Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Smoking policy at Riyadh, King Khalid International Airport (RUH)
Warnings & Caveats
Smoking is prohibited in most public places in Saudi Arabia. A fine of SAR 200 (approximately USD 50) applies for smoking outside designated areas, and fines increase for repeat violations. Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas before security and in enclosed smoking rooms after security. No confirmed smoking facilities in Terminal 4 at this time.
King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh is a large multi-terminal hub that does permit smoking, but only in designated smoking rooms located airside in the departure areas. Landside, smoking is restricted to designated outdoor areas outside the terminal buildings. The airport has undergone significant expansion, and smoking rooms are confirmed across several terminals.
Before Security
Landside smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas outside the terminal buildings. There are no confirmed indoor smoking rooms before security. If you need a cigarette after check-in, you would need to step outside before going through security screening, and re-entry would require going through security again.
After Security
This is where RUH genuinely delivers for smokers. Multiple terminals have confirmed enclosed smoking rooms past the security checkpoint:
Terminal 1: A smoking room is located near Gate 20, behind the stairs. Travelers have also reported it between Gates 20 and 21. Follow signs toward the female prayer room to find it. Confirmed as recently as January 2023.
Terminal 2: A large smoking room is reported next to Gate 21 (confirmed December 2019).
Terminal 3: Two smoking rooms are located to the right of Gate 307, confirmed February 2025.
Terminal 5: Two smoking rooms near Gate 508 and behind the Burger King outlet, confirmed February 2025.
Terminal 4: No confirmed information available at this time.
The smoking rooms are enclosed, signed in both Arabic and English ("Smoking Room" / "غرفة التدخين"), and open to all departing passengers regardless of gender. One traveler confirmed as far back as 2016 that women are also permitted to use the departure smoking rooms.
Smoking Room Facilities
Based on the photos available, the rooms vary by terminal. Some feature frosted glass doors with blue frames set into marble-clad corridor walls, while others have wooden doors with bilingual signage and a posted maximum occupancy notice. Inside, expect tiled floors, stainless steel standing ashtrays, and basic seating. Ventilation is mechanical. The rooms are functional rather than luxurious.
Vaping Rules
No specific vaping policy for RUH is mentioned in available sources. Saudi Arabia has restrictions on vaping products, so treat vaping the same as smoking and only use designated smoking rooms to avoid any risk of a fine.
Transit and Layovers
If you are transiting through RUH and remain airside, you should be able to use the smoking rooms in your departure terminal. The airport's multi-terminal layout means the room closest to your gate will vary, so check signage on arrival in your terminal.
Bottom Line
RUH is genuinely smoker-friendly airside, with confirmed smoking rooms in Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5 near specific gates. Head to the room closest to your departure gate and follow the bilingual signs.
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