Public displays of affection, including hugging, kissing, or holding hands intimately, have historically been strictly prohibited under traditional public decency laws in Saudi Arabia. While the country has undergone sweeping social reforms, relaxed entertainment guidelines, and a significant reduction in strict religious police enforcement, public behavior laws still emphasize modesty and respect for local cultural norms, meaning overtly intimate physical contact in public streets or family spaces is still heavily discouraged and can attract legal warnings.