Saudi Arabia official denies reports of lifting ban on alcohol

A Saudi official denied on Monday (May 26, 2025) media reports saying the kingdom, the birthplace of Islam, would lift its 73-year-old ban on alcohol, which is prohibited for observant Muslims.

The report, which was picked up by some international media after it appeared on a wine blog last week, said Saudi authorities planned to allow the controlled sale of alcohol as the country prepares to host the 2034 soccer World Cup. It did not give a source for the information.

The report sparked a vigorous online debate in the conservative kingdom, whose King also holds the title of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques - Islam's most revered places in Mecca and Medina.