Is Smoking Allowed in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, smoking is allowed in Saudi Arabia, but it is strictly regulated and restricted to specific areas. The country enforces strict tobacco control laws under the Anti-Smoking Law (Royal Decree No. 56), which significantly restricts where smoking is permitted. While tobacco products remain legal to purchase and possess (with age restrictions), public smoking faces heavy limitations to protect health and maintain order.
Key Smoking Regulations in Saudi Arabia
Where Smoking Is Allowed
Smoking is generally permitted in:
- Designated smoking areas
- Some outdoor public spaces where no prohibition signs are posted
- Certain cafes or lounges licensed to allow smoking (including shisha)
Where Smoking Is Prohibited
Smoking is not allowed in many public and religious places, including:
- Mosques and religious sites (including areas around the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina)
- Government buildings, workplaces, universities, research centers, and hospitals
- Airports (except designated smoking rooms)
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Schools and universities
- Public transport and enclosed public spaces
- Shopping malls (most indoor areas)
- Public events, sporting establishments, tourism-related locations, and manufacturing plants
- A broad range of other public spaces
Clear “No Smoking” signs are widely displayed, and they must be followed.
Other Key Restrictions on Smoking
Age Restriction: Selling tobacco products to anyone under 18 years old is illegal.
Advertising Ban: All forms of tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship are prohibited.
Health Warnings: Tobacco packaging must display large pictorial health warnings.
Taxation: Tobacco products are subject to high excise taxes (part of the GCC unified excise tax), making them expensive as a deterrent.
E-Cigarettes/Vaping: The sale and use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices were previously banned but are now regulated. They are legal for sale to adults, but subject to the same strict usage restrictions as traditional cigarettes.
Legal Penalties
Violating smoking regulations can result in fines, especially if smoking occurs in prohibited public areas. Enforcement has become stricter in recent years as part of public health initiatives.
In short, smoking is allowed in Saudi Arabia, but only in restricted areas and under strict regulations. If you are visiting for Hajj or Umrah, note that smoking is strictly forbidden in and around the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah.
