New Rule Targets Crowd Control and Pilgrim Privacy
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that, starting with the upcoming Hajj season, all photography and video recording will be completely prohibited inside the Grand Mosque (Masjid al‑Haram) and the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid al‑Nabawi). The ban applies to mobile phones, professional cameras and any other recording devices.
According to the ministry, the practice had been causing extra congestion, interrupting prayers, distracting worshippers and infringing on pilgrims’ privacy. The goal of the restriction is to create a calmer, safer environment for everyone.
Security staff will enforce the decision rigorously, and the same rule will extend to other sacred sites along the Hajj route.
