Is Saudi Arabia Going to the 2034 World Cup Completely Dry?

When FIFA awarded the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, football lovers across the globe knew they were heading into new territory. It’s not just about stadiums, weather, or travel—it’s about culture. One of the biggest questions from fans worldwide is simple:

Will alcohol be available during the 2034 World Cup, or will it be completely dry?

The answer, straight from the kingdom’s officials, is firm: Saudi Arabia will host the first fully alcohol-free World Cup.

Saudi Arabia’s Official Word: “No Booze”

In early 2025, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, made a clear statement:

“At the moment, we don’t allow alcohol. There’s no alcohol at all… rather like our weather, it’s a dry country.”

That means no beer in stadiums, no champagne in hotels, no wine at after-parties. For many fans, this may sound shocking, but for Saudis, it is simply life as usual. The kingdom has enforced a complete alcohol ban since 1952. Breaking the law can lead to serious penalties, so even the World Cup won’t bend this rule.

Rumors of Change – Fact or Fiction?

Ahead of the announcement, international media buzzed with rumors. Some outlets suggested that Saudi Arabia might partially lift the alcohol ban in certain tourist zones—luxury hotels, beach resorts, or special fan areas—by 2026.

Headlines declared: “Saudi Arabia Ends 70-Year-Old Ban Ahead of World Cup.”

But within days, Saudi authorities strongly denied this. Fact-checkers confirmed: no such law has been passed, and no alcohol licenses are being prepared for 2034. The “booze rumors” were just that—rumors.

Lessons from Qatar 2022

To understand Saudi Arabia’s position, it helps to look back at the Qatar World Cup 2022. Initially, Qatar promised alcohol in fan zones and hotels, but just two days before the opening match, beer sales inside stadiums were banned.

The last-minute change caused outrage among fans and headaches for FIFA’s major sponsor Budweiser, whose multi-million-dollar deal was undermined.

Saudi Arabia appears determined not to repeat that chaos. Instead of leaving fans uncertain, the kingdom has made its stance clear years in advance:

Cultural Integrity vs. Global Expectations

For many Saudis, the alcohol ban is not a matter of debate—it is about faith, law, and national identity. Changing the rule for a foreign audience, even for the world’s biggest sporting event, would undermine the kingdom’s values.

Prince Khalid summed it up simply:

“We don’t want to change our culture for someone else.”

This firm approach may frustrate some football fans, but it also removes uncertainty. Unlike Qatar, Saudi Arabia is showing the world exactly what to expect, 10 years in advance.

What About Sponsors and Fans?

• Sponsors: Big beer brands may lose visibility, but FIFA will likely pivot toward non-alcoholic drinks, energy beverages, and soft drink giants like Coca-Cola. Interestingly, non-alcoholic beer is already popular in Saudi Arabia, offering brands a different kind of market exposure.
  
• Fans: While some will complain about missing out on their usual pre-match pint, others may welcome a tournament less dominated by alcohol. Families, in particular, might see it as a safer, more inclusive environment.
  
• Tourism: Saudi Arabia is heavily investing in luxury resorts, futuristic cities like NEOM, and cultural attractions. Even without alcohol, the kingdom hopes to impress visitors with hospitality, history, and cutting-edge entertainment.
  

Beyond Alcohol: Other Sensitive Issues

The 2034 World Cup is not only about booze. Saudi Arabia is also under global scrutiny for:

• Human rights and migrant labor (echoing the criticism Qatar faced).
  
• LGBTQ+ safety, since homosexuality is criminalized under Saudi law.
  
• Sportswashing accusations, with critics arguing the kingdom is using football to polish its image.
  

The alcohol ban is just one piece of a much bigger cultural and political puzzle that will define how the world experiences the tournament.

Final Whistle: A Dry but Defining World Cup

So, will Saudi Arabia go completely dry in 2034?

Yes—officially, completely, and without compromise.

• No beer in stadiums.
• No alcohol in hotels
• No champagne at celebrations.
  

Instead, Saudi Arabia will invite fans to experience the World Cup on its own cultural terms—with hospitality, technology, and grand scale replacing alcohol-fueled fan zones.

FAQs

1. Will alcohol be available during the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia?

No. Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed that the 2034 World Cup will be completely alcohol-free. This includes stadiums, hotels, fan zones, and all public venues.

2. Why is alcohol banned in Saudi Arabia?

Alcohol has been banned in Saudi Arabia since 1952 due to religious and legal reasons. The country enforces strict Islamic laws, and alcohol consumption is prohibited as part of its cultural and religious values.

3. Were there plans to allow alcohol for tourists during the World Cup?

There were rumors suggesting that alcohol might be allowed in designated tourist areas or luxury resorts by 2026. However, Saudi authorities have publicly denied these claims and confirmed that no such policy changes are planned.

4. How will FIFA and sponsors adapt to an alcohol-free World Cup?

FIFA will likely pivot to promoting non-alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, and soft drinks. Non-alcoholic beer is already popular in Saudi Arabia and may serve as an alternative for some sponsors and fans.

5. What can fans expect from the 2034 World Cup experience without alcohol?

Fans can expect a culturally rich, high-tech, and family-friendly environment focused on hospitality and entertainment. While alcohol won’t be part of the experience, Saudi Arabia aims to impress visitors with its modern infrastructure, safety, and large-scale attractions.