Yes, cousin marriage is legal in Saudi Arabia under Islamic law and civil regulations, provided specific conditions are met. The Kingdom permits first-cousin unions, aligning with Hanbali jurisprudence, but enforces mandatory genetic screening and premarital medical assessments through the Saudi Premarital Screening Program (established by the Ministry of Health in 2004). Recent 2026 amendments to the Law of Personal Status further clarify permissible degrees of kinship, though tribal customs and local governorate approvals may introduce additional constraints in rural regions.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in Saudi Arabia
-
Genetic Compatibility Requirement: Couples must undergo premarital genetic testing under the Saudi Premarital Screening Program to screen for hereditary disorders like sickle cell anemia or thalassemia, with results reviewed by the Saudi Center for Disease Prevention and Control (SCDC).
-
Kinship Degree Limits: First-cousin marriages are permitted, but unions between closer relatives (e.g., siblings, uncles/nieces) are prohibited under Article 42 of the Law of Personal Status, enforced by Sharia courts.
-
Local Approvals: In tribal or remote areas, local governorate courts or tribal councils may impose additional prerequisites, such as financial guarantees or extended family consent, particularly for marriages involving second cousins or beyond.