New rules for taking photos in Masjid al-Haram

RIYADH: The Saudi authorities have formulated rules for taking photos at Masjid al-Haram, the grand Mosque in Makkah.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has encouraged worshippers to take photos quickly and avoid causing disruptions to others.

Many pilgrims wish to capture their experience at this sacred site, home to the Holy Kaaba, by taking photos or videos on their mobile devices to cherish as lasting memories.

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In outlining the guidelines, the ministry advised worshippers to refrain from photographing those engaged in prayer or other pilgrims without their consent.

They are also urged not to linger too long while taking pictures to ensure the flow of worshippers remains uninterrupted. It is better to spend more time in worship collectively instead of wasting valuable time on photography or selfies.

The current Umrah season, available year-round, began in late June following the annual Hajj pilgrimage, attracting around 1.8 million Muslims from around the world.

Last year, approximately 13.5 million individuals performed Umrah, and the kingdom aims to welcome 15 million pilgrims next year.