Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH) is the main gateway to the Saudi capital and one of the busiest airports in the Middle East, handling around 30 million passengers annually. The airport provides designated indoor smoking rooms across its terminals, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Anti-Smoking Law which requires smoking facilities at airports.
Smoking Policy at Riyadh Airport
Saudi Arabia’s Anti-Smoking Law (Royal Decree M/56, 2015) prohibits smoking in enclosed public places but mandates that airports provide designated smoking rooms. Riyadh Airport complies with this regulation by offering ventilated indoor smoking rooms in its departure areas. Smoking outside designated areas is prohibited and may result in fines.
Airport Layout
Riyadh King Khalid International Airport has five terminals arranged around a central mosque. Terminals 1 and 2 handle international flights and are the busiest for long-haul travelers. Terminals 3 and 4 serve domestic routes operated by Saudi airlines. Terminal 5 is the newest addition, a modern domestic terminal that opened as part of the airport’s ongoing expansion under Saudi Vision 2030. The terminals are connected by shuttle buses and a people mover system.
Smoking Areas
Terminals 1 and 2 (International)
Designated smoking rooms are available in the departure areas of both international terminals. These enclosed rooms have ventilation systems and seating. After clearing security and passport control, follow signs to the smoking rooms in the gate areas.
Terminals 3, 4, and 5 (Domestic)
The domestic terminals also provide smoking rooms in their departure lounges. Terminal 5, being the most modern, has well-equipped smoking facilities with improved ventilation. For Terminals 3 and 4, smoking rooms are located in the departure waiting areas.
Pre-Security and Arrivals
Before entering the terminals, outdoor smoking is possible in designated areas near the terminal entrances. The arrivals level also has outdoor areas where smoking is permitted. Be mindful of extreme summer heat — temperatures in Riyadh regularly exceed 45°C from June through September.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
E-cigarettes and vaping devices have been legal in Saudi Arabia since 2019, following the lifting of a multi-year ban. You may use them inside designated smoking rooms at Riyadh Airport. Using vaping devices in general terminal areas, lounges, or other non-smoking zones is not permitted.
Tips for Smokers at Riyadh Airport
- Indoor smoking rooms are available after security — no need to exit the terminal
- Terminal 5 has the most modern smoking facilities
- Riyadh summers are extreme (45-50°C) so avoid outdoor areas when possible
- Tobacco products in Saudi Arabia carry a 100% excise tax — prices are steep
- Duty-free shops sell tobacco at better prices if you are departing internationally
- The airport is undergoing expansion as part of Vision 2030, so room locations may shift
- Carry a lighter in your hand luggage — most airlines permit one disposable lighter per person
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminals 1-2 (International) | Yes | Indoor rooms | Post-security departure areas |
| Terminals 3-4 (Domestic) | Yes | Indoor rooms | Departure waiting areas |
| Terminal 5 (Domestic) | Yes | Indoor rooms | Newest facilities with modern ventilation |
| Terminal entrances | Yes | Outdoor | Designated spots near entrances |
| Arrivals level | Yes | Outdoor | Outside terminal buildings |
| General terminal areas | No | — | Fines apply for violations |