The annual Ramadan Iftar program hosted on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has been officially inaugurated in the Maldives, reaffirming the longstanding friendship and close cooperation between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The program was launched on 21st February 2026, evening at 17:30 during a special ceremony held at the Islamic Centre in Malé, attended by senior dignitaries, religious officials, and members of the public who gathered to mark the beginning of this year’s initiative.
The inauguration ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, alongside the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Maldives, H.E. Mr. Yahya Hassan Al-Qahtani. A high-level delegation from the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, also attended the ceremony, underscoring the importance placed on the program and the continued collaboration between the two nations in advancing religious and humanitarian cooperation. Senior officials from both countries participated in the event, reflecting the shared commitment to strengthening ties through initiatives that promote unity and compassion during the holy month of Ramadan.
Under the program, Iftar meals will be provided daily for 150 individuals throughout Ramadan, offering consistent support to fasting individuals and contributing to the spirit of generosity and community care that defines the sacred month. Organized by the Saudi Embassy in the Maldives under the supervision of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, the initiative forms part of a wider global Ramadan assistance program funded by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The program is implemented annually in numerous countries, supporting Muslim communities through iftar distribution and religious engagement activities aimed at fostering solidarity and shared values.
Speaking during the ceremony, Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed highlighted that the initiative reflects the strong brotherly relations and enduring cooperation between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia, noting that such programs continue to strengthen people-to-people connections while promoting Islamic unity and compassion. He further emphasized that both countries maintain ongoing collaboration in religious affairs, with plans to continue joint activities that contribute to community development and religious awareness.
According to the Saudi Embassy in Malé, this year’s program will extend its reach across various parts of the Maldives during Ramadan, ensuring that communities benefit from organized iftar distributions throughout the holy month. The embassy stated that the initiative demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s continued commitment to supporting Muslim communities worldwide while enhancing cooperation with the Maldives in religious and humanitarian fields.
A large number of attendees gathered at the Islamic Centre to participate in the first Iftar under the program, creating an atmosphere of reflection, gratitude, and unity as the holy month begins. The annual Ramadan initiative continues to serve as a meaningful expression of generosity and shared values, reinforcing the deep cultural and religious bonds between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia while contributing positively to the spiritual experience of Ramadan for communities across the country.
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