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 press conference dedicated to the “Friendship” Festival, timed to the Day of Friendship of Peoples celebrated on July 30th, was held at the National Press Center of Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo IA.
Event was attended by the leadership of the Committee, representatives of national cultural centers, friendship societies, Brother Cities Alliance, as well as media representatives.
During the press conference, information was presented on the primary goals and objectives of the festival, as well as on the cultural, educational, scientific, practical and public events planned within its framework.
Special attention was paid to one of the key events of the festival — the First International Brother Cities Forum. It was noted that the forum will take place on July 24-25 in the ancient yet contemporary city of Samarkand. Around 100 foreign guests from nearly 30 states, including scholars, representatives of international organizations and other foreign participants, are expected to attend.
Press conference especially highlighted the significance of the festival as an important platform for strengthening interethnic harmony, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance and promoting public diplomacy in Uzbekistan.
It is worth recalling that by decision of the UN General Assembly, July 30 is designated as the Day of Friendship of Peoples. In this regard, this date is celebrated annually worldwide as International Day of Friendship.