Qatar relaxes alcohol laws ahead of 2022 World Cup Despite the ban at the stadium, after the ruling family made a U-turn two days before the tournament, foreign nationals will be able to buy from certain shops and drink at waterholes in select hotels in Doha. But it is unlikely that Saudi Arabia will abandon its strict alcohol rules for the event in 2034.
Unlike some other countries in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has completely banned alcohol and consumption of alcohol since 1952, even by foreign nationals. Violations invite fines, imprisonment, public flogging, or deportation of emigrants. However, flogging has been replaced by imprisonment as part of the reform of the law.
So when the event was awarded to the country, fans in Europe and America were worried about the availability of alcohol. Despite rumors that the country will be more lenient towards tipplers in the liberalization drive, a Guardian report claims that officials are not offering any concessions. “FIFA sources told the Guardian that there are no plans to pressure the Saudi government to loosen their laws. FIFA has not addressed the matter publicly, but insiders confirmed that beer will not be sold at matches,” the report said.
The country is so strict that even luxury hotels don’t sell alcohol. A shop was opened in January this year — accessible only to non-Muslim diplomats and with a specific monthly quota in the diplomatic quarters — though it sparked outrage from locals. “It’s just scary that they are allowing such things in (the country),” a local resident told AFP.
Saudi Arabia’s sports minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal, told Sky News last year that it would be Islamophobic for the country to lift some of its restrictions, saying “the World Cup is for everyone”. “If you’re against it, and you don’t think you’re going to enjoy your time coming, and you can’t respect that rule, don’t come. It’s as simple as that,” he emphasized.
He gave examples in other sports. As in the Saudi GP for example, drivers spray rose water as opposed to wine spray.
Reinforcing the belief that it could be a completely dry World Cup, the head of the kingdom’s 2034 World Cup bid told Reuters: “We have done 100 global sporting events in Saudi Arabia. No alcohol was served at those tournaments. We had three million sports fans come and enjoy those tournaments that came and came again.
Why should you buy our membership?
You want to be the smartest in the room.
You want access to our award-winning journalism.
You don’t want to be confused and misinformed.
Choose your subscription package