The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia has issued a decision to completely ban photography and videography in the two holy sites of Mecca and Medina — Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
According to the ministry's official statement, as reported by “Arabi portal,” the new rule prohibits taking photos with mobile phones, using professional cameras, recording videos, and using any other imaging devices in these sacred places.
This restriction is expected to officially come into effect starting from the 2026 Hajj season. The ministry emphasized that this decision was made to prevent certain inconveniences caused by pilgrims and problems arising during crowded times.
The photography process causes delays during prayer times, interruptions in organizational procedures, and infringes on people's personal space. The main purpose of the restriction is to enable pilgrims to fully concentrate during prayer times and to maintain order and discipline in the holy sites.
According to officials, this decision was developed based on concerns expressed by local authorities and international delegations. It aims to create a comfortable and safe environment for pilgrims.
It is worth noting that in Uzbekistan, the “Hajj and Umrah Unified Portal” has been launched to simplify pilgrimage procedures, allowing citizens to register online for queues through this platform.
