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What happened in 2016?
The claim grew out of two contemporaneous reports that presented different accounts of a reported ruling’s status.
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July 20: a report said an older ruling had been renewed
Arab News reported on July 20, 2016, that a 2001 fatwa, identified as No. 21,758, had been renewed. The report described objections that included gambling, polytheism, logos and forbidden images. Those objections were reported as reasons concerning Pokémon; they are not proof that Saudi authorities issued a ruling specifically about Pokémon GO. Arab News’s July 20 report
A contemporaneous Guardian article, credited to Agence France-Presse, also described the 2001 edict being recirculated after public questions. It noted that the edict did not specifically refer to the smartphone app, and reported objections involving gambling, evolution, and symbols associated with religions or organizations. The Guardian’s July 20 report
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- The packaging is Japanese, but item works the same as the US version.
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
July 22: a follow-up reported a denial and clarified the target
Two days later, Arab News reported that the Council of Senior Scholars denied issuing a new fatwa about the popular Pokémon game. The report said the 2001 decree concerned the Pokémon card game and did not mention Pokémon GO. Abdulmohsen Alyas, then the Ministry of Culture and Information’s undersecretary for international communication and media, said: “The Council of Senior Religious Scholars denied that it issued a new fatwa about the Pokemon game, and the media reports of that are not accurate.” Arab News’s July 22 clarification
Did Saudi Arabia ban Pokémon GO for polytheism?
The evidence supports a narrower conclusion than the headline claim: 2016 reports connected polytheism language to descriptions of an older ruling about Pokémon, while a later report said the religious council denied issuing a new fatwa and distinguished the card game from Pokémon GO. It is therefore inaccurate to state as established fact that Saudi Arabia issued a new religious ban on Pokémon GO because of polytheism.
Rank #2
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
- Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
Was there a separate concern about the app?
Yes. Saudi Arabia’s Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) separately urged caution about games and apps that use geolocation or a device camera, naming Pokémon GO and citing risks to users’ data and privacy. That was a technology and privacy warning; it is not evidence of a religious ban. CITC’s notice
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is Pokémon GO’s status in Saudi Arabia now?
The cited 2016 reports do not establish the game’s current legal status, availability, or enforcement situation in Saudi Arabia. They cannot confirm whether the game is currently accessible or whether any restriction is enforced today.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
- Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
Rank #4
- Designed for GO Plus +: The case is specially designed for GO Plus + and its size fits the GO Plus + so well that the gaming switch will not move around and tumble in the case.
- Premium Silicone Material for Comfort & Safety: Crafted from high-quality silicone, this case delivers a soft, pleasant touch while shielding your Poke GO Plus+ from scratches, dirt, and daily wear.
- Portable Design with Wrist Strap: The built-in hand strap allows you to wear the case on your wrist, ensuring easy portability and hands-free convenience during outdoor adventures.
- Designed for GO Plus +: The case is specially designed for GO Plus + and its size fits the GO Plus + so well that the gaming switch will not move around and tumble in the case.
- Package: Silicone Case x1; Hand strap x1. If you need any support please feel free to contact us.
Rank #3
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
- Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
