Saudi Arabia has ordered its main mobile network operators to block unspecified BlackBerry services By Friday, The Financial Times reports.

The move has escalated a dispute between Research in Motion, the Canadian manufacturer of BlackBerry devices, and governments such as the United Arab Emirates, which has threatened to ban BlackBerrys because?of?security?concerns.

The communications and information technology com­mission said it had asked “Saudi Telecom Co, Mobily and Zain Saudi Arabia to (immediately) stop the BlackBerry service for businesses and individuals in the kingdom starting August 6”.

While the commission did not identify which BlackBerry services it wants blocked, it is believed the Saudi authorities, like those in the UAE, are most concerned at the possible use of encrypted e-mail and messaging services by terrorists.

Read the entire story at ft.com