The upcoming Bible-based epic "Noah" has been banned by three Arab countries after Islamic critics took aim at the movie for offending religious teachings by depicting a biblical figure on screen.

"Censors for Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE (United Arab Emirates) officially confirmed this week that the film will not release in their countries," a representative of the producer, Paramount Pictures, told Reuters on Saturday.

"The official statement they offered in confirming this news is because 'it contradicts the teachings of Islam,'" the representative added, saying that Egypt, Jordan and Kuwait are also expected to ban the $125 million Darren Aronofsky film.

Last week, main Sunni Muslim institute Al-Azhar in Egypt called for a ban on "Noah," which stars Russell Crowe in the titular role, arguing that it violates Islamic law by personifying biblical figures.

"Al-Azhar renews its rejection to the screening of any production that characterizes Allah's prophets and messengers and the companions of the Prophet [Muhammad]," Al-Azhar explained in a statement, adding that such productions "provoke people's feelings."

The movie, which is set to premiere on March 28 in the U.S., has also been criticized by some in the evangelical Christian community, but for different reasons.