Saudi Arabia has implemented a ban on tobacco shops operating within 500 meters of mosques and schools, according to new guidelines from the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing.
The measures aim to safeguard public health, ensure legal compliance, and maintain orderly business environments in urban areas.
The regulations affect all stores selling tobacco products, including cigarettes, shisha, and e-cigarettes. Shop owners must possess valid commercial registration, Civil Defense approval, and full compliance with municipal licensing laws.
Stores must occupy at least 36 square meters within commercial buildings, with additional local municipality conditions possible.
Exterior signage cannot display logos or promotional materials - only the store name. Operations require security cameras indoors and outdoors, adherence to hygiene standards, electronic payment options, and prohibited sidewalk use.
All tobacco products must meet Saudi Food and Drug Authority standards, feature clear warning labels, and be sold in sealed packages. Vending machines, price reductions, gifts, and product testing are forbidden.
German Islamic scholar and Head of the “Cultur-Cooperation International e.V.” organization Kathleen Göbel, shared her impressions regarding her participation in the First International Forum of Islamic Civilization, reports Dunyo IA.
According to the scholar, this prestigious conference, which brought together leading scientists, experts, and public figures from 50 countries around the world, became a platform for mutual respect, open dialogue and solidarity among representatives of various states and academic schools.
German expert highly commended Uzbekistan's rich scientific and educational heritage, specifically recognizing the profound contributions made by great scholars such as Imam al-Bukhari, Imam at-Tirmidhi and Imam Maturidi to world civilization.
In particular, she was deeply impressed by the immense construction and development work carried out at the Imam al-Bukhari Complex, as well as the implementation of a contemporary museum featuring artificial intelligence technologies.
Kathleen Göbel placed special emphasis on the significance of the noble concept put forward by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev: “Enlightenment against ignorance”.
In her view, Center of Islamic Civilization constructed in Tashkent is a unique platform accessible not only at the national level but also to the entire region and the international community - serving to counter Islamophobia and hostility through the power of knowledge and enlightenment.