A new agreement on Hajj services has been signed between the Government of the Republic of Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, strengthening coordination for Maldivian pilgrims and further reinforcing the warm ties shared by the two nations.
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Islamic Affairs of the Maldives, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, and the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, during Minister Shaheem’s official visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of his counterpart. The signing reflects a shared commitment to ensure that Maldivian pilgrims can perform Hajj with greater ease, safety and comfort.
Under the agreement, clear principles and procedures are set out for managing the affairs of Maldivian pilgrims during the upcoming Hajj season. It outlines payment arrangements for Hajj services, defines the standards and responsibilities of Maldivian Hajj service providers, and provides for the establishment of a dedicated Maldivian Hajj Mission in Saudi Arabia. This mission will oversee on-ground coordination and welfare, serving as a direct support channel for Maldivian pilgrims throughout their stay in the Kingdom.
The arrangement forms part of an annual process between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia, designed to continuously refine the organisation of Hajj for Maldivian pilgrims. Through this structured cooperation, both governments work together each year to improve logistical planning, crowd management, accommodation, transportation and access to services in the holy cities.
Following the signing ceremony, the two Ministers held discussions on further enhancing cooperation between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia. Minister Dr Shaheem expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for his unwavering efforts to improve Hajj and Umrah services and for his ongoing dedication to serving the Two Holy Mosques. He also extended deep gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his leadership and initiatives that have made the pilgrimage experience smoother and more accessible for Muslims from around the world, including Maldivians.
Minister Dr Shaheem conveyed, on behalf of the Government and people of the Maldives, special thanks to the Saudi leadership and government for including the Maldives in the Makkah Route Initiative. This initiative has brought notable convenience to Maldivian pilgrims by facilitating streamlined procedures and greater ease during their sacred journey, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s strong support for partner countries and their citizens.
During the meeting, Minister Dr Shaheem underlined that strengthening the fraternal ties between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia is a key priority for President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. He reaffirmed the Maldives’ firm commitment to maintaining and further enhancing these long-standing and historic relations, particularly in areas that directly benefit the Maldivian people, such as religious affairs, education and travel.
The Minister also acknowledged the vital role played by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in resolving challenges faced by Maldivian pilgrims over the years. He noted that the Ministry’s close cooperation, responsiveness and readiness to address operational issues have been instrumental in improving the overall Hajj experience for Maldivians, making their journey more organised and reassuring.
In addition, Minister Dr Shaheem highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s annual Hajj and Umrah exhibition. He praised the event as an innovative platform that showcases modern approaches, technologies and best practices in managing Hajj and Umrah. Reflecting shared aspirations, he noted that the Maldives has also introduced its own national conference on Hajj and Umrah since last year, bringing together local stakeholders to enhance the planning, regulation and service delivery related to pilgrimage affairs.
For his part, Minister Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah recognised the importance the Maldives places on Hajj affairs and expressed appreciation for the close partnership between the two countries. He welcomed the Maldives’ initiatives to elevate the management of pilgrimage services and affirmed Saudi Arabia’s readiness to continue working closely with Maldivian authorities to support pilgrims.
Beyond its immediate benefits for Hajj operations, the agreement further strengthens the broader relationship between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia. As a leading global destination famed for its pristine beaches, luxury resorts and warm hospitality, the Maldives continues to attract visitors from across the Middle East and the wider Muslim world. The close cooperation on Hajj and Umrah underscores the Maldives’ deep Islamic heritage and its strong connection with the heart of the Muslim world, offering foreign tourists a destination where natural beauty, cultural identity and faith-friendly hospitality come together.
Minister Dr Shaheem’s official visit to Saudi Arabia, undertaken at the invitation of the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, thus marks another step in enhancing cooperation between the two nations in religious affairs, people-to-people connections and travel. For international visitors considering the Maldives, this growing partnership reflects a country that values its Islamic roots while welcoming guests from around the world to experience its unique blend of serenity, culture and service.
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