Saudi Arabia issues public behavior guidelines

Women are free to choose a modest choice of clothing. (AN photo/Essam Al Ghalib)
Updated 28 September 2019
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Saudi Arabia issues public behavior guidelines

  • 19 offenses as punishable by fines
  • Women are free to choose a modest choice of clothing

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia gave the go ahead to the implementation of new regulations related to public decency as the country begins to issue tourism visas for visitors from nearly 50 countries for the first time.

Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif approved the new rules on Friday which identify 19 offenses as punishable by fines, a statement said.

The regulations will help ensure that visitors and tourists in the Kingdom are aware of laws that concern public behavior and are in compliance with Saudi law. 

Men and women are required to dress modestly and to refrain from public displays of affection. Women are free to choose a modest choice of clothing.

Saudi Police officers will be the sole authority responsible for monitoring offenses and imposing fines.

Offenders have the right to submit a grievance claim before the Common Courtesy Department and appeal any fines. 

The Kingdom encourages tourists and visitors to familiarize themselves with public decency laws in order to avoid a fine, and looks forward to welcoming all people from around the world, the statement added.


Saudi Arabia stops ballistic missiles aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base

Updated 11 March 2026
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Saudi Arabia stops ballistic missiles aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base

  • Saudi Arabia’s cabinet on Tuesday strongly condemned Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia shot down seven ballistic missiles, the defense ministry said early Wednesday.
Six of the missiles were aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base, and the other was intercepted while heading to the Eastern Province.
Seven drones were knocked down heading to the Shaybah oil field in the Empty Quarter.
Thirteen drones were also shot down in Al-Kharj, Hafar Al-Batin, and other parts of the Eastern Province, the ministry said.
The war, launched by the US and Israel on Iran, has escalated, impacting regional stability and sparking a global energy crisis.
Saudi Arabia’s cabinet on Tuesday strongly condemned Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom, Gulf states and other countries in the region, saying they threaten regional security and violate international law.
The cabinet session, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman via videoconference, reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s right to take all necessary measures to protect its security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Brent crude hit a historic $120 a barrel on Monday before settling back down to $90 a barrel on Tuesday.
Amin Nasser, CEO of Aramco, the world’s top oil exporter, told reporters: “There would be catastrophic consequences for the world’s oil markets and the longer the disruption goes on ... the more drastic the ‌consequences for the ‌global economy.” 
The White House said that gas prices will plummet once US objectives in the war are reached.
The conflict could stretch on for months despite US President Donald Trump saying that it could be drawing to a close. But Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has said it will end when they decide.