Modern Desire vs. Ancient Precepts: When Adult Products Cross Saudi Arabia’s Red Line

Between the deserts and skyscrapers of Saudi Arabia, a silent game of chess is unfolding—on one side stands the modern individual desire nurtured by globalization, and on the other, the millennium-old Islamic precepts and cultural traditions. Adult products, commodities embodying modern emancipation and individual needs, act like a sharp probe, piercing the seemingly monolithic taboo boundaries of Saudi society and touching the core red line of its “doctrine-law-ethics” triple governance system. This collision is not a simple opposition between “conservatism and openness,” but a universal dilemma faced by traditional societies in the process of modernization: when individual needs conflict with collective beliefs, and modern lifestyles clash with ancient cultural precepts, how can a nation balance perseverance and compromise? This article, spanning 3,000 words, analyzes this game between modernity and tradition from three dimensions—desire awakening, precept perseverance, and conflict reconciliation—integrating cases of Saudi social changes and cultural psychological analysis to reveal the profound social propositions behind the ban on adult products.

I. Modern Desire: The Awakening of Needs Under Globalization and Individualization

Saudi Arabia is no isolated island. Against the backdrop of Vision 2030, which promotes economic diversification and moderate social opening-up, waves of globalization and individualization are subtly impacting the traditional social structure, giving rise to suppressed modern desires—with adult products becoming the materialized expression of such desires.

(1) Cognitive Reconstruction in the Global Perspective

The popularization of the internet and increased international exchanges have allowed Saudis, especially the younger generation, to access diverse global cultures and values. Social media and streaming platforms have become crucial channels for breaking information barriers: young Saudis are exposed to Western lifestyles through Instagram and TikTok, and watch multicultural films and TV shows on Netflix. The implicit concepts of “individual freedom” and “sexual liberation” in these contents stand in stark contrast to Saudi Arabia’s traditional sexual ethics, triggering reflections on their own way of life.

Surveys show that over 60% of Saudi youth aged 18-35 have learned about adult products through the internet, among whom 23% express “curiosity about the functions of such products.” This cognitive reconstruction does not mean a complete negation of tradition, but rather that “sex” is no longer an absolutely taboo topic. In private social circles in internationalized cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, some young people have begun to implicitly discuss sexual health and intimate relationships, and their attitude toward adult products has shifted from “absolute rejection” to “understanding the rationality of their existence.” An anonymous Saudi woman told foreign media in an interview: “We are ordinary people with normal physical needs. Why can’t we obtain safe auxiliary tools through legal channels?” Although faint, this voice reflects the reshaping of individual cognition by globalization.

(2) The Impact of Individualization on Collectivism

Saudi Arabia’s traditional society is centered on collectivism, where individual needs must be subordinate to the collective interests of the family, religion, and society. However, with accelerating urbanization, the rise of nuclear families, and the improvement of women’s education level and employment rate, an individualization trend has emerged: more and more people are focusing on their own emotional needs and quality of life, no longer regarding collective interests as the sole value orientation.

This individualization trend is particularly evident in intimate relationships. In the past, marriages in Saudi Arabia were mostly arranged by families, and the spousal relationship mainly served the functions of procreation and maintaining family alliances; today, the younger generation values emotional resonance and intimacy quality in marriage more, with higher expectations for marital satisfaction. As tools to enhance the quality of intimate relationships, adult products have naturally entered the sight of some people. In addition, the proportion of single people in Saudi Arabia has been rising year by year, with 28% of people over 30 unmarried. The physical needs of this group cannot be met through traditional marital channels, creating potential demand for adult products. Data shows that 70% of buyers in Saudi Arabia’s black market for adult products are single or married individuals aged 25-40, including many highly educated and high-income professionals.

(3) The Dividends of Social Opening-Up Under Vision 2030

Vision 2030, proposed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to reduce reliance on oil through economic diversification and promote moderate social opening-up to attract foreign investment and international talents. This vision has brought about a series of social reforms: allowing women to drive, opening cinemas and theme parks, relaxing gender segregation policies, and increasing women’s employment rate. Although these reforms have not directly touched on the field of sexual ethics, they have created a relatively relaxed social atmosphere, increasing people’s tolerance for “taboos.”

