Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, has confirmed on Wednesday that fans attending the 2034 FIFA World Cup will not be allowed to drink alcohol.
The ambassador stated that alcohol will not be available anywhere during the tournament, including hotels, and urged visitors to respect the Gulf nation’s culture.
“Plenty of Fun Can Be Had Without Alcohol”
Lionel Messi shows dejection during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at Lusail Stadium. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
Speaking to LBC, Prince Khalid stated that Saudi Arabia has no plans to change its policies on alcohol, stating:
“At the moment, we don’t allow alcohol. Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol — it’s not 100% necessary.”
“If you want to drink after you leave, you’re welcome to, but at the moment, we don’t have alcohol.”
He added humorously: “Rather like our weather, it’s a dry country.”
The availability of alcohol has been a contentious issue at previous World Cups held in Muslim-majority nations.
In Qatar 2022, alcohol sales in stadiums were banned just two days before the tournament’s opening match, although it remained available in hotels and designated fan zones.
Cultural Considerations and Human Rights Concerns
The ambassador insisted that Saudi Arabia’s culture and laws would remain unchanged for the tournament:
“Everyone has their own culture. We’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture, but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else.”
The 2034 World Cup was awarded to Saudi Arabia unopposed, with FIFA’s voting process confirming the Gulf nation as hosts by “acclamation.”
However, human rights organizations have raised concerns over Saudi Arabia’s treatment of migrant workers and LGBTQIA+ rights. Amnesty International warned that:
“Migrant workers will face exploitation, and many will die.”
Saudi Arabia has strict laws against same-sex relationships, with severe punishments in place.
When asked whether LGBTQIA+ fans would be safe at the World Cup, the ambassador responded:
“We will welcome everyone in Saudi. It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event. And to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come.”
Winter or Summer Tournament?
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announces Saudi Arabia as the host of the FIFA World Cup 2034. (Photo by Harold Cunningham – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
There is still uncertainty about when the 2034 World Cup will be held, as summer temperatures in Saudi Arabia regularly exceed 40°C (104°F).
The 2022 Qatar World Cup was moved to winter to avoid the extreme heat.
FIFA has not yet confirmed whether Saudi Arabia will host in summer or winter.
Looking Ahead
With preparations for the tournament already underway, Saudi Arabia’s decision to maintain an alcohol-free World Cup highlights the cultural differences fans will experience.
Meanwhile, human rights organizations continue to press FIFA for assurances on worker rights, inclusivity, and safety.
