AusLeisure

The Pokémon Go phenomena is reportedly creating challenges at Saudi Arabia and Islam’s holiest location, with people spotted playing the game outside the gates of the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

It has divided opinion among members of the public, judges and religious scholars, with some claiming it is a violation of the sanctity of the Grand Mosque and should be banned, according to reports in local media.

The Saudi Gazette reported that Pokémon Go ‘points of collection’ – where players can virtually ‘scoop up’ characters in the game – are being found in and around the Grand Mosque.

It has been reported that one of the ‘fighting grounds’ in the race to capture characters with the Japanese smartphone app is atop the Kaaba, the building at the centre of the Grand Mosque, and the Mataf, the newly constructed area around it.

According to Sheikh Abdullah Al Munea, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars, this poses a threat to security.

Sheikh Abdullah was quoted as stating “the game is a national security hazard as it aims to uncover secret locations, which is considered treason,” he was quoted as saying.

Suhaib Khairallah, a technology expert and partner member in Microsoft Saudia, explained that Pokémon Go characters are largely found in mosques, markets and restaurants because the game covers areas where lots of people are found.

He also noted that the game was not officially available in Saudi Arabia – without explaining how some players may have gained access to it.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Issa Al Ghaith, an appeal court judge and member of Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council, stated “in general, I do not think there is anything ‘haram’ (forbidden) in [the game] as it is.”

Earlier this month, authorities in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait warned of security dangers associated with playing the hugely successful app.

The UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) said in a statement that Pokémon Go allows criminal groups such as hackers to spy on users and know when they are in isolated places and vulnerable to burglary or other attack.

Kuwait’s Interior ministry warned users not to play the game in front of the Kuwaiti Emir’s palace, or near mosques, oil facilities and military bases.

The app has been downloaded more 50 million times since its launch in early July, according to reports. 

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