Saudi Arabia has declared a ban on alcohol for the upcoming 2034 FIFA World Cup, as outlined by the kingdom’s ambassador. This prohibition reflects the country’s cultural stance against alcohol consumption, with similar bans anticipated for future sporting events, including the Olympics. The kingdom is pursuing gradual societal reforms while maintaining its traditional values.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially announced that no alcoholic beverages will be permitted during the 2034 FIFA World Cup, as stated by Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, the country’s ambassador. He emphasized that the ban on alcohol applies universally across the nation and that there would be no exceptions made for the World Cup event, which Saudi Arabia had successfully secured the hosting rights for last year.

In an interview with LBC, Prince Al Saud remarked, “At the moment, we don’t allow alcohol,” highlighting that engaging in recreational activities without alcohol is entirely feasible. He added, “Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol – it’s not 100 percent necessary,” further reinforcing the country’s cultural stance on alcoholic beverages.

The Prince also made a lighthearted comment regarding the necessity of alcohol, stating, “I mean, really? You can’t live without a drink?” This remark underscores the conservative values upheld in Saudi Arabia, where alcohol is consistently prohibited, aligning with the nation’s cultural identity.

Saudi Arabia is not only preparing for the World Cup but is also considering bids for future international sporting events, including the Olympics in 2036 or 2040. Given this trajectory, it is anticipated that a similar prohibition on alcohol will extend to other major events like the 2027 Asian Cup and the 2029 Asian Winter Games, maintaining the longstanding rules against alcohol consumption.

The ambassador concluded by noting the ongoing changes within the kingdom while preserving cultural integrity, remarking, “We have come a long way and there’s still a long way to go.” He reaffirmed that the reforms initiated since 2016 are designed to establish practices that align with Saudi values while allowing for gradual societal development.

The Saudi Arabian government has confirmed a complete ban on alcohol for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, with no exceptions being made for the event. This decision aligns with the country’s cultural values and ongoing policy against alcohol consumption. Looking ahead, similar restrictions are expected for other notable future sports events as Saudi Arabia seeks to develop its international presence while adhering to its traditional customs.

Original Source: www.cityam.com

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