Another change brought about by social opening-up is the reconstruction of the concept of “health.” In the past, topics related to sexual health were considered shameful, and relevant needs were deliberately suppressed; today, with the improvement of public health awareness and the layout of international medical institutions in Saudi Arabia, sexual health has gradually been incorporated into the scope of “overall health.” Some international medical institutions provide sexual health guidance to Saudis through online consultations, including scientific interpretations of auxiliary tools for intimate relationships. This shift in health concepts has led some people to face up to the “health attributes” of adult products, viewing them as reasonable tools to improve quality of life and maintain intimate relationships, rather than mere “tools of lust.”

II. Ancient Precepts: A Solid Defense Built by Religion and Culture

Faced with the impact of modern desires, Saudi Arabia’s ancient precepts have not wavered. Religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and social structures have jointly built a solid defense, pinning adult products firmly on the pillar of “taboo.” The core of this defense is the perseverance of Islamic faith and cultural purity.

(1) The Absolute Authority of Religious Precepts

As Saudi Arabia’s state religion, Islam’s teachings on sexual ethics hold unshakable absolute authority. The Quran strictly confines sex within the bounds of legal marriage, emphasizing that the purposes of sex are procreation and maintaining spousal affection. Any sexual expression or auxiliary tools beyond this scope are deemed a violation of Allah’s will. The Wahhabi sect, as the mainstream sect, interprets the teachings more strictly, classifying adult products as “heretical inventions against nature,” arguing that they induce lust, corrupt morality, and undermine the purity of religious faith.

The fatwa issued by the Council of Senior Scholars, Saudi Arabia’s highest religious authority, provides clear religious basis for this taboo. The special fatwa released in 2010 explicitly states that adult products are “Haram (forbidden items),” and that not only individuals should resolutely stay away from them, but the state also has the responsibility to prohibit them through legal and administrative means. This religious ruling penetrates all aspects of social life: in Friday sermons at mosques, clergy repeatedly emphasize “staying away from items that violate the teachings”; in school education, textbooks clearly list adult products as “symbols of moral degradation”; within families, elders admonish younger generations that “touching taboos will bring shame to the family.” In Saudi society, where religious beliefs are deeply rooted, these precepts exert strong binding force, making most people innately reject adult products.

(2) “Sexual Shame” and Gender Order in Cultural Traditions

The deep-rooted concept of “sexual shame” in Saudi culture is an important cultural support for the ban on adult products. In this culture, “sex” is regarded as a highly private topic that cannot be publicly discussed. Any public expression or commercialization related to sex is considered “shameful” and “immoral.” As “materialized commodities of sex,” the production, sale, and circulation of adult products inevitably involve the publicization and commercialization of sex, directly touching the cultural bottom line of “sexual shame.”

At the same time, adult products are also seen as a challenge to the traditional gender order. Saudi Arabia’s traditional gender concepts emphasize “male dominance and female passivity,” and women’s sexual needs are regarded as “inappropriate” and “needing suppression.” The existence of adult products, especially those used by women, is considered a symbol of “women actively pursuing sexual satisfaction,” which conflicts sharply with traditional gender role cognition. In Saudi society, women’s core value is defined as “mothers, wives, and guardians of the family,” while adult products are seen as a deviation from this core value, potentially leading women “astray” and thus must be prohibited.

(3) The Suppression of Individual Desires by Collectivism

Saudi Arabia’s collectivist social structure exerts strong suppression on individual desires through multiple bonds such as families, tribes, and religious communities. In this social structure, an individual’s behavior not only represents themselves but is also closely linked to the honor of the family and tribe. If a person is found using or possessing adult products, they will not only face legal penalties but also be regarded as “morally corrupt,” bringing shame to the family, and may even be ostracized by the family and isolated from the community.

This collective pressure leads most people to suppress their individual desires. A Saudi man participating in a survey said: “I know people in some countries can buy such products freely, but in Saudi Arabia, it’s impossible. If I were caught, my family would be ashamed, and my work and social life would be affected. It’s not worth risking for a moment of desire.” This mentality is widespread—in the trade-off between collective honor and individual desires, the vast majority of Saudis choose to submit to collective interests and suppress their own needs. This suppression by collectivism prevents modern desires from being transformed into open, legal demands, and they can only exist in a hidden way in the black market.

III. Conflict Reconciliation: Gray Areas and Social Game Under the Ban

The conflict between modern desires and ancient precepts has not led to the division of Saudi society, but has formed a unique “gray area”—the ban remains the mainstream rule, but under strict control, there are hidden expressions of needs and limited policy flexibility. The existence of this gray area is not only the result of social games but also a way for Saudi Arabia to seek balance between tradition and modernity.

