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14 Countries Where Drinking Alcohol Is Illegal

## The Middle East

The Middle East, a region encompassing Western Asia and Egypt, exhibits diverse cultural and religious traditions that influence its stance on alcohol consumption.

Several countries in this region have laws prohibiting or severely restricting the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. These restrictions often stem from Islamic principles, which generally consider alcohol to be haram (forbidden).

Here are some notable examples:

  • Saudi Arabia: Alcohol is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia, with severe penalties for possession, sale, or consumption.

  • United Arab Emirates (UAE): While alcohol is allowed in designated hotels and restaurants, its public consumption and sale are restricted. Tourists may purchase alcohol at licensed outlets but must abide by local laws.

  • Qatar: Similar to the UAE, Qatar permits alcohol consumption in licensed venues but prohibits public drinking and the open sale of alcohol.

  • Kuwait: Kuwait’s alcohol laws are strict, with possession, sale, and consumption all being illegal. Religious authorities strongly influence these regulations.

  • Oman: While Oman permits the sale and consumption of alcohol in licensed establishments, there are limitations on public drinking and advertising.

  • Bahrain: Bahrain allows alcohol consumption in licensed hotels, clubs, and restaurants but restricts its sale to foreigners with valid residency permits.

It’s essential to note that specific laws and regulations regarding alcohol consumption can vary within countries and may change over time. Travelers are strongly advised to research local customs and legal restrictions before arriving in any Middle Eastern country.

Iran

Afghanistan

Pakistan

## The Gulf Region

Pakistan, a South Asian nation, is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes. Islam, the dominant religion in Pakistan, influences many aspects of life, including laws and social norms.

One such aspect is the country’s prohibition on the consumption, sale, and production of alcohol.

While the Constitution allows for personal freedom of belief and practice, it also mandates that the government uphold Islamic principles. The enforcement of alcohol bans varies across provinces, but generally remains strict.

In urban centers like Karachi and Lahore, occasional illegal alcohol markets exist, catering to a small minority. However, public consumption or open sale is strictly prohibited.

Penalties for violating Pakistan’s alcohol laws can be severe, including fines, imprisonment, or even corporal punishment in some regions.

This strict policy reflects the deep religious and cultural significance of Islam within Pakistani society.

Saudi Arabia

Yemen

UAE

Qatar

## Other Regions

Qatar, a small peninsula nation on the Arabian Peninsula, is known for its modern infrastructure, affluent society, and pivotal role in global energy markets. Despite its cosmopolitan image, Qatar adheres to strict Islamic laws, making alcohol consumption a heavily regulated activity.

Alcohol is only legally obtainable through licensed hotels, restaurants, and private clubs. It is not permissible to possess or consume alcohol in public spaces, including beaches, parks, and streets. Authorities strictly enforce these regulations, and penalties for violations can be severe, ranging from hefty fines to imprisonment.

The sale and consumption of alcohol are closely monitored, with age restrictions in place and a focus on responsible drinking. Expatriates living in Qatar often have access to designated areas where they can consume alcohol within the confines of their hotels or private clubs.

Kuwait

Bhutan

North Korea

Comoros

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Victoria Macpherson AOEC

Fact Checked by Victoria Macpherson AOEC

Victoria is a Career and Business coach with a background in recruitment and Investment Banking. She works with clients at career and life crossroads who want to look more deeply at where they are going. Whether you are going back to work after having children, changing career or looking to redress your work life balance she is there to support you to find the right path. She works with her clients to help them manage their business and personal life and to find clarity, focus and direction. Victoria will give you the opportunity and time to work out the balance you need in your life. Through using psychometrics, challenging your assumptions and working on your self beliefs and using in depth reflection and questioning Victoria will work with you to find what is the right next step for you. She walks with you in the process and you will come out with a clear vision on what stops you from moving forward and the changes you want to put in place. She also works with you to explore how you come across to others and how you can have greater impact. Victoria can help you bring about a positive change, whether this is how to approach people or situations differently, how to have greater impact, how to prioritise the different demands placed upon you or simply how to look after yourself better. By increasing one’s awareness of these unseen limiting patterns, we help remove blockages and create a shift in belief. This allows you to choose different and more productive ways of thinking, acting and living. Victoria’s successful coaching style and her insightful feedback helps her clients with: Managing Work Life Balance Career Path Guidance Leadership Skills Dealing with Change She is a qualified as a coach with the AOEC and is a trained facilitator in Hogan Psychometric testing. She has completed courses in Gestalt Therapy and Mindfulness and is trained in the Nancy Kline Time to Think process. Prior to being a coach she had a career in Investment Banking and set up a headhunting firm in the city.

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