Mason Delacroix
The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar was the first to be hosted in a Muslim nation, and the first to ban alcohol from its stadiums. The decision, which came just 48 hours before the tournament's first match, was surprising given that Budweiser, one of FIFA's partners, had paid $75 million for its sponsorship agreement. While some fans were frustrated by the ban, it was not entirely unexpected due to the country's strict Islamic faith and tight regulations on alcohol. Outside of the stadiums, alcohol was available at special World Cup gathering spaces and licensed restaurants, bars, and hotels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 2022 |
| Host Country | Qatar |
| Reason | Alcohol is tightly regulated in Qatar, a Muslim nation. |
| Availability | Alcohol was banned in stadiums but was available at special World Cup gathering spaces, licensed restaurants, bars, and hotels. |
| Sponsors | FIFA's relationship with Budweiser, which pays $75 million every four years, was complicated by the ban. |
| Host Country's Stance | Qatar's decision signaled that FIFA may not be in full control of its championship. |
| Future Events | Alcohol will also be banned at the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia. |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol is banned in stadiums at the Qatar World Cup
The decision to ban alcohol sales in stadiums was made just two days before the tournament's first match. This was a reversal of a previously announced policy. The ban complicated FIFA's relationship with Budweiser, which pays $75 million every four years to be associated with the World Cup.
Outside of the stadiums, fans can still drink at special World Cup gathering spaces and at specially licensed restaurants, bars, and hotels around the country. However, visitors should be aware that clothing standards and other cultural norms may vary according to the neighborhood or venue. For example, in many public areas, men and women are required to cover their shoulders, chests, stomachs, and knees, and tight leggings must be covered by a long shirt or dress.
The ban on alcohol in stadiums at the Qatar World Cup is not expected to be an issue at the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia. Alcohol is outlawed in Saudi Arabia, and penalties for consumption include flogging, jail, or deportation. The Saudi ambassador to the UK confirmed that alcohol would not be sold anywhere during the 2034 event, including hotels.
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Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia, which will host the 2034 World Cup
Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia, which is set to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034. The sale of alcohol was banned by King Ibn Saud in 1952 and remains illegal for Muslims in the country. Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the UK has confirmed that alcohol will not be available during the World Cup, including at hotels. This has sparked some controversy, as has the country's human rights record, with some football associations remaining silent on the matter.
Saudi Arabia's decision to prohibit alcohol during the World Cup is not without precedent. Qatar, which hosted the 2022 World Cup, also banned the sale of beer at stadiums, despite initially indicating that it would be available. This decision was made just two days before the event's first game and caused consternation among fans who had already arrived in the country.
Saudi Arabia's alcohol ban is part of its culture and religion as the birthplace of Islam. While the country has recently implemented some reforms, such as allowing women to drive and reducing the power of the religious police, it has not lifted the prohibition on alcohol. The opening of an alcohol shop in Riyadh in 2025 was a minor concession, as it only served non-Muslim diplomats who presented diplomatic identification.
The selection of Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 World Cup has been controversial due to concerns about the country's human rights record. However, some football associations that were critical of Qatar's hosting of the 2022 World Cup have either backed Saudi Arabia or remained silent. They are optimistic that the human rights situation will improve by 2034 and have cited the economic benefits of the country's bid.
Saudi Arabia's bid to host the World Cup is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030, which aims to wean the country off its dependence on oil and turn it into a hub of the global leisure economy. While Saudi Arabia has faced economic challenges and geopolitical distractions, it remains committed to hosting the World Cup and is expected to spare no expense in ensuring the tournament's success.
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The sale of alcohol is outlawed in Saudi Arabia
Alcohol sales remain prohibited even in luxury hotels in Saudi Arabia, and the country is far more conservative than Qatar, which allowed alcohol sales in upmarket hotels for the 2022 World Cup. In Qatar, fans could also drink at special World Cup gathering spaces and specially licensed restaurants and bars around the country.
The decision to outlaw alcohol sales at the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia has been met with concern from human rights groups, who worry that migrant workers will face exploitation and that LGBTQIA+ people will be discriminated against. Homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia, and people can be imprisoned for "promoting the vice and practice of homosexuality."
Despite these concerns, Saudi officials have insisted that everyone will be welcomed at the 2034 World Cup, echoing the message of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where there were no issues regarding LGBTQIA+ discrimination. However, it is important to note that in Qatar, criticizing the government or Islam can result in arrest, and non-Muslim religious practices are not accommodated equally.
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Public consumption of alcohol is illegal in Qatar
Qatar has strict regulations on alcohol consumption due to its cultural and religious values. As a Muslim country, alcohol consumption is not widely accepted in Qatar, and there are laws in place to restrict it.
Public drinking of alcohol is illegal in Qatar and is punishable by law. Being found drunk in public is also illegal and can result in heavy fines, imprisonment, or even deportation. These laws apply to both locals and tourists, and the penalties are enforced regardless of one's nationality. The laws are designed to maintain public order and respect for the country's cultural and religious values.
Alcohol is available in Qatar, but only in designated licensed venues, such as high-end restaurants, bars, and clubs within hotels. These venues cater to non-Muslim residents and tourists, who are permitted to consume alcohol discreetly within their premises. However, even in these licensed venues, alcohol consumption is tightly controlled. It is essential to note that Muslims are not allowed to purchase or consume alcohol in Qatar, and the legal drinking age is 21.
During the Holy month of Ramadan, alcohol rules tighten significantly. Many outlets do not sell alcohol during daylight hours, and consumption in public is even more restricted.
With regards to the World Cup, there has been much debate and controversy surrounding the sale of alcohol. Initially, there were assurances that beer, a common fixture at sporting events, would be available to fans. However, just before the tournament began, Qatari officials banned the sale of alcohol at the event's stadiums, citing cultural and religious reasons. This decision caused consternation among fans who had already arrived in Qatar, expecting to be able to drink at the games.
The ban on alcohol sales at World Cup stadiums also had implications for FIFA's relationship with Budweiser, one of its sponsors. The situation highlighted the challenges of hosting a global event in a country with different cultural and religious norms surrounding alcohol.
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Alcohol is tightly regulated in Qatar
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar highlighted the country's strict alcohol regulations. Just two days before the tournament's first match, officials announced that fans would not be allowed to drink beer at the eight World Cup stadiums, despite previous assurances that beer would be available. The decision was a surprise to the roughly one million fans arriving in Qatar, and it complicated FIFA's relationship with Budweiser, a major World Cup sponsor.
Outside of the stadiums, fans could still drink at special World Cup gathering spaces and licensed venues. However, the dress code and cultural restrictions in Qatar also impacted the availability and consumption of alcohol. For example, visitors were advised to cover their shoulders, chests, stomachs, and knees, and to be mindful of their speech and behaviour in public to avoid arrest.
Qatar's regulations around alcohol reflect its cultural and religious values as a Muslim nation. While some have criticised these restrictions, particularly in the context of a global event like the World Cup, others have defended the country's right to maintain its cultural and religious norms.
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Frequently asked questions
Qatar is an Islamic country, and alcohol consumption is considered a sin in the religion. The public consumption of alcohol is illegal in Qatar, and the country has strict rules around alcohol.
Alcohol is banned at the perimeters of the World Cup stadiums. However, it is available in licensed restaurants, bars, clubs, and hotels for non-Muslim residents and visitors over 21.
Qatar's decision to ban alcohol at the World Cup was to showcase religious tolerance and attract more tourists. It also prevents negative press regarding alcohol consumption and potential violence.
No, it is forbidden to bring alcohol into Qatar from abroad. Fans breaching these rules could face deportation or large fines.
