The Secretariat of the Holy Capital has implemented a strict ban on feeding pigeons in Mecca and Medina, with violators facing fines of 1,000 Saudi riyals.
The new regulation, announced to protect public health and maintain environmental cleanliness in Islam’s two holiest cities.
The secretariat has established continuous monitoring programs to enforce the ban and is encouraging citizens and visitors to participate in reporting violations.
Individuals can photograph offenders and submit evidence to local police, creating a community-based enforcement system.

Officials cite concerns about disease transmission, property damage, and environmental pollution as primary reasons for the prohibition.
The initiative represents the latest in a series of measures to enhance urban quality and public health standards in the holy cities, which host millions of pilgrims annually.
Previous regulations have addressed street vending, waste management, and public behavior to preserve the sanctity and cleanliness of the religious sites.
Municipal officials emphasized that the ban particularly targets areas around the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque, where large pigeon populations have historically gathered due to public feeding.
A certificate awarding ceremony for 20 imam-khatibs from Uzbekistan who successfully completed a two-week advanced training program was held at the “Al-Azhar” International Academy in Egypt, reports Dunyo IA.
During the training, representatives of the religious sphere deepened their scientific and religious knowledge, became acquainted with the intellectual heritage of “Al-Azhar” and studied its educational experience and teaching methodologies.
Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Academy Dr. Hassan Al-Saghir emphasized that the program was conducted under the constant attention of the head of the “Al-Azhar” complex, Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb. According to him, the Sheikh personally monitored the course of the training and received daily reports, which testifies to the high importance that the “Al-Azhar” leadership attaches to cooperation with religious figures of Uzbekistan.
In addition, the Uzbek delegation was received by Dr. Hasan El-Shafei, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars of “Al-Azhar” and the Council of Muslim Elder. During the meeting, a conversation took place regarding science, religious enlightenment and the responsibility of members of the clergy.
Within the framework of the trip, the imam-khatibs also visited the “Al-Azhar” and Imam Hussein mosques, where they were able to view revered relics, including the blessed sword and other historical monuments.
Following the program, it was noted that the further development of religious and educational cooperation between Uzbekistan and Egypt will contribute to strengthening friendly ties between the two peoples, as well as expanding opportunities for Uzbek youth to receive education at one of the most authoritative Islamic educational centers in the world.