As Saudi Arabia undergoes significant reforms to diversify its economy and appeal to global investors and tourists, how can it maintain its cultural and religious identity in the meantime? In this blog, Mariana Dussin looks at drug use and state laws on drug trafficking.
One of the recurring sentiments among expatriates and locals in Saudi Arabia is an appreciation for the culture and spirituality ingrained in the society. Many feel that, compared to other nations, Saudi Arabia offers a safe and grounded environment, particularly for young children, who are not as exposed to vices like drugs, alcohol, and pornography as early as they might be in other countries. This is largely attributed to the country’s adherence to Islamic values, which guide societal norms and state laws.
However, as Saudi Arabia undergoes significant reforms to diversify its economy and appeal to global investors and tourists under Vision 2030, it faces a complex challenge: how to maintain its cultural and religious identity while making itself appealing to individuals globally. The experiences of neighbouring countries offer both lessons and warnings, where they have permitted the regulated distribution of alcohol, the establishment of nightclubs, and a general relaxation of religious and cultural norms to cater to its international population, including the issuing of a gaming and gambling license. These changes have undeniably bolstered its appeal to expatriates but have also transformed aspects of its culture. Saudi Arabia, by contrast, has chosen a cautious approach, attempting to balance openness with maintaining its cultural and religious identity, as the country hosts Makkah and Madinah, the holiest places in Islam.
This balance is particularly evident in the Kingdom’s uncompromising stance on drug trafficking, where strict laws, including the death penalty, serve as a deterrent and upholder of its strict Islamic values. Critics, particularly from human rights organisations, often condemn such measures as excessive. However, it is crucial to understand these laws within the cultural and religious framework of the nation.
Islamic principles and drug laws
Islamic principles play a central role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s approach to crime and punishment. The Quran explicitly warns against intoxicants and substances that harm the individual and society. In Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:90-91), Allah states:
“O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful. Satan only wants to cause between you animosity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. So will you not desist?”
This prohibition is not merely moral guidance; it is foundational to safeguarding the welfare of the community. Saudi Arabia’s drug laws, including the death penalty for dealing and trafficking, reflect the seriousness with which the state seeks to protect its citizens, especially its youth, from the devastating consequences of substance abuse.
While Western nations often debate the efficacy of capital punishment, arguing that crime rates remain consistent regardless of its application, such arguments do not account for the cultural, religious, and societal differences in Saudi Arabia. Here, the death penalty is not merely a punitive measure but a declaration of the state’s commitment to preserving public safety and upholding Islamic values.
In Islamic law, the death penalty is a possible outcome, however, it is deeply complex, balancing theological principles like qisās (retaliation) and hudūd (fixed punishments) with strict evidentiary requirements and ethical considerations. It emphasises justice, reconciliation, and the possibility of forgiveness through diyat (ransom), reflecting values of compassion and societal harmony. The dynamic nature of Islamic jurisprudence allows for ijtihād (scholarly interpretation) to adapt to modern contexts, creating variability across regions and schools of thought. These complexities highlight the challenge of aligning traditional Islamic practices with contemporary human rights standards and restorative justice principles.
Recent developments in drug enforcement
When it comes to Saudi Arabia, recent news highlights the Kingdom’s vigilance in combating drug trafficking, particularly after the brutal drug-related murder that took place in Jeddah in April 2023 and was broadcast on social media. In a severe response, the authorities started an aggressive campaign against drug trafficking. In May 2024, 4.7 million of Captagon tablets were seized—a synthetic drug proliferating across the Middle East—often smuggled from war-torn Syria. In November 2024, Saudi authorities arrested nine individuals, including employees from various government agencies, for their involvement in a drug trafficking network operating through Al-Jouf International Airport. The operation led to the seizure of 11 million Captagon tablets.
From recent events, the prevalence of Captagon trafficking appears as a significant concern in Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate that between May 2023 and November 2024, Saudi authorities intercepted record quantities of Captagon tablets underscoring the scale of the issue and the need for a response matching the severity of the crisis. These enforcement actions are not just about punishing offenders but also about protecting future generations from the ripple effects of drug addiction, and crime.
It is also worth noting that the Kingdom’s harsh stance on drug trafficking is not simply imposed by the state but resonates with many within the population. Public sentiment often supports strict measures to ensure that Saudi Arabia remains a safe haven for families and communities. This aligns with the Islamic principle of maslahah (public interest), which prioritises societal welfare over individual freedoms.
Balancing domestic priorities with international expectations
Critics from human rights organisations have often condemned Saudi Arabia’s strict drug laws, particularly the application of the death penalty, as excessive and inconsistent with international human rights standards. These critiques frequently emphasise the need for alternatives like restorative justice and argue that harsh penalties may not significantly deter crime.
That being said, Saudi Arabia’s legal framework is deeply rooted in Islamic principles, which prioritise community welfare and moral integrity. For the Kingdom, laws against drug trafficking are not merely punitive but preventative, aiming to safeguard families and youth from the destabilising effects of addiction and crime.
At the same time, the government has been exploring ways to address international concerns without compromising its cultural and religious values. For example, judicial reforms have increased, with some areas of the law still largely applying the shariah at the discretion of judges. In addition, several programmes focusing on rehabilitation for addicts complementing punitive measures for traffickers have been launched. Such initiatives demonstrate a willingness to adapt, while affirming the state’s commitment to protecting public welfare.
This approach highlights the broader challenge of aligning domestic laws with global norms in a way that respects cultural sovereignty. While some argue for the abolition of capital punishment, Saudi Arabia continues to assert that its policies are a reflection of its unique societal needs and religious obligations, which may not align neatly with international standards.
While debates on human rights and justice are important, they must be contextualised. Comparing Saudi Arabia’s legal system to those of secular, predominantly Christian Western nations, overlooks the fundamental differences in culture, religion, legal institutions and societal needs. Saudi Arabia’s approach may seem stringent to outsiders, but for many within the Kingdom, it is seen as a religiously acceptable outcome in some situations when crimes have been committed, and a necessary safeguard for the future of their children and society.
The question of whether such measures will be sustainable in fighting drug trafficking as the Kingdom continues to open up to the world remains. Will the trade-offs be worth it? Only time will tell. However, what is clear is that Saudi Arabia is addressing these changes through a framework shaped by its cultural and religious identity.
Photo by Ksenia
Note: This article gives the views of the author, not the position of LSE Religion and Global Society nor the London School of Economics and Political Science.
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