Article 1 of the Saudi Anti-Smoking Law
المادة 1 من نظام مكافحة التدخين
The article states that the aim of the Anti-Smoking Law is to reduce the smoking habit of every kind among individuals of all ages through measures at the level of the state, society and individuals.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يهدف هذا النظام إلى مكافحة التدخين، باتخاذ جميع الإجراءات والخطوات اللازمة على مستوى الدولة والمجتمع والأفراد ؛ سعياً إلى الحد من عادة التدخين بجميع أنواعه عند الأفراد، وفي مراحل العمر المختلفة .
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 1 explained in plain English
This article opens the law by stating its purpose, which is to combat smoking. The means are not limited to a single body, but include taking all necessary measures and steps at three levels:
- The state: through its various agencies and bodies.
- Society: through its institutions and sectors.
- Individuals: themselves.
The stated ultimate aim is to reduce the smoking habit of every kind among individuals and at the different stages of life. This means the law does not target a specific age group, although some of its later provisions give particular attention to young people.
The phrase "of every kind" is understood in light of Article 2, which defines smoking as the use of tobacco and its derivatives, including cigarettes, cigars, jurak, tombak, mu'assel and any product containing tobacco, by whatever method of use, such as shisha, pipes, snuff, chewing and tucking.
The importance of the objective article is that it helps in understanding and interpreting the remaining provisions; where the meaning of a provision of the law is in doubt, this purpose provides guidance. In itself, however, it does not impose a specific obligation or penalty, as the obligations and fines appear in other articles of the law.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 1 of the Saudi Anti-Smoking Law
What is the aim of the Anti-Smoking Law in Saudi Arabia?
It aims to combat smoking by taking the necessary measures at the level of the state, society and individuals, in order to reduce the smoking habit of every kind at the different stages of life.
Does Article 1 impose a penalty on smokers?
No. This article only states the aim of the law and contains no specific obligation or penalty.
More articles on Definition of Smoking and Aims of the Law
- Article 2
The article defines smoking as the use of tobacco and its derivatives, in any product containing tobacco and by any method, such as cigarettes, shisha, chewing and tucking.
يقصد بالتدخين تعاطي التبغ ومشتقاته، ويشمل ذلك السجائر والسيجار والجراك والتنباك والمعسل وأي منتج يدخل التبغ في مكوناته، سواء تم ذلك عن طريق السجائر أو السيجار أ
- Article 19
The article assigns the Minister of Health to issue the Implementing Regulations of the Anti-Smoking Law, in coordination with the relevant bodies, within 6 months of the law's publication.
يصدر وزير الصحة اللائحة التنفيذية لهذا النظام بالتنسيق مع الجهات المعنية، خلال ستة أشهر من تاريخ نشره.
- Article 20
The article sets the Anti-Smoking Law to take effect one year after its publication in the Official Gazette.
يعمل بهذا النظام بعد سنة من تاريخ نشره في الجريدة الرسمية.
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.