.
But just two days before the tournament, it was decided that beer would not be sold in the stadiums. Many fans were angry with this decision of Qatar. FIFA also had problems as the World Cup beer company was a big deal with the Budwiser.