Saudi Arabia's cabinet has decided to prohibit advertising and promotion of energy drinks in the kingdom, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

The decision was taken following a review of a report submitted by the Minister of Interior on the adverse effects of energy drinks, it said.

The decsion bans advertising or promotional campaigns for any energy drink via any readable, audible or visible media organ or by any other means.

It also prohibits energy drinks companies, their agents, distributors and marketing associations from sponsoring any sporting, social or cultural event, or taking any procedure leading to promotion of their products.

Under the new decision, free distribution of energy drinks to consumers of all age groups is also banned.

It also prohibits the sale of energy drinks in restaurants and canteens in government facilities; education and health facilities; halls and public and private sports clubs.

Energy drink manufacturers and importers will have to put warning labels in Arabic and English on their products outlining their harmful effects, the report said.