Minister of Islamic Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has departed on an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to further enhance cooperation between the two countries in the area of Hajj and Umrah facilitation.
The purpose of this visit is multifaceted. A key highlight will be the signing of the official Hajj Agreement for the Islamic year 1447 AH, formalizing the arrangements for Maldivian pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage. This agreement will be signed in a high-level meeting between Dr. Shaheem and His Excellency Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These discussions aim to ensure seamless planning and execution of Hajj operations for Maldivian pilgrims, reflecting the continued commitment of both nations to improve pilgrimage services.
In addition to the agreement, the Minister will meet with His Excellency Lieutenant General Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the Makkah Route Initiative. The meeting will focus on evaluating the Maldives’ participation in the initiative, which was introduced for Maldivian pilgrims in 1446 AH. The initiative has been instrumental in simplifying pre-departure procedures by integrating immigration and customs processes at Velana International Airport, thereby reducing waiting times and improving the overall pilgrimage experience for travelers from the Maldives.
The inclusion of the Maldives in the Makkah Route Initiative stands as a testament to the warm and cooperative relationship between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This special consideration was made possible through a royal directive issued by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Notably, the Maldives received this invitation despite not meeting the typical eligibility requirements set for other participating nations, underscoring the depth of goodwill and friendship between the two governments.
Minister Dr. Shaheem will represent the Maldives at the Fifth Hajj and Umrah Conference & Exhibition, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah from 9 to 12 November 2025 under the theme “From Makkah to the World”. The event, held at the Jeddah Superdome, brings together senior officials from more than 90 countries, including ministers, ambassadors and heads of Hajj and Umrah authorities to exchange expertise, present innovations and discuss operational solutions tailored to pilgrim services and spiritual tourism.
Spanning over 52,000 square metres, the accompanying exhibition showcases more than 260 exhibitors operating across 13 sectors, such as tourism, technology, healthcare and logistics with the objective of enabling public‑ and private‑sector stakeholders to explore partnerships and new service models for the pilgrimage ecosystem. The conference programme features in excess of 80 panel sessions and 60 workshops led by over 95 distinguished speakers who will address themes including digital transformation, smart management and operational sustainability in the Hajj/Umrah context.
For the Maldives, Dr. Shaheem’s participation presents an opportunity to engage directly with global leaders in the pilgrimage sector, gain insights into best‑practice frameworks and secure collaborative link‑ups that can enhance service delivery for Maldivian pilgrims.
Under the administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, bilateral relations between the two countries have witnessed steady progress, especially in areas related to religious affairs and pilgrimage services. Saudi Arabia has consistently supported the Maldives in expanding its capacity to manage pilgrim logistics, and the ongoing collaboration through platforms like the Makkah Route Initiative highlights the shared vision of improving the spiritual journey for all Maldivian citizens.
As the Maldives continues to build on its reputation as a modern Islamic nation with close ties to the heart of the Muslim world, such diplomatic engagements reinforce not only the operational preparedness for Hajj but also the country’s dedication to facilitating religious obligations for its people with dignity and efficiency.
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