Expats in Saudi Arabia face expulsion if found breaking Ramadan fast

Expats living and working in Saudi Arabia face expulsion from the kingdom if they are found eating, drinking or smoking in public during Ramadan fasting hours.

In a statement, the Interior Ministry warned non-Muslims to ‘show consideration for feelings of Muslims’ and ‘preserve the sacred Islamic rituals.’

Anyone found violating the rules would have their work contracts cancelled and be expelled, the newspaper reported.

All Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset during the holy month, abstaining from food, drink, smoking and sexual pleasures.

In the Gulf region the fast is enforced by law, and anyone found breaking it faces fines and even jail.

Millions of expats live and work in the oil-rich kingdom which is home to Islam’s holiest sites and enforces an ultra conservative form of Islam.