The Saudi Arabian ambassador confirmed that alcohol will be banned at the 2034 FIFA World Cup, stating it is not needed for enjoyment and reinforcing the country’s commitment to its cultural values. This ban aligns with similar restrictions seen at previous international sporting events in the region. Saudi Arabia’s gradual liberalization efforts continue, coupled with ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing employee rights.
In a recent announcement, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, the ambassador of Saudi Arabia, confirmed that alcohol will be prohibited at the 2034 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place in the kingdom. He remarked, “there’s no alcohol at all” in Saudi Arabia and emphasized that there would be no exceptions for the World Cup festivities. This decision follows a similar situation during the Qatar 2022 World Cup, where Budweiser faced restrictions on beer sales shortly before the event.
Prince Al Saud expressed confidence in the country’s ability to provide enjoyable experiences without alcohol, stating that it is not essential for fun. He humorously queried, “I mean, really? You can’t live without a drink?” This statement underscores the cultural stance of Saudi Arabia, which maintains a strict prohibition against alcohol.
The ambassador highlighted the importance of cultural preservation, asserting, “Rather like our weather, it’s a dry country,” and emphasized that while the kingdom is open to accommodating visitors, it will not alter its cultural values. Saudi Arabia has plans to bid for the Olympics in 2036 or 2040, suggesting that similar alcohol bans may be enacted for upcoming events, such as the 2027 Asian Cup and the 2034 Asian Games.
In defense of Saudi Arabia’s cultural evolution, Al Saud stated, “We have come a long way and there’s still a long way to go,” referencing ongoing reforms initiated since 2016. These initiatives include enhancing employee rights and mobility within the workforce, aiming to create a sustainable and culturally appropriate development path for the nation.
In summary, Saudi Arabia’s commitment to not allowing alcohol at the upcoming FIFA World Cup underscores the kingdom’s cultural values and priorities. Despite potential challenges, the Saudi government remains steadfast in preserving its traditions while gradually accommodating some international influences. As the country continues to prepare for future international events, including potential Olympic bids, it is clear that these cultural principles will persist.
Original Source: www.cityam.com
