Saudi to block BlackBerry messaging

A telecommunications official says Saudi Arabia will block BlackBerry messaging later this month.

The official did not explain why the decision had been made in his comments today. But neighbouring United Arab Emirates also said today it would block BlackBerry e-mail,messaging and Web access staring in October,citing security concerns because the devices operate beyond the government’s ability to monitor their use.

The Saudi official,who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to talk to the media,says the Saudi Arabia Communications and Information Technology Commission,which regulates telecommunications,will issue a statement soon.