Saudi Arabia Plans First Alcohol-Free PDC Darts Tournament in Riyadh 2026

The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) will hold its first darts tournament in Saudi Arabia as part of the 2026 World Series of Darts, scheduled for January 19-20 at the Global Theater in Riyadh, with star players like world champion Luke Littler expected to participate. Unlike typical darts events fueled by alcohol, the Saudi tournament will strictly adhere to the kingdom's no-alcohol laws, with no alcohol sales permitted at the venue, a decision supported by PDC president Barry Hearn out of respect for local laws and traditions. This event is part of the broader Riyadh Season, a major entertainment and sports festival aimed at boosting Saudi Arabia's tourism and global image, featuring diverse events such as boxing, snooker, tennis, and WWE wrestling, and drawing millions of visitors annually. Riyadh Season has been described as Saudi Arabia's Disneyland, intended to generate revenue and project soft power by enhancing the kingdom's international reputation. The darts tournament and other major sports events hosted by Saudi Arabia have faced criticism for "sportswashing," as the kingdom invests heavily in sports to improve its global standing despite ongoing human rights concerns. Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, has expressed ambitions to introduce innovative concepts to darts and other sports during Riyadh Season, which continues to expand its global sports and cultural offerings.