Urooj Niazi 
saudi arabia ends decades long alcohol prohibition by 2026
By 2026, Saudi Arabia expects to lift its long-standing ban on alcohol which will change its existing social rules. This decision is in line with the nation’s broad economic diversification plan for 2030. It will now be possible to drink alcohol in certain tourist spots and in premium hospitality places, as the laws now allow. Only 600 locations that meet specific criteria within the kingdom will be allowed to serve alcoholic beverages, mostly for use in luxury hotels, resorts and big tourism developments.
Just beer, wine and cider are allowed as part of liquor service. As before, spirits and stronger alcohol drinks are still forbidden. All over the country, using alcohol at home, buying it in shops and making it privately are still illegal. Neom, Sindalah Island and the Red Sea Project are some of the key tourism projects being offered during the rollout. They are part of Saudi Arabia’s plan to become a tourist destination for people from around the world.
The decision comes around the same time as organizations are arranging for major international gatherings like Expo 2030 and the FIFA 2034 World Cup. Officials from the government expect the policy will help attract foreign investment, create jobs for Saudi citizens and boost the kingdom’s appeal to foreign entrepreneurs and tourists, all while applying strict regulations.
