Can you buy pork in Saudi Arabia?

Many Non-Muslims who move to Saudi Arabia want to know if they can buy pork or pig meat in Saudi Arabia. Before we answer this, keep in mind that pork is Haram in Islam.

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Buying Pork

While in some countries, you can have a non-Muslim license to access Haram products, this is not the case here. Saudi Arabia being an Islamic country does not allow the sale and purchase of pork.

If any product containing any element of pork is found in supermarkets, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) takes strict action against the culprits. In 2015, a large amount of pasta was confiscated from the markets in Saudi Arabia and later on destroyed for having pork elements in it.

Bringing pork in luggage

Non-Muslims are not allowed to bring in pork or any product containing any element of it. Even if you are having a bag of chips containing pork fat or pork flavor, you will be asked to waste it at the airport, you cannot bring that in, Saudi Arabia.

Importing pork

Similarly, it is not allowed as per Saudi law to import pork meat into the country. Saudi customs laws explicitly prohibit its import. Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has reiterated many times that all products that are available in the Saudi market are free from pork fat.

Any special places to eat pork?

Generally speaking, there is no exception to the rule of eating pork, you cannot get it anywhere. However, as per the USDA website, pork or pork products may be allowed for entry for U.S. diplomatic or military use.