Ja, alcohol is in de basis volledig verboden in Saoedi-Arabië. De consumptie, import, productie en verkoop van alcohol zijn illegaal en strafbaar. BBC +2
Saudi Arabia, home to Islam's two holiest sites, banned the sale of alcohol in 1952. But as part of a broader effort to reshape its image, the kingdom has rolled out sweeping social and economic reforms in recent years, presenting itself as a more moderate and investment-friendly society.
One of the best non-alcoholic beverages, Saudi champagne is among the most popular drinks in Saudi Arabia. The refreshing drink has also won hearts in Turkey and Lebanon. A thermos is an essential item for anyone who wishes to bring homemade Saudi champagne to the office or the exercise room.
The Saudi government officially outlawed alcohol in the 1950s. At the time, a report in Time magazine said the prohibition came after a son of Saudi Arabia's founding king killed a British diplomat during an alcohol-fueled dispute. The ban has its roots in religion, as the Quran advises Muslims to avoid alcohol.
Earlier this year, officials announced that wine, beer and cider could be served starting in 2026 at roughly 600 approved venues, including five-star hotels, resorts, embassies, expatriate residential zones and selected tourist sites. Spirits and alcoholic beverages above 20% ABV would remain prohibited.
Our top choices for Riyadh hotels with a bar
What the 20‑hour rule actually says. In August 2025 the Ministry of Tourism clarified that hotels and tourist accommodations in Saudi Arabia must guarantee guests at least 20 hours between the listed check‑in and check‑out times. Those times will appear in your booking confirmation.
Public Displays of Affection
As a religious Muslim country, experts warn that overt displays of affection should be done in private. Kissing in public goes against modesty norms and may offend or cause discomfort to local people. It is also illegal to engage in adulterous behavior.
Summary. The Business Standard, 5 February 2026: Saudi Arabia reportedly widened controlled legal access to alcohol beyond diplomats, allowing a limited class of wealthy non‑Muslim foreign residents to purchase from a designated outlet in Riyadh.
An alcohol ban has been in place in Saudi Arabia since 1952, prohibiting both citizens and foreigners from consuming alcoholic beverages.
Back in the 1960s Arab governments imposed a boycott on Coca-Cola after the firm said it would open a bottling factory in Israel.
Articles and books contrary to Muslim or Saudi Arabian beliefs or morality will not be allowed into the country. Christmas trees, crosses, crucifixes, stars of david or any other items associated with religions other than the Muslim faith. *Bibles are allowed for personal use only, ie one Bible per person.
"The Holy Prophet said: 'every intoxicant is khamr, and every intoxicant is forbidden. '"
Islam strictly prohibits the consumption and association with alcohol. This prohibition extends beyond drinking to actions like sitting at tables where alcohol is consumed and dealing with it in various contexts like work and travel.
Smoking in Saudi Arabia is banned in airports, workplaces, universities, research centers, hospitals, government buildings, all public places, places involved with tourism, and in and around all places associated with religion, education, public events, sporting establishments, charity associations, all forms of public ...
Islam considers pork meat to be "haram" and a Muslim should not consume it. Attempting to import pork into the country can cause you problems. Pork is strictly prohibited. If you try to bring pork to Saudi Arabia, it will be confiscated at the airport.
Saudi Arabia will introduce alcohol licenses in 2026, permitting sales in select venues like five-star hotels, luxury resorts, and expatriate compounds, as per Vinetur. Despite banning alcohol for the 2034 World Cup, the move aims to boost tourism ahead of the 2030 World Expo and 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Alcohol use in Saudi Arabia
Drinking is punishable by public flogging, fines, or lengthy imprisonment, accompanied by deportation in certain cases.
Nope! ð« Bringing alcohol into Saudi Arabia is strictly forbidden. ð´ What happens if you try?
ð Public displays of affection are not welcome. Holding hands might be tolerated for married couples, but kissing and hugging in public is not acceptable.
While the strict abaya rule has been relaxed, women in Saudi Arabia are still expected to dress modestly in public, meaning shorts are generally discouraged as they are considered too revealing; you should cover your shoulders, chest, and knees, opting for loose pants or longer skirts, though shorts might be acceptable in private compounds, resorts, or for exercise with a cover-up.
Polygamous marriages are legally recognized for men in Saudi Arabia, in accordance with Islamic Sharia law, which allows for Muslim men to marry up to four wives, provided that he treats them equally and shares all his wealth equally.
Unmarried Couples and Saudi Arabia Laws
To boost Tourism, the country now allows unmarried foreign couples to share a room in a hotel. Previously, the couples had to prove that they were married in order to stay together in the hotel. However, the laws regarding the local unmarried couple haven't changed.
Any type of shoe (e.g., sandals, flip-flops) can be worn publicly. And at home, you can wear whatever you wish. And under your abaya you can wear whatever you wish.
“If you want to wear it, if you don't want to wear it, both are acceptable,” says a Saudi student. As a tourist, you are not expected to wear the same attire as locals, or to cover up to the same extent, but it's highly recommended that you dress modestly.