The recent announcement that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup has caused a stir of excitement and curiosity, but fans will need to prepare for a dramatically different atmosphere compared to previous tournaments. As the kingdom becomes the host nation, a strict ban on alcohol consumption will be enforced throughout the country including at stadiums and hotels.
Saudi Arabia's ambassador, Khalid bin Bandar, has confirmed on British radio that visitors must respect local customs, and alcohol remains off the table during the tournament. "Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol," he asserted. This points out the nation’s commitment to its cultural values since way back.
Since implementing a nationwide alcohol ban in 1952, Saudi Arabia has steadfastly adhered to its customs. This has since bounced back on the Islamic faith's prohibitions. Despite some leniencies observed during the 2022 World Cup in neighboring Qatar where designated fan zones allowed for limited alcohol consumption, Saudi Arabia will take a firmer stance. The ambassador added, "It's not 100 percent necessary, and if you want to drink after you leave, you're welcome to, but at the moment we don't have alcohol."
This unique approach to one of the world's largest sporting events will challenge traditional pre-game and post-game festivities familiar to football fans worldwide. Nevertheless, the ambassador reassured that cultural exchanges could still thrive within the country's parameters. "We’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture, but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else," he stated firmly.
In a bid to control the illicit trade of alcohol, Saudi Arabia recently opened an alcohol shop in the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh, accessible only to non-Muslim diplomats who must present identification. This move stresses the kingdom's effort to manage and regulate alcohol consumption while maintaining its longstanding social and religious norms.
As the world prepares for the 2034 World Cup, questions remain about how fans will adapt to a dry environment at a sporting event typically associated with celebrations over beverages. For many, the allure of the tournament goes hand in hand with the joy of social drinking, posing an intriguing challenge for both fans and organizers.
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