Saudi Arabia has announced a complete prohibition on photography and videography inside Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah for the Hajj 2026 (1447H) season. The ban covers all devices capable of capturing images or video — including mobile phones, digital cameras, professional recording equipment — and applies to both indoor and outdoor spaces of the two holy mosques.
According to authorities, this measure has been introduced to protect pilgrim privacy, maintain the spiritual sanctity of the sacred sites, and ensure smoother crowd movement during one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.
Background and Reasons for the Ban
The decision was jointly reviewed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, and the Ministry of Interior, following a rise in concerns related to excessive photography during peak worship periods. The main objectives include:
1. Preserving the Sacred Environment
Photo-taking, content creation, and frequent selfie attempts have increasingly disrupted the spiritual atmosphere inside both mosques.
2. Ensuring Pilgrim Privacy
With millions gathered in close quarters, unauthorized recording often leads to privacy breaches and formal complaints.
3. Preventing Safety and Congestion Issues
Security teams have reported dangerous crowd slowdowns caused by people stopping near high-traffic areas, including the Kaaba, Rawdah, entrances, and Tawaf/Sa’i pathways.
4. Building on Earlier Restrictions
Saudi authorities first introduced photography limitations in 2017, reinforced them in 2024, and expanded them in 2025 to Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. The 2026 policy represents the first fully comprehensive ban enforced specifically for the Hajj period.
What Is Not Allowed Under the New Policy?
During Hajj 2026, the following activities are strictly prohibited within both holy mosques:
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Mobile phone photography
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Any type of video recording
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Selfies or group photos
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Use of GoPro, DSLR, or mirrorless cameras
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Livestreaming on social media
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Holding phones above crowds
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Influencer-style or commercial content creation
The ban will remain in effect throughout the Hajj 2026 season to ensure safety, respect, and a spiritually focused environment for all pilgrims.