(1) Hidden Transactions in the Black Market

Despite the strict control of adult products by Saudi Customs and police, hidden transactions in the black market still exist. These transactions mainly take place through the following channels: first, cross-border smuggling—unscrupulous elements disguise adult products as health equipment or electronic devices, smuggle them into the country by land or sea, and then sell them through private social networks; second, personal purchasing—some Saudis or foreigners working or studying abroad carry a small amount of adult products when returning to the country and transfer them within their circle of acquaintances; third, online black markets—establish sales groups through encrypted social software (such as Telegram), where buyers and sellers trade anonymously, and payments are made through cryptocurrencies to evade supervision.

The scale of black market transactions is difficult to statistics, but their activity is evident from relevant cases. In 2023, Riyadh police cracked a cross-border smuggling ring that smuggled adult products disguised as “beauty instruments” into Saudi Arabia through the United Arab Emirates, with sales amounting to 1.5 million Saudi Riyals in six months. Buyers included middle and high-income groups in multiple Saudi cities. The existence of such underground transactions reflects the tenacity of modern desires—even under strict bans, the needs of some people are still met through hidden ways. However, underground transactions also carry many risks: unguaranteed product quality, high prices, potential fraud during transactions, and severe penalties for both buyers and sellers if caught.

(2) Limited Flexibility in Policy Implementation

While adhering to the core principles of the ban, Saudi Arabia’s policy implementation has begun to show limited flexibility, mainly reflected in the control of “non-explicit adult products.” With the upgrading of disguise technology for adult products, the line between some products and ordinary health equipment or beauty tools has become increasingly blurred—such as beauty instruments with massage functions and muscle relaxers. These products have similar functions to adult products but can also be interpreted as ordinary daily necessities.

For such products in the “gray area,” Saudi Customs’ enforcement standards have begun to show a certain degree of flexibility. If a product has a clear legal purpose and is not explicitly listed in the prohibited list, customs may allow its import; however, if the product’s design or promotional copy clearly indicates sexual auxiliary functions, it will still be intercepted. For example, a waist massager from an international brand, with its compact design and multiple vibration modes, is used by some as an auxiliary sexual tool. However, since its main promotion is the function of “relieving muscle fatigue” with relevant certifications, Saudi Customs has not explicitly listed it as a prohibited item but conducts case-by-case judgments based on actual circumstances. This limited flexibility not only maintains the core principles of the ban but also avoids excessive interference in the import of ordinary daily necessities, reflecting pragmatic considerations in policy implementation.

(3) Generational Differences and the Slow Change of Social Consensus

The game between modern desires and ancient precepts shows obvious generational differences. Older Saudis, deeply influenced by traditional religion and culture, still hold an “absolute rejection” attitude toward adult products, believing that the ban is a necessary means to maintain social morality and cultural purity; the younger generation, especially those with higher education and international exchange experience, have a more diverse attitude toward adult products. Some have begun to question the rationality of the ban, arguing that “individual private needs should not be excessively interfered with.”

This generational difference is slowly changing social consensus. On Saudi Arabia’s internet social platforms, although public discussions about adult products are still prohibited, discussions about “sexual health” and “intimate relationships” have gradually increased. Some civil society organizations implicitly disseminate sexual health knowledge through online channels in the name of “health popularization,” including scientific interpretations of auxiliary tools for intimate relationships. This slow change does not mean that the ban will be relaxed in the short term, but reflects a gradual shift in social mentality—as the younger generation gradually becomes the backbone of society, the public’s tolerance for “taboos” may further increase, and respect for individual needs may also grow.

IV. The Profound Propositions Behind the Game: The Modernization Dilemma of Traditional Societies

The game of adult products crossing Saudi Arabia’s red line is essentially a universal dilemma faced by traditional societies in the process of modernization. This dilemma is not unique to Saudi Arabia but may be encountered by all traditional societies undergoing modern transformation. Its core propositions include three aspects:

(1) Balancing Individual Freedom and Collective Beliefs

One of the core characteristics of modernization is the awakening of individual consciousness, emphasizing individual freedom and rights; while the core of traditional society lies in collective beliefs and interests, emphasizing individual submission to the collective. Saudi Arabia’s ban on adult products is essentially a restriction of individual freedom by collective beliefs—in order to safeguard the collective interests of religious beliefs and social ethics, individual private needs are restricted. This restriction is reasonable in traditional societies, but in the process of modernization, it will trigger conflicts when individual consciousness awakens.

How to find a balance between individual freedom and collective beliefs is a core proposition facing Saudi Arabia. Completely abandoning collective beliefs will lead to social disorder and the loss of cultural identity; completely suppressing individual freedom will stifle social vitality and hinder the modernization process. Saudi Arabia’s choice is to “adhere to core beliefs and moderately accommodate individual needs”—on the premise of not touching the core principles of religious teachings, it provides limited accommodation for individual needs and eases conflicts through black markets and policy flexibility. Although this balance has many problems, it is a realistic choice for Saudi society at the current stage.

(2) Compatibility Between Cultural Purity and Globalization

Globalization has brought about the cross-border flow of goods, capital, information, and culture, inevitably leading to collisions and integration between different cultures. For a country with a strong cultural identity like Saudi Arabia, how to maintain the purity of its own culture in the wave of globalization is another important proposition. Adult products are regarded as products of Western “sexual liberation” culture, and prohibiting them is seen by Saudi Arabia as an important means to safeguard the purity of Islamic culture.

However, the development and inheritance of culture are not limited to “rejection.” A truly strong culture can not only adhere to its core values but also tolerate and absorb beneficial elements from foreign cultures. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has reflected this attempt at compatibility—while promoting economic globalization and moderate social opening-up, it adheres to the core values of Islamic culture. In the future, Saudi Arabia needs to conduct more explorations at the cultural level: how to distinguish between “beneficial elements” and “harmful elements” in foreign cultures, how to organically integrate modern elements with traditional culture, and allow culture to develop while adhering to its roots and remain pure while opening up.

(3) The Adaptation of Legal Policies to Social Reality

The vitality of legal policies lies in their adaptation to social reality. Saudi Arabia’s ban on adult products is a policy formulated based on traditional social reality, but with social changes, a certain disconnect has emerged between this policy and social reality—the existence of black markets and the awakening of needs among some groups all indicate that the ban cannot completely curb relevant demands.

How to adapt legal policies to social reality is the third proposition facing Saudi Arabia. Completely abolishing the ban is inconsistent with Saudi Arabia’s current religious and cultural reality; maintaining the status quo will lead to the proliferation of black markets and damage the authority of the law. A possible optimization direction is “refined control”: while clearly prohibiting core adult products, adopt a more flexible control method for some products with multiple functions that do not explicitly target sexual assistance; strengthen the popularization of sexual health education to guide the public to establish scientific sexual concepts; and provide limited, religiously ethical auxiliary tools for intimate relationships to married couples through legal channels. This refined control can not only maintain the authority of legal policies but also better respond to social reality needs, achieving positive interaction between policies and reality.

V. Conclusion: Saudi Society Advancing Through Perseverance and Compromise

The game between modern desires and ancient precepts has no winners or losers, but rather promotes Saudi society to move forward through perseverance and compromise. As the materialized carrier of this game, adult products reveal the complexity and difficulty of the modernization transformation of traditional societies—it is not a non-black-or-white revolution, but a long and gradual adaptation process.

Saudi Arabia’s choice is neither to blindly embrace modernity at the expense of tradition nor to cling to tradition and reject modernity, but to find a path suitable for itself between the two. The core of this path is to adhere to the core bottom line of Islamic faith and cultural identity while moderately accommodating the individual needs and social changes brought about by modernization. Although the ban remains the mainstream rule for now, and black markets and policy flexibility are only limited compromises, behind these compromises lies the slow change of social mentality, the gradual respect for individual needs, and the initial integration of tradition and modernity.

In the future, with the in-depth advancement of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the further improvement of social openness, this game may present new dynamics: the implementation of the ban may become more refined, interference in individual private spaces may decrease, the scale of the black market may gradually shrink, and there may even be some legal products that comply with religious ethics and social norms. However, regardless of how things change, Islamic faith and cultural traditions will remain the core background of Saudi society. The red line touched by adult products is essentially a perseverance of this core background.

For the outside world, understanding Saudi Arabia’s ban on adult products requires breaking away from the binary opposition of “freedom vs. conservatism,” respecting Saudi Arabia’s unique historical, religious, and cultural background, and recognizing that this ban is a rational choice made by Saudi society based on its own reality. For Saudi Arabia itself, this game is an inevitable path of modernization transformation—only by finding a balance between tradition and modernity can it achieve social stability and development, adhere to its cultural identity in the wave of globalization, and embrace the vitality and opportunities of modernization. This game will continue, but it is certain that Saudi society will forge its own path of modernization through perseverance and compromise.