Saudi Arabia will begin permitting the regulated sale and consumption of alcohol in select locations starting in 2026, marking a historic shift in its longstanding prohibition policy. The move is part of the kingdom’s preparations to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh and the FIFA World Cup in 2034, and aligns with its broader Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy and boost international tourism.

Where Alcohol Will Be Permitted

Under the new licensing system, approximately 600 venues nationwide will be authorized to serve beer, wine, and cider—but not spirits or beverages above 20% alcohol content. Approved locations include:

• Five-star hotels

• High-end resorts

• Diplomatic zones and embassies

• Expat residential compounds

• Tourist mega-projects such as Neom, Sindalah Island, and the Red Sea Project

• International events and cultural festivals

These venues will cater primarily to foreign visitors and expatriates, and alcohol will remain strictly banned in:

• Private homes

• Retail outlets

• Public spaces

• For personal production or consumption

Strict Oversight and Cultural Safeguards

Saudi authorities emphasize that this policy shift will be implemented under tight control to ensure it does not conflict with the country’s cultural and religious values. The sale and service of alcohol will only occur through licensed personnel under clearly defined operational guidelines, with heavy penalties for misuse or non-compliance.

This controlled rollout mirrors existing systems in neighboring Gulf nations like the UAE and Bahrain, where regulated alcohol access has supported tourism growth while maintaining legal and cultural boundaries.

Economic and Strategic Goals

The introduction of limited alcohol access is expected to:

• Attract international tourists and investors

• Support the hospitality and events sector

• Create jobs and enhance the country’s global image

• Meet expectations of international guests attending high-profile global events

Industry experts note that access to familiar amenities such as alcohol is often a deciding factor for major event organizers, and this move may help Saudi Arabia compete more effectively with regional destinations already accommodating global traveler preferences.

Maintaining Identity While Modernizing

Despite this landmark policy change, officials have made it clear that the move is about modernizing without compromising Saudi identity. Government ministries are developing training programs for licensed venue staff, and security measures will be enhanced to prevent illegal distribution or spillover into public life.

This step marks one of the most significant cultural reforms in modern Saudi history and reflects the country’s desire to engage with the world on new terms—balancing tradition with transformation. However, the move has not been universally welcomed.

Critics from across the Islamic world have voiced concern, arguing that the introduction of alcohol—even in restricted zones—represents a dangerous erosion of Islamic principles and opens the door to further liberalization that may conflict with religious norms. Some religious scholars and conservative groups have expressed strong disapproval, warning that such policies risk alienating the Kingdom’s Islamic identity in pursuit of economic and global prestige.

As the Kingdom moves closer to hosting millions of global visitors, 2026 will be a pivotal year—not just in terms of tourism and economy, but in testing Saudi Arabia’s ability to manage modernization while holding onto its foundational values amid growing internal and external scrutiny.