No, distilling alcohol at home in Saudi Arabia is illegal under the Law of Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances (Royal Decree No. M/17, 1987), with penalties including imprisonment and fines. The National Committee for Narcotics Control enforces this strictly, and recent 2026 amendments have expanded surveillance of unlicensed distillation.
Key Regulations for Making Moonshine at Home in Saudi Arabia
- Absolute Prohibition: Home distillation of any alcoholic beverage is criminalized under Article 36 of the narcotics law, classifying it as a narcotic offense.
- Strict Penalties: Violators face up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to 5 million SAR, with harsher penalties for repeat offenders or large-scale production.
- Licensing Exclusivity: Only government-approved entities (e.g., Saudi Industrial Property Authority (MODON)) may produce alcohol for industrial or medicinal purposes under Royal Decree No. M/17.
Local enforcement agencies, including the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC), conduct regular inspections and monitor online activity for illegal distillation networks. The 2026 National Drug Strategy prioritizes interdiction of homemade spirits, leveraging AI-driven border controls. Non-compliance risks extradition for foreign nationals under bilateral agreements.