Pakistan, May 26 -- Saudi Arabia is set to ease its decades-old ban on alcohol by permitting its sale at around 600 licensed tourist sites starting in 2026. This landmark move aims to boost the kingdom's growing tourism sector ahead of major international events, including Expo 2030 in Riyadh and the FIFA World Cup in 2034. The venues authorized to serve alcohol will include luxury hotels, resorts, and designated areas within large tourism projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Sindalah Island.

Under the new policy, only wine, beer, and cider with an alcohol content of up to 20% will be allowed, while stronger spirits will remain banned. Alcohol consumption will be strictly limited to on-site venues, with no takeaway or retail s...