There Will Be No Alcohol Of Any Type At The 2034 World Cup Saudi Arabia

The 2034 World Cup is free of any type of alcohol (Instagram/@saudi2034).

JAKARTA - Supporters attending the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia will not be allowed to drink alcohol. This was conveyed by the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Great Britain on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, local time.

Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud said those traveling to the tournament must respect the Gulf state culture and that alcohol will not be sold anywhere during events, including hotels.

Saudi Arabia was confirmed to host the 2034 World Cup after the FIFA member association was offered one voting option.

Countries provide Saudi Arabia support through acclamation - a process in which a decision is passed by voters who applaud to express their approval.

"Currently, we don't allow alcohol," the Arabian ambassador told LBC.

"There's a lot of fun to get without alcohol--it's not 100 percent required. If you want to drink after you leave, you're welcome, but right now we don't provide alcohol. Like our weather, this country is dry," he said.

Availability of alcohol is the subject of discussion ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, another country whose laws and customs are formed by Muslim values.

The decision to allow the sale of alcohol at the Qatar stadium was canceled two days before the tournament's opening game after last-minute talks.

In the end, supporters can buy alcoholic beverages at hotels and special fan parks.

When asked if the lack of alcohol was welcomed by fans traveling to Saudi Arabia, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud emphasized that his party did not want to change culture for other people.

"Everyone has their own culture. We enjoy accommodating people within our cultural boundaries, but we don't want to change our culture for others."

"I mean, is that true? You can't live without a drink?" said the Ambassador.

Human rights groups have voiced concerns over the prospects for the World Cup in Saudi Arabia. Amnesty International said before the Middle Eastern country was granted the right to host that migrant workers would face exploitation and many would die.

One of the main causes of concern is whether LGBTQIA+ people will be discriminated against in the country, where people can be sentenced to death if proven to have committed same-sex sexual acts.

When asked if LGBTQIA+ fans would be able to safely attend the 2034 World Cup, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud said that his party would welcome him.

"We will welcome everyone in Saudi. This is not a Saudi event, this is a world event. In general, we will welcome everyone who wants to come," said Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud again.