Saudi Arabia’s government confirmed Thursday it will maintain its decades-long prohibition on alcohol during the 2034 FIFA World Cup, in which it will serve as host country. The kingdom, which was officially named hosts in December, has banned alcohol since 1952.
“Fun is not exclusive to alcohol,” the ambassador said in an interview with LBC. “We welcome guests within our cultural norms but are not changing our culture for others.” Where Qatar in 2022 offered comparable measures (alcohol was available in designated fan zones), such measures are not anticipated in Saudi Arabia.
The Gulf country’s hosting has drawn criticism over the treatment of both migrant workers and LGBTQ+ supporters. Amnesty International and the Sport & Rights Alliance have warned of “severe and widespread” violations due to risks of worker exploitation in the kingdom’s ‘kafala’ sponsorship system.
On LGBTQ+ rights, the ambassador restated Saudi Arabia’s position: “We will welcome everyone. This is a world event.” Yet critics remain skeptical, as the country has no public LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Most construction will rely on migrant labor, and Saudi Arabia has already committed to constructing or renovating 15 stadiums to be completed by 2032.
