Five Things Not to Do in Saudi Arabia

Critical Cultural & Legal Prohibitions

1. Do not criticize the government, royal family, or Islam. Dissent can lead to severe penalties.
2. Do not proselytize Muslims. Conversion from Islam is apostasy, punishable by death (though rarely enforced on foreigners).
3. Do not consume alcohol or pork. Both are strictly forbidden; import/possession/consumption are criminal offenses.
4. Do not dress immodestly. Men: long trousers, sleeves. Women: loose, ankle-length, long-sleeved; headscarf expected in public (abaya traditional but not legally mandatory for foreigners since 2019 reforms).
5. Do not engage in public affection. Holding hands, kissing, or touching unrelated opposite-sex persons in public is illegal and socially unacceptable.

Recent Reforms

Since 2017, women can drive, attend sports events, and travel without male guardian permission. However, the above prohibitions remain strictly enforced.