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10 Countries Where Drinking Alcohol Is Illegal

Published

11 months ago

November 29, 2024

Editor

In some countries, drinking alcohol is completely banned, often because of Islamic beliefs that see it as against their teachings.

In other places, strict laws control how alcohol is made, sold, and consumed, with harsh penalties for breaking the rules.

These restrictions usually apply to both locals and visitors, though non-Muslims or tourists might have some exceptions in certain cases.

It’s important to understand and follow these laws, as they are deeply rooted in local customs and strictly enforced.

Here are ten countries where alcohol is illegal;

Yemen

In Yemen, alcohol is entirely off-limits because it’s seen as contrary to Islamic principles. Citizens aren’t allowed to consume or sell alcohol anywhere in the country, except in specific spots like restaurants, hotels, or nightclubs in Aden and Sana’a, where it’s permitted under strict rules. Non-Muslim foreigners can bring a small amount of alcohol into the country for personal use, but only for private consumption.

United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In Sharjah, an emirate in the United Arab Emirates, alcohol is completely banned. Non-Muslims with special government-issued licenses can possess alcohol but are only allowed to consume it at home.

Public consumption or drunken behaviour is strictly prohibited, with serious consequences like imprisonment or flogging. In other emirates, alcohol is allowed in licensed venues like hotels or bars, but public intoxication is not tolerated. Foreign visitors can bring small amounts for personal use but should stay mindful of the rules.

Sudan

In Sudan, alcohol has been illegal since 1983 when the Liquor Prohibition Bill was passed. This law mainly applies to Muslims, while non-Muslims may drink privately at home. Tourists are encouraged to respect Sudan’s customs and laws, especially concerning alcohol, to avoid complications.

Somalia

In Somalia, alcohol is a complete no-go. The production, sale, and consumption of alcohol are strictly forbidden in line with Islamic principles. Non-Muslims and foreign visitors can drink privately, but breaking these laws can lead to serious penalties.

Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, alcohol is banned outright. It’s illegal to produce, sell, or consume alcohol, and customs officials perform thorough checks to prevent it from entering the country. Violators, including foreigners, face harsh penalties like imprisonment, flogging, or deportation. Visitors are strongly encouraged to steer clear of alcohol during their stay.

Pakistan

Pakistan has prohibited alcohol since 1977, but non-Muslim minorities can apply for permits to purchase limited quantities. These permits typically allow up to five bottles of liquor or 100 bottles of beer monthly. For Muslims, any involvement with alcohol is strictly forbidden, and violations can result in fines or imprisonment.

Mauritania

In Mauritania, Muslim residents are forbidden from possessing, consuming, selling, or producing alcohol. Non-Muslims, however, may drink in private or in licensed hotels and restaurants. Visitors are encouraged to respect these laws to avoid any issues.

Maldives

In the Maldives, alcohol is banned for the local Muslim population. Tourists, however, can enjoy alcoholic drinks at licensed resorts and hotels. Importing alcohol into the country is not allowed, and any alcohol found during checks will be confiscated. It’s important for visitors to follow these rules to ensure a smooth experience.

Libya

In Libya, alcohol is completely prohibited. The sale and consumption of alcohol are banned, and violations can result in severe punishments, including imprisonment. While illegal alcohol is reportedly available in some areas.

Headline

Taliban Attacks Kill 23 In Northwestern Pakistan

Published

4 hours ago

October 11, 2025

Editor

The Pakistani Taliban on Saturday claimed responsibility for deadly attacks in several northwestern districts that killed 20 security officials and three civilians.

The attacks, which included a suicide bombing on a police training school, were carried out on Friday in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that borders Afghanistan.

Militancy has surged in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since the withdrawal of US-led troops from neighbouring Afghanistan in 2021 and the return of the Taliban government in Kabul.

Eleven paramilitary troops were killed in the border Khyber district, while seven policemen were killed after a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden car into the gate of a police training school, which was followed by a gun attack.

Five people, including three civilians, were killed in a separate clash in Bajaur district, security officials told AFP on Saturday.

