TO GO WITH AFP STORY BY ABDELHADI HABTOUR A picture taken June 12, 2013 shows Saudi Arabian women arguing in front of a mall in the capital, Riyadh. Saudi women are seeking to break into many areas of work that are dominated by men, from the aviation sector to business, sales and law, despite the social challenges and difficulties. AFP PHOTO/FAYEZ NURELDINE (Photo credit should read FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP/Getty Images)

Saudi Arabia has imposed a total ban on advertisements for energy drinks and prohibited their sale in educational and sports facilities and government buildings due to health concerns, local press reported Tuesday.

The decision was taken following an interior ministry study of the "adverse effects of energy drinks," English-language daily Arab News said, without naming any of the brands affected.

The ban on advertisements and promotions includes all print, audio and visual media, Arab News said citing a government statement.

Energy drink companies will no longer be allowed to sponsor social, cultural and sporting events, and will have to put health warning labels on their products, it said.

The sale of the drinks will also be banned at public and private sports clubs in the Gulf kingdom.

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