Key Points
- The Ban: No printing of “Allah” or other sacred names on disposable items, shopping bags, and promotional materials.
- Reason: To prevent unintentional desecration of sacred names when items are thrown in trash.
- Scope: Applies to all commercial packaging, carry bags, and short-use promotional materials.
- Enforcement: Strict monitoring, potential legal action against violators, and warnings to check existing stock.
- Announcement: Officially declared by Ministry spokesperson Abdulrahman Al Hussein on January 12, 2026.
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Commerce has taken a major and strict decision to maintain religious sanctity in the country. The holy name of Allah will no longer be allowed on disposable products and shopping bags sold in markets. This historic decision has been taken to prevent sacred names from ending up in the trash and to ensure respect for them. The ministry has warned all commercial establishments to strictly adhere to these new regulations.
Ministry’s Major Decision
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Commerce recently issued a new directive regarding packaging and disposable items. Officials say that the name of God will no longer be printed on items that are discarded after use. This step has been taken specifically to maintain religious sanctity and prevent the desecration of sacred names. The decision was made public through the Ministry’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, where detailed information about the objectives was shared with the public and business community.
Scope of the Ban
Ministry of Commerce spokesperson Abdulrahman Al Hussein officially announced this major ban on Monday, January 12, 2026. This new rule will primarily apply to shopping bags, product packaging, and promotional materials. Items used for short periods in commercial activities will no longer bear the name of Allah or any other sacred names. The regulation extends to all forms of disposable packaging used in retail, food service, and commercial promotions across the Kingdom.
Preventing Disrespect
It has often been observed that people carelessly throw packaging and carry bags into the trash after use. In such situations, there is a significant risk of unintentional disrespect to sacred names. The government wants to ensure that the country’s cultural and social traditions are respected during all commercial activities. The Ministry emphasized that the names of Allah hold profound religious and spiritual significance, and therefore, their careless use is prohibited.
Warning to Businesses
The ministry has appealed to Chambers of Commerce across the country to disseminate this directive to all commercial establishments. All shops and companies have been advised to check their stock of bags and packaging. If the name of Allah is found on any bag or wrapper, action may be taken against that business. Businesses are urged to voluntarily remove or discontinue such items before enforcement actions begin.
Monitoring and Strict Action
The ministry has clarified that strict monitoring of compliance with this rule will be carried out in markets throughout Saudi Arabia. Preparations have been made to take strict legal action against businesses that violate the regulations. This new law ensures that religious sanctity is fully respected alongside economic activities. Inspection teams will be deployed to ensure adherence, and penalties for non-compliance have been outlined in the directive.
Digital Announcement and Impact
The Ministry’s official X account shared detailed information about the objectives of this decision. The names of Allah hold profound religious and spiritual significance, and therefore, their careless use is prohibited. This change will lead to new and more respectful packaging designs in Saudi Arabian markets in the future. The announcement has generated significant discussion on social media, with many users praising the move as a thoughtful approach to protecting religious values.
Respect for Cultural Values
This regulation is part of the country’s broader laws designed to protect social and cultural values. The Saudi government aims to maintain a sense of religious respect in all aspects of public and commercial life. The public and businesses have viewed this government initiative as a positive step towards safeguarding sacredness. The decision aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its Islamic identity and ensure that commercial practices do not conflict with religious principles.
