Saudi Arabia has officially barred the use of drones for photography and video coverage during the upcoming 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, except where express permission has been granted by relevant authorities. This latest development was confirmed during a high-level media engagement hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
Hassan Al-Manakhra, Deputy Minister for Foreign Relations at the Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministry, made the announcement while addressing a gathering of international media professionals. He emphasized that any aerial footage during the pilgrimage season must be strictly regulated to preserve the sanctity of the holy sites and ensure the safety of millions of pilgrims who converge on Makkah each year. Al-Manakhra stressed that permits must be obtained in advance before any drone operations can take place, adding that security and privacy considerations underpin the decision.
The workshop, which was aimed at strengthening media collaboration and addressing communication bottlenecks ahead of Hajj 1447 (2026), saw active participation from journalists across the region. Several attendees expressed concern over challenges in accessing timely and reliable information during previous pilgrimages. Responding to these concerns, some members of the press suggested the establishment of a centralized media centre dedicated to real-time coordination between journalists and Saudi officials.
Al-Manakhra urged media practitioners to work closely with the Ministry to ensure pilgrims receive only verified and accurate information. He noted that proper dissemination of credible updates plays a vital role in helping pilgrims perform their religious rites with clarity and peace of mind. He reiterated that disinformation or unverified reporting can cause unnecessary confusion, particularly during a spiritually sensitive period.
Moath, a senior media official at the Ministry, reaffirmed that verified updates regarding Hajj are accessible through official Saudi government platforms. These include the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s website, its certified social media handles, the Saudi Ministry of Media, and the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), which remains the Kingdom’s official news outlet.
In a related development, the Ministry also reminded stakeholders that the installation of surveillance systems, such as closed-circuit television (CCTV), inside hotels and lodging facilities in both Makkah and Medina must receive prior clearance from the Saudi General Authority for Media Regulation. This directive aims to balance security oversight with respect for pilgrims’ privacy and local media laws.
The event concluded with a call for journalists and media outlets worldwide to rely strictly on official spokespersons, verified data, and established communication channels as preparations intensify for the 2026 pilgrimage. Authorities reiterated their commitment to curbing misinformation, enhancing transparency, and maintaining the spiritual dignity of one of Islam’s most sacred obligations.
With millions expected to perform Hajj in 2026, the Saudi government continues to fine-tune its coordination strategies, ensuring that pilgrims not only complete their religious journey safely but are also well-informed every step of the way.
