Saudi authorities have introduced a SAR 1,000 fine for feeding pigeons around the holy mosques to uphold cleanliness and public health. The feeding pigeons fine aims to curb litter and disease spread.
MAKKAH/MADINAH — Authorities in Makkah and Madinah have introduced a SAR 1,000 fine for anyone caught feeding pigeons in the vicinity of the two holy mosques. The decision, taken by municipal authorities, is part of a larger initiative to protect public health and ensure environmental hygiene in the sacred cities. The feeding pigeons fine is aimed at discouraging a common practice that often leads to leftover food, attracting pests and increasing the risk of disease transmission.
Spots like Kabootar Chowk and surrounding courtyards frequently see flocks of pigeons where locals and pilgrims gather to feed them, sometimes as an act of goodwill or tradition. However, authorities say the seemingly innocent gesture has escalated into a public sanitation challenge. The birdfeed and food scraps left behind contribute to waste accumulation, interfere with routine cleaning, and pose health risks to the millions of pilgrims who visit annually.
Public awareness campaigns and clearly marked signs have already been rolled out across affected zones to inform residents and visitors of the updated regulation. Officials have clarified that the feeding pigeons fine is not meant to punish, but rather to encourage responsible conduct in public spaces that carry spiritual and cultural importance. Citizens are also being encouraged to report violations, with photographs and locations, to help maintain the rule.
This move falls in line with broader efforts by Saudi Arabia to elevate the standard of cleanliness and orderliness in high-traffic areas, particularly those tied to religious tourism. By enforcing the fine, local authorities aim to ensure that the holy atmosphere of the cities is preserved and that pilgrim safety and public health are prioritised.
