Saudi Arabia bans photography in Masjid al-Haram, Masjid an-Nabawi

RIYADH (Dunya News)- Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially announced a total ban on photography and video recording inside the two holy mosques.

Under the new regulations, worshippers will not be allowed to take pictures or record videos using mobile phones, professional cameras, or any other recording equipment within Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah.

The Ministry emphasized that this decision has been taken after growing concerns regarding visitor behavior and the disruptions caused during busy hours of worship.

Officials explained that in recent years, the increasing trend of taking selfies, group photos, and videos inside the mosques has led to serious crowding issues, blocked pathways, and unnecessary delays during prayer times.

Many worshippers complained that photography often invades their personal space, distracts their attention during sacred rituals, and sometimes even leads to arguments.

The Ministry clarified that the new policy is meant to restore an atmosphere of peace, concentration, and respect for all pilgrims. While earlier guidelines merely advised visitors to avoid unnecessary photography and to respect others privacy, the growing problems have now pushed authorities to convert those guidelines into a full-scale prohibition.

Security personnel stationed inside the mosques will enforce the ban, ensuring that all worshippers comply. The rule will also extend to other significant locations along the Hajj route to maintain uniform order and discipline.

A senior Ministry official stated that both local authorities and several international delegations had raised concerns about disturbances caused by excessive photography. The decision, therefore, aims to ensure a safe, organized, and spiritually immersive experience for millions of pilgrims visiting the holy sites each year.