Saudi Arabia, famous for its strict Islamic rules, is now preparing to lift the ban on alcohol. According to media reports, the Saudi government is planning to start selling alcohol at 600 tourist places in the country. According to Metro News, new licensing laws allowing alcohol will come into force in 2026. This is being done keeping in mind the World Expo in 2030 and the Football World Cup starting in 2034. Many major changes have taken place in Saudi Arabia since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) came to power. He allowed women to drive, reopened cinemas and also approved music concerts. Now preparations are being made to recognize alcohol on a limited scale. Ban on alcohol with more than 20% alcohol This alcohol will be available only in some licensed places like 5-star hotels, luxury resorts and special foreign areas. Only light alcoholic drinks like beer, wine will be available here. Drinks with more than 20% alcohol will still remain banned. The government believes that this will increase tourism and will be able to compete with countries like Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Bahrain, where tourists are allowed to drink alcohol. Since the formation of Saudi in 1932, alcohol was banned according to Islamic law, but in 1952 very strict rules were made regarding it. Now after 73 years, it is being relaxed. However, drinking or keeping alcohol in the homes, shops and public places of common people in Saudi will still be prohibited. This exemption will be limited only to foreign tourists and some special places. Shop opened for foreign diplomats in 2024 The first liquor shop was opened in the diplomatic area of ??Riyadh in 2024. This shop is only for non-Muslim foreign diplomats. However, they are prohibited from carrying mobile phones in the shop and a limit has been set for each customer to buy alcohol through a mobile app. Officials said that their aim is that Saudi Arabia should welcome people from all over the world with open heart while maintaining its culture, so that the world considers Saudi as a country that is moving forward, but also respects its traditions. What is World Expo for which MBS is changing the rules World Expo is a show where different countries, companies or organizations present their products, technology, culture, or ideas to the world. Its purpose is to show new things to the people, increase trade, exchange culture and technology. World Expo brings many countries on one platform. In this, countries show their culture, technology and achievements. It is held every 5 years and lasts for 6 months. World Expo 2030 will be held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The event will run from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031. The consumption and sale of alcohol in Arab countries is strictly controlled or prohibited due to Islamic laws (Sharia), because alcohol is considered haram in Islam. However, in some Arab countries, exemption has been given for consumption and sale of alcohol, especially for non-Muslims and tourists. Qatar refused to sell alcohol Qatar changed the alcohol policy for the World Cup just before the World Cup started. In fact, Qatar hosted the Football World Cup in the year 2022. During this time it had assured FIFA that it would allow the sale of alcohol in the stadium. But just two days before the tournament, it was decided that beer would not be sold in the stadiums. Many fans were angry with this decision of Qatar. FIFA also faced problems because the World Cup had a big deal with beer company Budweiser. …………………………………………. Also read this news related to Saudi Arabia… US-Saudi Arabia defense deal worth ? 12.1 lakh crore: US called it the biggest deal in history, Trump’s first foreign visit after becoming President America and Saudi Arabia signed a defense deal worth 142 billion dollars (12.1 lakh crore rupees) on 13 May. The White House has called it the biggest defense deal in history. Under this agreement, Saudi Arabia will be given C-130 transport aircraft, missiles, radar systems and many advanced weapons. These will be provided by American companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman. Read the full news here…