The Pakistani Taliban, the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attacks in messages on social media. The group is separate from but closely linked with the Afghan Taliban.

The attacks came hours after Afghanistan’s Taliban government accused Pakistan of “violating Kabul’s sovereign territory”, a day after two explosions were heard in the capital.

Pakistan did not say if it was behind the blasts in Kabul, but said it had the right to defend itself against surging border militancy.

Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of failing to expel militants using Afghan territory to launch attacks on Pakistan, an accusation that authorities in Kabul deny.

The TTP and its affiliates are behind most of the violence — largely directed at security forces.

Including Friday’s attacks, at least 32 Pakistani troops and three civilians have been killed this week alone in the border regions.

AFP

Headline

US Threatens To Sanction Countries That Vote For Shipping Carbon Tax

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4 hours ago

October 11, 2025

Editor

The United States on Friday threatened to impose sanctions and take other punitive action against any country that votes in favor of a carbon tax on maritime transportation to be implemented through a UN agency.

“We will fight hard to protect our economic interests by imposing costs on countries if they support” the Net Zero Framework, said a joint statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his counterparts at the departments of energy and transportation.

Members of the London-based International Maritime Organization (IMO) are set to vote next week on the adoption of the Net Zero Framework (NZF) agreement aimed at reducing global carbon emissions from the shipping sector.

Washington, however, described the proposal as imposing “a global carbon tax on the world.”

Since returning to power in January, US President Donald Trump has reversed Washington’s course on climate change, denouncing it as a “scam” and encouraging fossil fuel use by deregulation.

In the statement, Rubio, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the Trump administration “unequivocally rejects” the NZF proposal.

They threatened a range of punishing actions against countries that vote in favor of the framework, including: visa restrictions; blocking vessels registered in those countries from US ports; imposing commercial penalties; and considering sanctions on officials.

“The United States will be moving to levy these remedies against nations that sponsor this European-led neocolonial export of global climate regulations,” the statement said.

Headline

Top 10 Most Powerful Countries In The World In 2025 And Why

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4 hours ago

October 11, 2025

Editor

Power in the global arena is no longer measured by military strength alone; for powerful countries, it encompasses economic resilience, political influence, technological advancement, cultural impact, and the ability to shape international alliances.

A new ranking by US News, developed in partnership with the BAV Group (a division of WPP) and Professor David Reibstein from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, highlights the countries that command the greatest global influence in 2025.

How the Rankings Were Compiled
The Power Sub-Ranking by US News was determined based on an equally weighted average of five key attributes that signify a country’s global might:

Top 10 Most Powerful Countries in the World (2025)

United States – With a GDP of $30.34 trillion and a population of about 347 million, the U.S. remains the world’s most powerful nation, driven by its unmatched military, technological innovation, and global leadership.

China – The Asian powerhouse holds the second spot with a $19.53 trillion GDP and 1.415 billion people, maintaining significant influence in global trade, manufacturing, and diplomacy.

Russia – Despite economic challenges, Russia retains its strategic importance and military dominance, with a GDP of $2.2 trillion and a population of 143.8 million.

United Kingdom – The UK’s global clout stems from its strong economy ($3.73 trillion GDP) and active role in international politics and defense alliances.

Germany – As Europe’s largest economy, Germany boasts a GDP of $4.92 trillion and a population of 83.9 million, solidifying its leadership in technology, industry, and diplomacy.

South Korea – With a $1.95 trillion GDP and a population of 51.6 million, South Korea’s rise reflects its technological innovation and growing military strength.

France – A key European player with a $3.28 trillion GDP, France continues to wield influence through its diplomatic reach, defense capabilities, and global culture.

Japan – Boasting a $4.39 trillion GDP and 123.7 million people, Japan remains a technological and economic force in Asia.

Saudi Arabia – The kingdom’s $1.14 trillion economy and control over global energy markets reinforce its growing geopolitical importance.

Israel – With a $550.91 billion GDP and a population of 9.38 million, Israel earns its place among the top 10 thanks to its advanced military and leadership in innovation and technology.