11 October, 2025
Web desk
Saudi Arabia has officially banned tobacco shops from operating within 500 meters of schools and mosques, as part of a new move to regulate the sale of tobacco and protect public health, the Saudi Gazette reported.
According to the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, the restriction applies to all outlets selling tobacco products and accessories — including cigarettes, shisha, and e-cigarettes. Any business seeking a license to sell such products must now meet strict regulatory standards.
To obtain a retail license, store owners are required to hold a valid commercial registration, secure Civil Defense approval, and comply fully with the Municipal Licensing Procedures Law and its executive regulations.
In addition, the Ministry clarified that all tobacco products and their derivatives must align with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA)’s approved specifications. The rules also prohibit price reductions, promotional offers, or the distribution of free samples of tobacco products.
Advertising or displaying any product that promotes tobacco or its derivatives is strictly banned. Authorities emphasized that the sale of tobacco will only be allowed in locations meeting the kingdom’s spatial, architectural, and advertising requirements, as part of broader efforts to reduce tobacco use and safeguard community health.
