In a significant policy shift aimed at transforming its tourism sector, Saudi Arabia will permit alcohol consumption in 600 designated tourist zones by 2026. This decision, confirmed by regional tourism authorities and reported by hospitality insiders, is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to enhance its appeal as an international travel destination.

The new policy will allow limited access to alcohol, specifically wine and beer, within high-end tourist facilities, including five-star hotels, licensed resorts, and designated tourism villages. This move reflects a balance between maintaining Islamic cultural values and attracting international travelers to Saudi Arabia.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, the alcohol policy will be implemented selectively. It will be available in five-star international hotels and luxury resorts, licensed tourist villages with foreign brand partnerships, and on-premise venues only, with no off-premise retail sales allowed. Spirits will remain prohibited, and public spaces, local retail outlets, and private homes will continue to adhere to current Sharia-compliant restrictions, which ban alcohol outside the designated tourist areas.

The new regulation aligns with the broader objectives of Vision 2030, which aims to increase tourism’s contribution to the Kingdom’s GDP to 10% by the decade’s end. This initiative is part of a national reform plan launched in 2016 and overseen by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, focusing on reducing the Kingdom’s reliance on oil by investing in sectors like tourism, technology, and entertainment.

One of the key goals of Vision 2030 is to attract 100 million visitors annually by 2030, positioning Saudi Arabia among the world’s top five tourist destinations. The introduction of limited alcohol access is seen as essential for competing with neighboring Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, where alcohol is a standard part of the tourism and hospitality sectors.

The decision to allow alcohol is also linked to Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034, which is expected to draw millions of visitors, including players, sponsors, and fans familiar with international hospitality standards. The General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and Saudi Sports for All Federation have indicated that preparations for the World Cup will involve significant investments in infrastructure, including stadiums and hospitality, to ensure a seamless experience for international attendees.

International hotel chains operating in the Gulf region have welcomed the decision, and discussions are underway between Saudi authorities and global hospitality brands to prepare for the integration of alcohol by 2026. Tour operators are also beginning to revise their packages to accommodate expanded service offerings, particularly in major coastal projects like the Red Sea Global Project, NEOM, Amaala, and AlUla.

Despite this policy shift, Saudi Arabia remains committed to upholding Islamic law in daily life. The rollout of alcohol will include strict licensing requirements for hotels and operators, controlled importation, and staff training programs to promote responsible service. Clear signage and zoning will be enforced to avoid cultural conflicts, and Sharia law will remain in effect outside designated areas, as confirmed by the Saudi Ministry of Interior.

Critics have expressed concerns about potential cultural clashes, but supporters believe that the strict regulations and limited scope will help mitigate social tensions. This reform is part of a broader trend towards liberalizing tourism and social policies in the Kingdom, which over recent years has included the introduction of an electronic visa system, the hosting of international music festivals, and the expansion of archaeological tourism at UNESCO World Heritage sites.

In summary, Saudi Arabia’s decision to permit alcohol in 600 designated tourist zones by 2026 represents a landmark moment in the country’s tourism policy. Carefully developed under the Vision 2030 framework, the policy seeks to attract international tourists while respecting cultural values. With the FIFA World Cup on the horizon and substantial investments in tourism infrastructure, the Kingdom aims to position itself as a competitive global travel destination.