Photography is prohibited inside the Two Holy Mosques: New directives issued to 7498 associations
The National Center for the Development of the Non-Profit Sector issued strict directives prohibiting all members of charitable associations and institutions from taking photographs inside the Two Holy Mosques. This regulatory step aims to control media practices within the holy sites. The decision encompasses a wide network of non-profit entities, with the circular being sent to 7,498 organizations, including charitable associations, family trusts, and private institutions, emphasizing the need for immediate compliance with these instructions.
Guidelines for the use of visual and spatial identity
The new regulations include a strict ban on using images of the Two Holy Mosques, particularly the Kaaba, in any advertising or promotional materials belonging to these associations. The ban also extends to the exploitation of images of employees of the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, or portraying the services provided by the Authority as if they were part of the associations' activities. This measure aims to prevent any overlap in responsibilities or misleading the public into believing that the third sector has regulatory roles outside its purview, thus ensuring clarity regarding roles and responsibilities.
Enhancing the sanctity of the place and the visitor experience
In a related context, this step reinforces the sanctity and spirituality of the holy sites, as caring for pilgrims and providing them with an atmosphere of devotion is a top priority for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Historically, relevant authorities have always sought to regulate haphazard media documentation that could impede the flow of Tawaf and Sa'i or distract worshippers. Regulating photography within the Two Holy Mosques serves the best interests of visitors and pilgrims, ensuring they can perform their rituals in complete tranquility, free from camera flashes and promotional practices that could detract from the purely devotional nature of the place.
Governance of charitable work and the goals of the vision
In terms of its regulatory impact, this decision reflects the National Center for Non-Profit Sector Development's commitment to raising governance and transparency standards, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The clear separation between charitable work and the sovereign and regulatory responsibilities of the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques contributes to building a more professional and reliable non-profit sector. Preventing the exploitation of the Two Holy Mosques' symbols in marketing for associations protects these entities from accusations of exploiting religious sentiment and directs their focus toward the quality of their actual development programs and initiatives.
It is worth noting that these directives apply to a huge base of entities, distributed among 5,889 charitable associations, 995 family funds, and 614 charitable institutions, which makes the impact of this regulation wide-ranging and influential in the Saudi charitable work landscape.
