Saudi Arabia prohibits use of Divine names of Allah on commercial packaging

SAUDI ARABIA – Saudi authorities have banned commercial establishments from printing or displaying the sacred names of Allah on bags, packaging, and other materials that could be discarded or misused, citing the need to protect religious reverence.

The announcement was made by Abdulrahman Al Hussein, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce. He explained that the measure aims to prevent any form of disrespect toward the Divine Names of Allah, known in Islam as Al Asma Ul Husna.

“These names hold profound spiritual and religious significance, and it is important that they are not placed on items that could be mishandled, discarded, or used in ways that undermine their sanctity,” Al Hussein said in a statement posted on the ministry’s official X account.

The ban applies to all forms of commercial use, including printed bags, product packaging, and promotional materials, particularly those intended for short-term or disposable use.

Businesses are now prohibited from including these sacred names in marketing or packaging content that may enter public circulation or waste streams.

Officials said the regulation complements broader efforts to standardize trade names and branding practices in the Kingdom. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Commerce approved the Law of Trade Names, which sets out rules prohibiting the use of certain protected terms, including government entities and official geographic references.

The law also establishes guidelines for businesses using the name “Saudi Arabia” or the names of cities and regions in branding.

According to the ministry, the latest measure is part of a wider regulatory framework designed to balance commercial freedoms with cultural, religious, and social values.

Experts say the move is likely to impact packaging design, promotional materials, and marketing campaigns in sectors ranging from retail to food and consumer goods, where the use of religious references has occasionally been incorporated in product messaging.

Industry observers note that companies operating in Saudi Arabia will need to review packaging artwork and branding content to ensure compliance, particularly for disposable or short-term products.

The measure highlights the Kingdom’s growing emphasis on aligning commercial practices with cultural and religious sensitivities, reinforcing both regulatory oversight and respect for religious traditions in business operations.

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