Saudi Arabia Alcohol License Rules (Social media)
International News: Saudi Arabia, known for staunch Islamic laws, is now moving towards a historic change. The government is planning a limited sale of liquor at 600 tourist sites across the country. This change is being made especially keeping in mind the World Expo to be held in Riyadh in 2030 and the 2034 Football World Cup.
According to a report by the British newspaper Metro News, Saudi Arabia will implement a new licensing system for liquor sales, which will start in 2026. Under this, light alcoholic drinks like beer and wine will be allowed to be served in 5-star hotels, luxury resorts, and some special foreign areas. However, more than 20% of alcohol-rich beverages will still be restricted.
Many social and cultural changes have been seen in the country in recent years under the leadership of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). He allowed women to drive, reopened the cinema hall, and also approved music concerts. Now preparations are being made for a limited exemption on sensitive issues like alcohol.
In Saudi Arabia, liquor was banned under Sharia laws. Since the two most sacred cities of Islam - Mecca and Medina—are located here, the government is still taking a very strict stand against alcohol. In the Quran, alcohol is described as "haram" and is considered to be the cause of moral and social decline.
Till now, strict punishments for crimes related to alcohol - such as consumption, smuggling, and sales - have been strict punishments like prison, heavy fines, and exile for foreigners.
Under the new system, the sale of liquor will be limited only to licensed places, and this exemption will also be for foreign tourists and some special groups. Drinking or keeping alcohol in common citizens' shops or public places will still be illegal.
The first liquor shop was opened in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter in 2024, reserved for non-Muslim foreign diplomats only. Due to security reasons, taking mobile phones here is prohibited, and the quantity of liquor bought is fixed from the mobile app.
The Saudi administration says that it wants to present the image of a modern, progressive, and tourism-friendly nation in front of the world while maintaining its cultural and religious identity. The country is now ready to compete with neighboring countries like Dubai and Bahrain in the field of tourism and investment.
The World Expo is a global event in which countries, companies, and institutions of the world display their technology, innovation, culture, and achievements. It is held every five years and lasts for six months. The World Expo 2025 is going on in Japan, while the 2030 World Expo will be held from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031 in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.
Keeping in mind the needs of foreign guests for the event, Saudi Arabia is making changes in many rules so that it can register its identity as a modern, welcoming, and advanced nation on the global platform.
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