Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has confirmed that alcohol will be prohibited during the 2034 FIFA World Cup hosted by the Kingdom, reports Al-Jarida newspaper.
In a recent interview with LBC television, the Ambassador stated definitively, “No, no, there will be no alcohol at all. We will not allow alcohol at this time.”
He emphasised that enjoying the World Cup experience does not require alcohol, saying, “One can enjoy a lot without alcohol. It’s not 100% necessary.”
The Ambassador acknowledged that while individuals may choose to consume alcohol outside of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom’s cultural norms will be respected during the tournament. “Everyone has their own culture, and we are happy to welcome people within the boundaries of our culture, but we don’t want to change it,” he explained.
This announcement comes after Qatar’s similar decision to ban alcohol consumption in stadiums and surrounding areas during the 2022 World Cup, although alcohol remained available in hotels.
That decision presented challenges for Budweiser, a major tournament sponsor, forcing the company to sell its products in designated non-alcoholic fan zones. Saudi Arabia’s stance appears even more stringent, with a complete ban planned for the 2034 event.
