The authorities in Saudi Arabia have banned serving iftar banquets inside mosques across the kingdom during Ramadan, Gulf News reported on Friday.

The imams of mosques have also been barred from collecting donations to serve iftar to worshippers during the upcoming holy month, it added.

The moves are part of Ramadan-associated measures by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Call.

The ministry banned serving iftar inside mosques to keep them clean and directed that the banquets should be held at a designated place in courtyards.

Additionally, a ban will be in place on the use of cameras inside mosques to film the imam during prayers or the worshippers while transmitting and broadcasting prayers via different media is also banned.

Meanwhile, the imams were urged to avoid prolonging the Taraweeh prayers and to deliver sermons beneficial to worshippers especially those highlighting rules of fasting and merits of the sacred month of Ramadan.