1,000 Riyal Fine Imposed for Feeding Pigeons near Masjid al Haram
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.
Japan hosts presentation of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan
Embassy of Uzbekistan, in cooperation with the Center, organized Japan’s first large-scale presentation of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tokyo, reports Dunyo IA.
Event was attended by representatives of Japanese educational and cultural institutions, private companies, tourism organizations, diplomats from Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, researchers, media representatives, as well as Uzbek compatriots and students residing in Japan.
During the presentation, it was highlighted that the Center of Islamic Civilization, established at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, will serve as an international platform for studying Islamic enlightenment, science, and culture, as well as for fostering dialogue among civilizations.
Event showcased comprehensive materials on the rich historical and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan, the foundational contributions of great scholars such as Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Tirmidhi and Imam al-Maturidi to the development of Islamic jurisprudence and science, as well as the significant role of Amir Temur and the Temurid dynasty in world history.
Professor Tursunali Kuziev, Advisor to the Director of the Center, delivered a keynote address entitled “Toward the future through enlightenment”, detailing the significance of preserving cultural heritage, restoring historical memory and strengthening international dialogue.
Professor Manabu Shimizu of the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO) in Japan underscored the importance of Uzbekistan's Third Renaissance concept and the advancement of cooperation among diverse civilizations, including Japan.
Within the framework of the event, a promotional documentary on the Center of Islamic Civilization was screened, alongside video presentations on Uzbekistan's prominent scholars and a photographic exhibition dedicated to the country's cultural heritage and architectural monuments.
