JEDDAH – Saudi Arabia is gearing up for the start of the Holy month of Ramadan on March 11, 2024, which typically sees a surge in passengers as Muslims engage in additional prayers seeking forgiveness and closeness to Allah.

In preparation for Ramadan, Saudi Arabian authorities have introduced new guidelines for iftar providers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

For the year 2024, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has invited applications for iftar meal service providers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah during Ramadan.

Under the updated guidelines, the Kingdom has restricted iftar banquets inside mosques across the country during Ramadan, and donations for iftar services by Imams are no longer permitted.

These measures aim to maintain cleanliness in mosques and stipulate that banquets should be held in designated areas within courtyards.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia has implemented stricter rules regarding the use of cameras inside mosques, prohibiting the filming of Imams during prayers or worshippers during prayer broadcasts through various media channels.

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Imams have been encouraged to keep Taraweeh prayers brief and to focus on delivering sermons that emphasize the rules of fasting and the virtues of Ramadan to worshippers.