Saudi Arabia will allow limited sale and consumption of alcohol from 2026, a major change to a 73-year-old ban. The decision has been taken in preparation for events such as Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034. Alcohol will be available only in licensed hotels, resorts and tourist zones.

Saudi Arabia is known for its Islamic customs and strict Sharia laws. However, now it is moving towards a big change. In a country where alcohol was completely banned for the last 73 years, now the sale and limited consumption of alcohol will be allowed at select places from 2026. This decision has been taken under Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030' plan.

Its purpose is to make the country a center of tourism and global investment. In such a situation, the question arises whether the thing considered haram in Islam will now become a part of Saudi's modern image? According to Saudi media reports, this change will be done under a completely controlled licensing system.

Where can we get liquor?

Liquor will be sold at around 600 places across the country. These include five-star hotels, high-end resorts, diplomatic zones and major tourism projects such as Neom, Sindhala Island and Red Sea Project. However, this facility will be available only to international tourists and expatriates. Liquor will still be banned for local citizens and in general public places.

These will be the rules for selling liquor

Under the new rules, only light alcohol products such as beer, wine and cider will be served, while drinks with more than 20% alcohol such as whiskey and vodka will still remain banned. Alcohol will neither be sold in homes, nor in markets or public places, nor will any person be able to manufacture it privately. This means that alcohol will only be served at licensed places by trained staff.

Due to this, this big decision was taken

The move is part of the Saudi government's economic reform program, which aims to reduce dependence on oil and boost the tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors. In preparation for hosting major international events such as the 2030 Expo and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia finds it necessary to bring some flexibility in its strict rules. Many international hotel chains are already preparing to change their operations.

Strict punishment will be given for breaking the rules

However, the government is also cautious about this change. If a person violates the licensing system or misuses alcohol, strict action will be taken against him. Officials say that this initiative is an attempt to establish a balance. There should be economic development and the Islamic identity should also be maintained.

How much impact will this decision have on Saudi

This decision is expected to not only boost the tourism sector but also create thousands of employment opportunities. Amidst this conflict between tradition and modernity, it will be interesting to see whether Saudi Arabia will really be able to present itself as an open society on the global stage without compromising its religious values.

For now, it is clear that the 73-year-old alcohol ban is slowly being relaxed, and the picture of Saudi Arabia may look changed in the coming years.

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