Saudi Arabia to allow alcohol sales!

Saudi Arabia wants to leave behind long-standing religious and social conservatism and open its doors to international tourism. The country plans to partially lift the ban on alcohol in 600 tourist areas by 2026. British newspaper The Sun reported this information.

The report said that the decision to change this policy is being made to attract foreign visitors before the 2034 FIFA World Cup and the 2030 World Expo. Under this, for the first time, five-star hotels, luxury resorts and expatriate-friendly residential compounds will be allowed to sell wine, beer and cider under license.

However, drinking alcohol in public places, fan zones, shops or homes will remain completely prohibited. Authorities have also warned that anyone who abuses the law will face severe punishment.

The decision is part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's "Vision 2030", which aims to diversify the country's economy, increase foreign investment and present itself as a modern and acceptable image on the world tourism map.

Notably, the decision to regulate the sale of alcohol in luxury areas such as Neom, Sindalah Island and the Red Sea project is expected to give officials an advantage in competition with Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

The Sun reported that the serving and sale of alcohol in licensed areas will be under strictly controlled management. The emphasis is on maintaining Islamic values ​​through trained staff and responsible management.

Government sources say that the model is inspired by cities such as Dubai and Manama, where alcohol is sold under strict controls to facilitate tourism.

However, at the same time, the Saudi government has stressed that strict action will be taken against anyone who breaks the rules. Spirits or hard liquor with more than 20 percent alcohol will be banned. There will be no shops, home delivery or home brewing.

This move to modernise Saudi Arabia's image around the world has sparked mixed reactions in the West. In particular, European football fans were outraged when it was announced that alcohol would be banned completely at the 2034 World Cup.

But insiders hope that the new policy will establish the country's image as a "party-ready" country - albeit on a limited scale, within the framework of its culture and rules.