Saudi Arabia has relaxed several laws in order to attract more tourists, but in the face of a massive influx, particularly during Ramadan, the Kingdom has implemented new photography restrictions at Holy mosques.
Millions of Muslims from all over the world visit the Holy Cities of Mecca and Madina each year for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, but the vast majority are unaware of the Arab nation’s rules and regulations.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued new guidelines for pilgrims on photographing and filming videos at Islam’s holiest sites in this regard.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, due to the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques, pilgrims must follow photography etiquette while respecting the rights of others.
The three guidelines shared on the Twitter handle stated:
- Pilgrims are not allowed to take pictures of other people without their consent
- Pilgrims are not allowed to take pictures of other people while they are praying
- Pilgrims are directed not to disturb other people during worship
في الحرمين الشريفين، نُراعي قدسيّة المكان، لذا نتحلّى بآداب التصوير، ونحفظ حقوق الآخرين.#يسر_وطمأنينة #مكة_والمدينة_في_انتظاركم_بشوق pic.twitter.com/Y9hmGyPKIH
— وزارة الحج والعمرة (@HajMinistry) March 25, 2023
Earlier, the Saudi government banned performing Umrah more than once during Ramadan, it was revealed on Saturday.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stated that pilgrims are not permitted to repeat Umrah during Ramadan; the kingdom attracts millions of pilgrims during the holy month, and the ban has been implemented to allow all pilgrims to perform the rituals with ease and comfort.
Using the Nusuk app, pilgrims can obtain an Umrah permit for the specified time period. The administration has clarified that there is no option to change the Umrah date, but pilgrims can cancel their appointment through the Nusuk app before entering the permitted time, and a new permit will be issued.
