What do Saudis drink instead of alcohol?
Asked by: Natalie Wolf | Last update: June 20, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (28 votes)
Saudis drink a variety of non-alcoholic beverages instead of alcohol, ranging from traditional Arabic coffee ( π π β π€ π π π β π€ π ) and strong tea to modern "mocktails" like "Saudi Champagne". Popular choices include non-alcoholic malt beverages (fruit-flavored beer), fresh fruit juices, and cultural staples like sobia.
What is the most popular drink in Saudi Arabia?
As much about community as it is about caffeine, Saudi coffee is perhaps the most popular drink in the Kingdom, with locals regularly carving out time from their day to sit around with family and friends, drinking steaming hot cups poured from a special pot called a dallah.
Can you kiss in public in Saudi Arabia?
In Saudi Arabia physical contact rules are fairly strict: public displays of affection, hugging, kissing or other intimate gestures are generally frowned upon or even disallowed between non-related men and women.
Why don't Saudis drink alcohol?
Alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia primarily due to strict adherence to Islamic law (Sharia), which prohibits the consumption of intoxicants. While a 1951 royal incident accelerated a total ban in 1952, the prohibition is deeply rooted in conservative religious and cultural values, although 2026 reports indicate limited, controlled access for non-Muslim diplomats and elites to combat black markets.
What is Saudi cocktail?
Saudi Champagne is a beverage popular in Saudi Arabia. The most authentic version of the Middle Eastern mocktail is made from a mixture of Perrier water, apple juice, and a mix of sliced apples, oranges, and fresh mint. Other popular versions include the use of lemon juice, sliced lemons, or 7-Up.
Nuts and beer: booze-free bar offers Saudis a pub vibe | AFP
Can a woman walk alone in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, women can walk alone in Saudi Arabia, and the country is considered one of the safest in the world for solo female travelers. Following 2030 reforms, women are free to walk around cities, take Ubers, visit malls, and travel without a male guardian. While conservative dress is recommended, strict requirements like wearing an abaya are no longer strictly enforced.
What is a popular Arab drink?
- Jallab, Karak Tea, Sahlab, and Date Milk are beverages linked to multiple Arab countries.
What is banned in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia strictly prohibits alcohol, pork products, narcotics, pornographic materials, and non-Islamic religious items (such as Bibles for public display, Christmas decorations, or items with religious symbols like crosses). Items deemed against public morality, certain medications, weapons, and electronics with hidden cameras are also forbidden.
Do rich people drink alcohol in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has quietly started to allow wealthy foreign residents to buy alcohol, a huge change after a 73-year ban. Commentators expect that the relaxation will eventually be extended to tourists, as Sameer Hashmi reports from Riyadh.
Can you wear shorts in Riyadh?
Men should also keep things conservative. Shorts are fine in many settings, but they're better knee-length than thigh-high. Things like sleeveless gym shirts or leggings are best left for hotel gyms. Meanwhile, in mosques or more traditional spaces, long trousers and sleeves are necessary.
How many wifes can you have in Saudi Arabia?
A man in Saudi Arabia can legally marry up to four wives at the same time, in accordance with Islamic Sharia law. While legal, polygamy is rare in modern Saudi society and requires the husband to treat all wives equally regarding finances, housing, and time.
Is it okay to kiss private parts in Islam?
If there is no impurity (najas) on her private part, kissing and foreplay stuff will not be something haram. However, if there is discharge, and chances for the husband to take the discharge in his mouth, then this would be haram.
Can LGBTQ visit Saudi?
Yes, LGBTQ+ individuals can travel to Saudi Arabia for tourism, but they must adhere to strict local laws that criminalize same-sex relations. While the Saudi Tourism Authority has stated everyone is welcome and they do not ask about sexual orientation, homosexuality remains illegal. Visitors should practice discretion and avoid public displays of affection.
Can you wear jeans in Saudi Arabia?
Chinos are fine, Jeans (no holes!) are fine, long sleeve shirts will be fine, short shirt sleeves will also be fine, Polos are fine.
Can I eat pork in Saudi Arabia?
Consumption of Pork
All Muslims, under Islamic law, are not allowed to eat pork. Saudis expect non-Muslim foreign visitors and expats to abide by this law while living in Saudi Arabia, too, regardless of their own religious beliefs.
Can you smoke in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, you can smoke in Saudi Arabia, but it is heavily restricted in public places, including airports, workplaces, and government facilities. While cigarettes and vapes are available for purchase, smoking is banned in most indoor spaces and restricted near schools and mosques, with high taxes applying to tobacco products.
Can Muslims sit at a table with alcohol?
Islam strictly prohibits the consumption and association with alcohol. This prohibition extends beyond drinking to actions like sitting at tables where alcohol is consumed and dealing with it in various contexts like work and travel.
Do resorts in Saudi Arabia serve alcohol?
Saudi Arabia is set to allow alcohol sales at select tourist spots by 2026βa historic shift after 70+ years. Around 600 licensed venues, including 5-star hotels and resorts in projects like NEOM and Sindalah Island, will serve wine, beer, and cider (up to 20% ABV) to non- Muslim visitors.
What is the penalty for drunk driving in Saudi Arabia?
Stricter DWI / DUI Penalties
For example, in Saudi Arabia, where consumption of alcohol is illegal, penalties for intoxicated driving are typically upwards of $10,000 and up to 10 years in prison.
Can I kiss my wife in public in Saudi?
Public displays of affection (PDA) are considered inappropriate and can be seen as disrespectful to local customs. Acts such as hugging, kissing, or holding hands are typically reserved for private spaces, even among married couples.
Are Christians allowed in Saudi Arabia?
Christians are allowed to enter Saudi Arabia for work or tourism, and there is a large expatriate Christian population, but public practice of Christianity is prohibited. Private worship is tolerated, but converting from Islam is illegal and, in extreme cases, can be punished by death, according to the Voice of the Martyrs.
Do Muslims drink coffee or tea?
Yes, Muslims can drink coffee. It is considered halal (permissible) under Islamic law. As outlined by scholars in the Islamic Fiqh Academy and supported by leading fatwas: "Coffee is a permissible beverage provided it does not contain any haram (forbidden) substances such as alcohol or intoxicants."
What is the Arab version of Coca Cola?
Mecca-Cola is a cola-flavoured carbonated beverage. The flagship product of the Mecca Cola World Company, it is marketed as an alternative to U.S. brands such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola to "pro-Muslim" consumers.
What alcohol do Jews usually drink?
Kosher wine (Hebrew: ΧΧΧ ΧΧ©Χ¨, romanized: yΓ‘yin kashΓ©r ) is wine that is produced in accordance with halakha, and more specifically kashrut, such that Jews will be permitted to pronounce blessings over and drink it.