Muslim Countries Public Etiquette

The Framework: Saudi Arabia's Public Decency Law

In late 2019, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia officially enacted the Public Decency Regulations (Charter of Public Decency). This framework codifies public behavior, identifying 19 specific infractions ranging from improper dress to disturbing public peace. Violations can lead to on-the-spot fines ranging from 50 SAR to 6,000 SAR, or even legal detention in severe cases.

Key Things Prohibited in Public Across Saudi Arabia

1. Public Displays of Affection (PDA)

Public displays of intimacy beyond a brief handshake or a formal greeting are culturally frowned upon and legally restricted:

• Kissing, hugging, and intimate touching: Strictly forbidden in public spaces for everyone—including legally married couples.
• Holding hands: While married couples and families occasionally hold hands without issue, prolonged or romantic gestures can still draw unwanted attention or police intervention.

2. Revealing or Provocative Attire

While foreign women are no longer legally mandated to wear the traditional black abaya or headscarf (hijab), modesty remains strictly enforced under the Public Decency Law:

• For Women: Shoulders and knees must remain covered in public areas. Tight-fitting clothing, transparent fabrics, low necklines, and short skirts or dresses are prohibited.
• For Men: Sleeveless shirts (tank tops), shorts ending above the knee, and walking in public wearing only underwear or sleepwear are fined offenses.
• Prohibited Graphics: Clothing displaying offensive slogans, profanities, or imagery that contradicts Islamic values or public morals is explicitly banned.

3. Alcohol, Narcotics, and Pork

Saudi Arabia maintains some of the world's strictest contraband laws:

• The import, sale, manufacturing, possession, and public consumption of alcohol or pork products are illegal.
• Being visibly intoxicated in public carries severe penalties, including hefty fines, imprisonment, and immediate deportation for foreign nationals.

4. Unauthorized Photography and Videography

Modern digital culture clashes sharply with Saudi privacy laws:

• Photographing individuals—especially women, children, and families—without their express, prior consent is illegal under the Anti-Cybercrime Law.
• Filming government buildings, military sites, police stations, palaces, and infrastructure can result in immediate arrest and device confiscation.

5. Disrespecting Islamic Traditions

Public life pauses for Islamic observances, and respect is legally mandated:

• Ramadan Conduct: Eating, drinking, chewing gum, or smoking in public during daylight hours throughout the holy month of Ramadan is prohibited for both Muslims and non-Muslims.
• Music and Noise: Playing loud music in residential areas or during prayer calls (Adhan) violates decency regulations.
• Blasphemy: Any verbal or physical act perceived as derogatory toward Islam, the Prophet Muhammad, or the Quran is treated as a major legal crime.

Public Expectations by Relationship Status

How the law and local culture view social interactions largely depends on relationship status and gender dynamics:

Singles

While gender segregation in restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues has significantly diminished in recent years, single men and women must still observe clear boundaries. Street harassment (including catcalling or stalking) is prosecuted aggressively under anti-harassment laws with zero tolerance.

Unmarried Couples

Traditionally, unrelated men and women interacting closely in public was strictly taboo. While foreign tourists are now legally allowed to book shared hotel rooms without proving marriage, open romantic involvement remains unacceptable in public. Unmarried cohabitation and open romantic dating among residents or citizens remain legally sensitive, and any public display of a romantic relationship outside of marriage can trigger public complaints or police action.

Married Couples

Even legally wedded spouses must conform to public decency parameters. Marriage certificates offer no exemption from the prohibition against kissing, embracing, or provocative behavior in public venues like malls, parks, and beachfronts.

How Other Muslim-Majority Countries Compare

Saudi Arabia is not alone in enforcing laws grounded in Islamic jurisprudence and traditional customs. Several neighboring and regional countries have comparable legal frameworks:

• United Arab Emirates (UAE): While cities like Dubai are comparatively liberal regarding clothing and alcohol licenses, public displays of affection (kissing and aggressive touching) remain illegal and punishable by detention or deportation. The Emirate of Sharjah enforces much stricter dress codes and modesty laws similar to Saudi regulations.
• Qatar: Under the Qatari Penal Code, public modesty and anti-PDA rules are strictly observed. Swearing, obscene gestures, revealing clothing in public, and public intoxication carry severe fines and jail terms.
• Kuwait: Public consumption of alcohol is completely banned nationwide. Unmarried cohabitation and public intimacy are prohibited under social decency statutes.
• Brunei: Governed by a dual legal system including strict Sharia penal law, Brunei enforces severe bans on alcohol, public eating during Ramadan daylight hours, and public displays of intimacy between unmarried or married individuals.
• Iran: Modesty is strictly institutionalized. Mandatory dress codes (hijab for women), bans on mixed-gender gatherings, and total prohibition of alcohol and public intimacy are rigorously enforced by legal authorities.

Practical Advice for Visitors and Expats

• Observe the locals: If in doubt about attire or behavior, look at how locals and experienced residents carry themselves in that specific region or venue.
• Always ask before filming: Never point cameras at individuals, families, or municipal installations.
• Reserve intimacy for private quarters: Save all romantic expressions for private hotel rooms or residences.