Ramadan 2025: Saudi Arabia bans promotional activities during iftar at Islam's holiest sites

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has issued new guidelines banning all advertising and promotional activities during the distribution of iftar meals at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. These regulations aim to preserve the sanctity and focus on spiritual hospitality during Ramadan while ensuring health and Shariah compliance.

TL;DR:

• Promotional activities are prohibited during iftar meal distribution at the Two Holy Mosques. Permit holders must comply with designated distribution zones and maintain hygiene and Shariah standards.
  
  
  
• Only legally registered organizations are allowed to obtain permits and serve meals.
  
  
• Violations lead to warnings, permit revocation, and exclusion from further meal distribution during Ramadan.
  

New guidelines announced
The General Authority recently released a procedural guide detailing the conditions to obtain permits for distributing iftar meals at Islam’s holiest sites, the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid al-Nabawi) in Medina. The guidelines strictly prohibit all advertising or marketing efforts during meal service to maintain an environment centered on worship and charity.
Applicants must be legally registered with appropriate authorities and submit detailed plans that meet both health and religious (Shariah) standards. Permit holders are required to serve meals within assigned zones and uphold high standards of cleanliness and public hygiene. Meals offered must be approved by the Authority, and permits are non-transferable, underscoring strict control over food distribution.

Right to revoke permits at any time
The Authority reserves the right to revoke any permit immediately if violations occur. First-time infractions trigger a written warning, while repeated breaches result in permit cancellation and disqualification from distributing iftar meals for the rest of Ramadan. Such measures reflect Saudi Arabia’s broader commitment to ensure order, respect, and public health during peak times of the holy month.
This move aligns with previous efforts to modernize crowd management, food safety, and religious customs during Ramadan across the Kingdom, emphasizing solemnity and service free from commercial influences. By eliminating commercial distractions and enforcing strict sanitary standards, the Kingdom aims to foster an atmosphere of devotion and respect in its holiest mosques.

FAQ
Q. What is the new ban related to iftar meals at the Two Holy Mosques?
Advertising and promotional activities are prohibited during the distribution of iftar meals at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.

Q. Who needs permits under the new iftar meal distribution guidelines?
Only legally registered organizations and individuals with health and Shariah-compliant meal distribution plans can obtain permits to serve iftar meals.

Q. What are the penalties for violating the new regulations?
First offenses receive written warnings, while repeated violations lead to permit revocation and disqualification from serving iftar meals for the rest of Ramadan.

Q. Why were these new guidelines introduced?
To preserve the sanctity and spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan, ensure hygiene and health standards, and prevent commercial exploitation at the holy sites.