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.
The Republic of Uzbekistan is proudly represented by its national pavilion at the "Riyadh International Book Fair 2025", taking place in the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.
The event is organized with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Riyadh, Alisher Navoi National Library, the Center of Islamic Civilization, Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, and leading publishing houses of the country.
The pavilion showcases both contemporary and classical publications, scholarly works, and illustrated albums dedicated to the history, culture, and spiritual heritage of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Of particular interest to visitors is a replica of the renowned Ottoman Quran preserved in Tashkent, as well as rare facsimiles of ancient manuscripts and archival documents.
In addition to the book exhibition, visitors have the opportunity to experience the richness of Uzbek culture and folk art: traditional suzani embroidery and national jewelry are on display, alongside works by miniature artists and artisans, ceramics, and traditional clothing. The pavilion also features calligraphy art, offers tastings of Uzbek dried fruits and natural sweets, and hosts an exhibition of folk crafts and decorative-applied arts.
Uzbekistan pavilion attracts significant attention from visitors. It is frequented not only by general attendees of the fair but also by entrepreneurs who take the opportunity to explore the country’s cultural exhibits while simultaneously engaging in business negotiations aimed at enhancing trade, economic, and investment cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.