Saudi Arabia Imposes Full Ban on Photography Inside Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi
Riyadh | December 9, 2025
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a complete ban on photography and video recording inside the two holiest mosques—Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah—in an effort to maintain order, privacy, and spiritual focus for pilgrims.
According to the Ministry, all forms of photography—selfies, group photos, mobile phone videos, professional camera recordings, and any other visual documentation—are now prohibited within the premises of both mosques. The policy marks a significant shift from previous guidelines that merely discouraged unnecessary photography.
Reason for the Ban: Growing Concerns Over Disruptions
Officials stated that the decision follows mounting concerns over disruptions caused by photography, particularly during peak worship hours. In recent years, the rising trend of capturing photos inside the mosques has led to:
