The Saudi Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has prohibited the sale of all tobacco products—including shisha, traditional and electronic cigarettes—at kiosks and grocery stores across the Kingdom. This measure aims to enhance food safety standards and protect consumers.
Only licensed outlets meeting strict standards can sell tobacco, and products must be stored out of sight. Sales to individuals under 18 are banned, and vendors can request age verification.
Grocery stores (minimum 24 m²) are allowed to sell packaged foods, personal care items, detergents, and similar products, but not tobacco. Kiosks—defined as small standalone retail spaces—are also barred from tobacco sales.
New spatial and licensing regulations apply:
Kiosks: Minimum size ranges from 4–10 m² depending on location.
Supermarkets: Minimum 100 m²
Hypermarkets: Minimum 500 m²
Sites must be within commercial areas and approved by Civil Defense.
Kiosks must ensure 1.8 m clearance for pedestrians, 6 m from buildings, and a dedicated car service lane on commercial lands. Placement in parking lots is allowed with municipal approval. Additional kiosk activities are permitted but cannot exceed 50% of the total area, with a minimum of 6 m² for most added uses.
