Saudi Arabia bans photos, videos at Islam’s two holiest sites

Government in Saudi Arabia has banned pilgrims from taking photos and videos at the Islam’s two holiest sites.

According to the Saudi General Directorate of Press and Information, the decision to prohibit photos and videos in Makkah’s Masjid al-Haram, known as the Great Mosque of Makkah , and Madina's Masjid-e-Nabawi, or 'The Prophet's Mosque,' was taken by the Saudi foreign ministry on Nov. 12, 2017.

Saudi authorities cited disturbance of worshippers at the mosques as another reason for the introduction of the ban.

"In the event of a violation of the ban, imposed to ensure the carrying out of worship in a healthier way, tools used to take photos and videos will be confiscated and legal action will be taken," the statement said.

According to foreign media reports, the Saudi foreign ministryand has informed the foreign embassies about its decision.

Last week, a picture of an Israeli man in The Prophet's Mosque caused uproar on Arab and Muslim social media.