No, vaping indoors in Saudi Arabia is prohibited under the 2022 Public Health Law and the 2023 amendments enforced by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), which classify e-cigarettes as tobacco products. The General Authority of Zakat and Tax (GAZT) also imposes a 100% excise tax on vaping products, reinforcing regulatory scrutiny. Violations may result in fines up to SAR 100,000 or imprisonment under the 2026 draft anti-smoking regulations.
Key Regulations for Vaping Indoors in Saudi Arabia
- Complete indoor ban: The 2022 Public Health Law (Article 32) explicitly prohibits vaping in enclosed public spaces, including restaurants, malls, and workplaces, mirroring WHO tobacco control guidelines.
- SFDA enforcement: The SFDA’s 2023 circular mandates that all vaping devices and liquids must comply with technical standards (e.g., nicotine content limits of 20 mg/mL) and display health warnings.
- Local authority discretion: Municipalities (e.g., Riyadh Municipality) may impose additional restrictions under the 2024 Local Governance Law, including designated outdoor vaping zones near schools or hospitals.
Non-compliance triggers penalties under the 2026 draft regulations, which expand enforcement powers to include electronic surveillance in high-risk areas. Exemptions exist only for private residences not used for commercial purposes.