Saudi to block BlackBerry messaging this month

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA: 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 on Sunday. But neighboring United Arab Emirates also said Sunday 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 authorized to talk to the media, says the Saudi Arabia Communications and Information Technology Commission, which regulates telecommunications, will issue a statement soon.