Saudi Arabia Confirms Alcohol Ban for 2034 World Cup

"You can have fun without alcohol, it’s not necessary, and if you want to drink after you leave, you’re free, but for now, we don’t allow alcohol," said the Saudi ambassador on the LBC microphone, specifying that alcohol will not be available anywhere, even in hotels, throughout the 2034 World Cup. And he insisted: "Everyone has their own culture. We are happy to welcome people within the limits of our culture, but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else... Seriously? Can’t you live without drinking?".

The issue of alcohol availability had been raised before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, another Gulf country with Muslim traditions and values. At the time, the sale of alcoholic beverages had been authorized in the stadiums at first, before being banned two days before the start of the competition. However, supporters could buy and consume it in hotels and fan zones.

Human rights organizations had expressed concerns about the holding of the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia. Amnesty International had stated that "migrant workers will be exploited, and many will die." Another concern raised is discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community in Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is a crime. The World Cup "is not a Saudi event, it is a global event. And to a large extent, we will welcome all those who wish to come," the Saudi ambassador assured.