Saudi Arabia has made it clear that alcohol will be completely prohibited at the 2034 FIFA World Cup, reinforcing its stance on maintaining cultural values while hosting the global sporting event. In a recent interview with British radio station LBC, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, the country’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, stated unequivocally that alcoholic beverages would not be available anywhere during the tournament—including hotels, stadiums, and designated fan zones.
This announcement comes as FIFA officially confirmed Saudi Arabia as the host nation for the 2034 men’s World Cup, marking a historic moment for the Gulf nation. Prince Khalid emphasized that the ban is in line with the country’s existing laws and traditions, which strictly regulate the sale and consumption of alcohol. He noted that visitors can still enjoy the tournament without alcohol, stating, “Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol—it’s not 100% necessary. If you want to drink after you leave, you’re welcome to, but at the moment we don’t have alcohol.”
The alcohol policy contrasts sharply with previous World Cup tournaments, particularly the 2022 edition in Qatar, where the decision to allow beer sales in stadiums was abruptly reversed just two days before kickoff. However, in Qatar, alcohol was still available in designated fan zones and hotel bars. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, is taking an even firmer stance, with Prince Khalid making it clear that no exceptions will be made, even within international hotels. “Rather like our weather, it’s a dry country,” he added. “Everyone has their own culture. We’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture, but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else.”
Beyond the alcohol ban, questions have also been raised about Saudi Arabia’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights, as same-sex relationships remain illegal in the kingdom, and transgender identities are not officially recognized. However, Prince Khalid reassured the global community that all fans would be welcomed. “We will welcome everyone in Saudi Arabia,” he stated. “It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event, and, to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come.”
Despite these assurances, human rights organizations remain critical of Saudi Arabia’s World Cup hosting. The country has faced allegations of sportswashing—a strategy in which nations invest heavily in high-profile sports events to distract from concerns about human rights abuses, restrictive policies, and environmental impact. Amnesty International has voiced concerns that awarding the tournament to Saudi Arabia could lead to “severe and widespread rights violations,” calling on FIFA to ensure human rights protections are upheld throughout the event.
Saudi Arabia’s successful bid for the World Cup is part of a broader campaign to establish itself as a global sporting hub. In recent years, the kingdom has invested heavily in major sporting events, including boxing, Formula 1, and the Saudi Pro League, which has attracted some of the world’s top footballers with lucrative contracts. The country is also set to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, despite its desert climate, thanks to the construction of an artificial winter sports complex in NEOM, a futuristic megacity currently under development.
FIFA’s decision to grant the World Cup to Saudi Arabia follows a controversial and expedited bidding process, with the kingdom emerging as the sole candidate for the 2034 tournament. Critics argue that the lack of competition raises concerns about transparency, while supporters highlight Saudi Arabia’s readiness to host a world-class event, backed by its ambitious Vision 2030 development plan.
As preparations begin, discussions will likely continue around Saudi Arabia’s policies on alcohol, human rights, and inclusivity. The global football community will be watching closely to see how the country navigates these challenges while hosting the world’s biggest sporting spectacle.
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