No, swearing in public in Saudi Arabia is illegal under the Anti-Cyber Crime Law (2022) and Public Decency Regulations (2023), enforced by the Public Prosecution Authority (PPA) and Ministry of Interior (MOI). Violations may incur fines up to 50,000 SAR or imprisonment, with stricter penalties for repeat offenders or digital dissemination.
Key Regulations for Swearing in Public in Saudi Arabia
- Public Order Decree (2019): Prohibits “indecent language” in public spaces, including streets, malls, and social gatherings, under Article 6. Enforcement is overseen by the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (CPVPV) in coordination with local police.
- Anti-Cyber Crime Law (2022): Extends penalties to digital platforms, criminalizing swearing in online forums, social media, or messaging apps. The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) monitors compliance.
- Penal Code (2023 Amendments): Classifies repeated or aggravated swearing as “disrupting public order,” punishable by Article 36 with potential community service or rehabilitation programs for first-time offenders.