Saudi Arabia Denies Freeing Sales Of Alcoholic Drinks

JAKARTA - A Saudi official denied media reports saying the kingdom, the birthplace of Islam, would lift the 73-year ban on alcoholic beverages.

Reports published by several previous international media said Saudi authorities plan to allow the sale of alcohol at tourist attractions as the country prepares to host the 2034 football World Cup.

But the report did not mention the source of the information.

The once very conservative empire has relaxed some restrictions to attract tourists and international businesses as part of an ambitious plan to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil.

Although alcoholic beverages are still prohibited, both Saudis and foreign nationals can take part in activities that were previously unintentional in the Gulf country - from dancing to desert parties to watching models at fashion shows or going to cinemas.

Reported by Reuters on Monday, May 26, reports of alcohol rule sparked heated debate in the kingdom, whose king also holds the title of Keeper of the Two Holy Mosques - the most respected places of Muslims in Mecca and Medina.

Saudi Arabia's de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, has pushed for a series of reforms, including ending a ban on driving women in 2017, easing some rules on gender segregation in public places, and mitigating religious police authority.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are the only Gulf countries to ban the sale of alcohol.

A small step to allow alcoholic beverages to be consumed in the kingdom is the opening of the first alcoholic beverage store in the capital, Riyadh, which last year only served non-Muslim diplomats.

Previously, alcohol was only available through diplomatic mail or on the black market.