SAUDI ARABIA – Saudi Arabia has introduced a sweeping ban on all forms of photography inside its two holiest mosques, Masjid al Haram in Makkah and Masjid an Nabawi in Madinah, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed.
The policy, which replaces previous voluntary guidelines, applies to mobile phones, professional cameras, and all recording devices. It is set to be strictly enforced during the upcoming Hajj season.
Officials said the decision follows concerns about pilgrim behaviour and crowd management inside the mosques.
“Photography inside prayer areas has caused congestion, delays, and disputes, particularly during peak hours,” the ministry said in a statement. “The ban is necessary to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims and maintain a focused environment during worship.”
The ministry clarified that security personnel will actively prevent anyone from taking photos or videos, and the new rule will extend to other holy sites along the Hajj route.
For years, pilgrims were urged to avoid selfies, posed shots, and photographing others without consent. The latest move, however, introduces a full prohibition enforced directly by security teams.
An official from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said the policy is a response to repeated reports of disruptions linked to photography.
“Our goal is to remove these disruptions clearly and consistently, ensuring that worshippers can focus on prayer and movement without distraction,” the official said.
The ban comes amid growing challenges posed by mobile devices, with security teams noting that pilgrims often stop, pose, or hold phones above crowds, causing bottlenecks near entrances and around the Kaaba. Disputes have reportedly arisen when pilgrims feel their privacy has been violated.
International Hajj groups have urged pilgrims to adapt to the new regulation. “Delegations will include this policy in pre-travel briefings so that movement inside the mosques remains steady,” a representative said.
The ministry confirmed that the ban will remain in effect throughout the Hajj period, with further updates communicated via official channels. Security personnel in Makkah and Madinah are already preparing to implement the new rule in coordination with mosque administrators.
The measure underscores Saudi Arabia’s effort to maintain order at the world’s most visited religious sites while minimizing friction among millions of worshippers.
