Mumbai Press Exclusive News
Saudi Arabia Denies Plans to Lift 73-Year-Old Alcohol Ban
Riyadh, May 27, 2025: The Saudi government has denied recent media reports claiming that the Kingdom plans to lift its 73-year-old ban on alcohol sales by 2026. A senior Saudi official clarified that alcohol remains strictly prohibited for Muslims in the country and that the Kingdom continues to uphold Islamic principles.
Speculation arose following reports suggesting that Saudi Arabia, as part of its Vision 2030 reforms and in preparation for Riyadh Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, was planning to allow regulated alcohol sales in luxury hotels, resorts, and diplomatic zones—potentially at around 600 locations nationwide.
However, the official rejected these claims, stating that the ban on alcohol, in place since 1952, applies to both citizens and foreign nationals. He reaffirmed that there are no plans to lift the ban and emphasized the country’s commitment to preserving its religious and cultural traditions while moving forward with economic and tourism-related reforms.
In January 2024, a shop in Riyadh was granted permission to sell alcohol exclusively to non-Muslim diplomats under strict regulations. This move was seen as a measure to curb the black market and illegal importation of alcohol, rather than a step toward general legalization.
In February 2025, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, confirmed that alcohol would not be allowed during the 2034 FIFA World Cup. He emphasized that while the Kingdom welcomes visitors, it will do so within the framework of its cultural values and will not compromise them.
While a few exceptions have been made under controlled conditions, the long-standing ban on alcohol remains firmly in place, with no official plans to reverse it. Saudi Arabia continues to pursue its economic diversification goals under Vision 2030 while maintaining its religious and cultural identity.
Maharashtra
Mumbai Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar bridge should be opened for weighing vehicles: Abu Asim Azmi
abu aasim aazmi
Mumbai: Maharashtra Samajwadi Party leader and MLA has demanded in the assembly that a flyover bridge should be started for heavy vehicles to curb fatal accidents in Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar. Fatal accidents are happening every month in Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar. Earlier there were high tension wires on the bridge built on GM Link Road, then the bridge was closed due to heavy vehicles. Later the wires were also removed and the flyover department has also allowed heavy vehicles to pass, however, heavy vehicles are still not being allowed to move. Today in the House, a demand was made to start the movement of heavy vehicles on this bridge. Abu Asim Azmi said that recently a tragic accident took place here in which three people died.
CRIME
Mumbai: Police have claimed to have arrested one of the most wanted accused involved in the 1993 Mumbai riots. Mumbai’s Wadala police arrested a fugitive accused who was on the run for 32 years during an operation to search for wanted accused. 54-year-old Arif Ali Hashimullah Khan has been arrested from Antop Hill. The accused did not appear in court during the hearing. A warrant was also issued against him, after which the police arrested the accused and presented him in the court and the court ordered his remand. This operation was carried out by Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti and Port Zone DCP Vijay Sagar.
Maharashtra: In the context of the Mumbai Marathi-Hindi controversy, Shishil Kodia has apologized for his controversial statement. He said that his tweet was misrepresented. I am not against Marathi. I have been living in Mumbai and Maharashtra for the last 30 years. I am a fan of Raj Thackeray. I constantly comment positively on Raj Thackeray’s tweets. I tweeted in my emotions and I made a mistake. This tense and tense atmosphere should end. We need a favorable environment to accept Marathi. So I request you to forgive me for this mistake for Marathi. Earlier, Shishil Kodia had made a controversial statement about Marathi and refused to speak Marathi, due to which MNS workers attacked and pelted stones at Shishil’s company WeWork. After which Shishil has now apologized to X
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