A Saudi Arabian official has denied reports on the lifting of ban on alcohol that has remained in place in the Kingdom for 73 years.

News agency Reuters on Monday quoted an unnamed official after various international media picked up a report in a wine blog that allegedly claimed Saudi Arabia was relaxing the alcohol rules in the wake of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Alcohol is prohibited for Muslims, and Saudi, the birthplace of Islam, maintains a strict position on the matter. Last year, Saudi's Minister of Tourism, Ahmed al-Khateeb, reiterated this stance.

“Alcohol is important, but we decided not to offer it. And so far, people are coming and exploring Saudi Arabia, coming for business, coming for leisure, coming for religious reasons and they have not complained. They are enjoying other offerings like the food, the retail, the hospitality, and the culture, and I hope it will continue like this,” Khateeb said.

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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced a series of reforms, including allowing women to drive since 2017 and easing some rules on sex segregation in the public. However, the kingdom has remained firm on its ban on alcohol.

Last year, Saudi was formally confirmed as the host nation for the 2034 World Cup. It will be the third FIFA men's World Cup in Asia after the 2002 edition in Korea and Japan and the 2022 event, which was held in Qatar.
(With inputs from Reuters)

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