Saudi arabia alcohol ban: Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country known for strict adherence to Sharia laws. Now for the first time in its history, alcohol is moving towards allowing sale. This decision is being taken with the aim of promoting tourism and preparing the country for international events like World Expo 2030. Alcohol was banned in 1932 with the formation of Saudi Arabia, but in 1952 it enacted more stringent laws. However, now after 73 years, it is considered a major social change in the history of Saudi Arabia.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has made many such reforms in the country after coming to power which were once considered unimaginable. Under their rule, women were allowed to drive vehicles. Public entertainment such as cinema and concerts promoted. The process of providing visas for foreign tourists was easier. After this, giving partial discount on alcohol is considered a big decision. The MBS attitude towards alcohol is that there is a big step towards establishing global harmony by retaining culture and religious values.

Where will you get alcohol? What will be the rules?
According to the proposal of the Saudi government, liquor will be found at only 600 tourist places. Only licensed 5-star hotels, resorts and foreign zones will be sold. More than 20% alcohol drinks will still be banned. The ban will still continue for local citizens. Keeping or drinking alcohol in public places, shops, or homes will still be a crime. This policy is only for non-Muslim foreign tourists, who want to get experience like competitive countries like Dubai, Bahrain.

World Expo 2030 and Football World Cup 2034
Saudi Arabia is going to host the World Expo in 2030 and the FIFA Football World Cup in 2034. Keeping in mind the needs of foreign tourists and representatives in such international events, the Saudi government has taken steps towards reform. World Expo 2030, which will be in Riyadh from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031, is a platform where countries around the world display their culture, technology and development. Relaxation on alcohol is being done keeping in mind the needs of this global platform.

First liquor shop opened in 2024
In 2024, the first liquor shop was opened in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Zone. It was opened only for non-Muslim foreign diplomats. For this, the identification and purchases of customers were controlled by mobile apps. However, carrying mobile phones in the shop was prohibited. This was a controlled and limited experiment of Saudi’s new policy, detected how the reforms could be implemented without hurting religious sentiments.