Saudi Arabia Lifts Alcohol Ban for Tourism: What You Need to Know
- Helena
- May 26
- 5 min read
In news that we suspected (read here) but were very interested to see crop up over the last 24 hours there seems to have been a groundbreaking shift that signals Saudi Arabia’s steady pivot toward global tourism.
Saudi Arabia reportedly plans to lift the alcohol ban for tourism, but only within select, tightly controlled tourist areas.
This move, expected to form part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 reform plan, marks a significant moment in the country’s efforts to diversify its economy, attract international visitors, and prepare for major global events, including Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034.
So, what is it that is supposedly changing? Who will be allowed to drink - and where? Here's a breakdown of what we know so far around Saudi Arabia's evolving alcohol policy.
Saudi Arabia Lifts Alcohol Ban for Tourism: Alcohol to Be Allowed in Tourist Zones by 2026
Saudi Arabia’s alcohol ban, in place since 1952, will remain largely intact for the general public. However, reports suggest that the government will relax their stance on wine, beer, and cider to be legally available for non-Muslim tourists in over 600 designated tourist zones by 2026.
This appears not to be a full lifting of the alcohol ban, there are very much caveats in place for all of this. Essentially it's introducing carefully controlled access to alcohol in high-end tourist zones only. On the menu is:
Wine and beer only - no hard liquor
This will be available only in licensed, five-star hotels, resorts, and tourist villages
On-premise consumption only - there will be no alcohol in shops, homes, or public spaces
Alcohol is still banned for the general public and in non-tourist zones
Alcohol will most likely be served only on licensed premises - there will be no retail sales, no bars in public areas, and spirits (liquor over 20% ABV) will remain prohibited. Crucially, alcohol will not be available in shops, homes, or fan zones at the 2034 World Cup. Current Sharia-compliant restrictions will stay in place throughout the rest of the country in a sympathetic balance between the Kingdom's Islamic cultural values and travel cultural norms.
As we speculated in our previous article regarding Riyadh Air serving alcohol (read here), this is going to work very similarly to how alcohol consumption works in places such as the Maldives. Whilst you cannot take alcohol in and out of the country, or consume it on local island or Male, the alcohol ban was removed for all resort islands.
Where You Can (Eventually) Sip a Drink
By 2026, alcohol is predicted to be allowed in some of Saudi Arabia’s most luxurious, high-profile destinations. Think:
Red Sea Global Project – a luxury, regenerative tourism destination being built along Saudi Arabia’s pristine western coastline, between the cities of Umluj and Al Wajh, facing the Red Sea.
NEOM – The $500 billion sci-fi city of the future
It is speculated that all venues will require special licenses, undergo staff training, and follow strict import and service rules. This won't be a free-for-all and will no doubt be tightly regulated, discreet, and tourism-focused.
What This Means for Travellers
If you're planning a trip to Saudi Arabia after 2026, here's what you need to know:
Yes, you may be able to enjoy a beer or glass of wine - but only in authorised tourist locations.
No, you won’t be able to buy alcohol in public or bring it into the country.
Yes, you’ll need to follow all local laws, including dress codes and conduct rules, while in public.
Why Now? Vision 2030 and the $1 Trillion Tourism Bet
This strategic policy shift is understood to be a part of Vision 2030, a national reform plan designed to reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on oil and grow tourism as a major economic sector.
The Saudi government aims to:
Attract 100 million tourists annually by 2030
Increase tourism’s share of GDP to 10%
Create over 1 million jobs in hospitality and tourism
Prepare for high-profile global events, including the 2034 FIFA World Cup
Officials recognise that to attract high-spending international tourists, especially from Western countries, there must be greater alignment with global hospitality standards, including controlled access to alcohol.
A Gradual Easing: January 2024's Diplomatic Alcohol Store
The May 2025 announcement is not the first sign of change.
In January 2024, Saudi Arabia quietly opened its first alcohol shop in over 70 years. Located in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, the store exclusively serves non-Muslim diplomats under a strict permit system. See this news piece from the BBC.
This was seen as a pilot project to reduce black-market alcohol smuggling and test regulatory frameworks for controlled sales. While it did not extend to the general public, it signalled the government's willingness to explore reforms around alcohol consumption.
Respecting Culture While Welcoming the World
This is a tourism-only reform. The rest of Saudi society will remain governed by Sharia-compliant laws, meaning alcohol remains banned for Saudi citizens and in public life.
Authorities are taking clear steps to avoid cultural clashes:
Alcohol sales restricted to closed, licensed venues
No drinks in public, shops, or homes
Tourist-only access policies and zoning regulations
The goal is to protect local values while opening up to international visitors.
World Cup 2034: The Hidden Catalyst?
Hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2034 is a major motivator behind the shift. Global fans, teams, and sponsors expect a certain level of hospitality - hotel bars, private lounges, and post-match drinks.
Much like Qatar’s relaxed alcohol rules in fan zones during the 2022 World Cup, Saudi Arabia is preparing to meet global expectations - without compromising on its religious traditions and values. Qatar, however, having included alcohol consumption changes within their bid for the World Cup, namely consumption in stadiums, did however back track to only allow it in fan zones.
Gulf Competition: Playing Catch-Up?
Saudi Arabia is not the first Gulf nation to allow limited alcohol consumption for tourism. Here’s how it compares:
Country | Alcohol Policy | Tourism Appeal |
UAE | Widely available in hotels, restaurants, shops | Major global tourist destination |
Qatar | Alcohol served in hotels and licensed fan zones | Hosted 2022 FIFA World Cup |
Bahrain | Common in bars, restaurants, and expat compounds | Popular with regional tourists |
Saudi Arabia | Limited to 600 tourist zones by 2026 (wine/beer only) | Emerging luxury tourism market |
Final Thoughts: A Toast to Transformation
Saudi Arabia’s likely decision to partially lift its alcohol ban is historic, but also a carefully calculated move, balancing its cultural and religious values with the demands of a competitive, global tourism market. While the reform is limited in scope, it marks a significant shift in how the Kingdom is opening up to the world.
It’s not about turning Riyadh into Las Vegas. It’s about creating a tourism model that works for Saudi Arabia: exclusive, respectful, luxurious, and future-focused.
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Helena
