His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Salah Al-Budair, the distinguished Imam of Al-Masjid An-Nabawi in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, arrived in the Maldives on an official visit on 21st April 2025, receiving a red carpet welcome at Velana International Airport. The reception was led by the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, alongside the Grand Imam of Masjid Sultan Mohamed Thakurufanul Auzam, Sheikh Mohamed Latheef, Chargé d’affaires of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the Maldives, Mr. Fahad Aldosari, and senior officials from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.
The visit has been organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs under the guidance of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and with the noble approval of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. It forms part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen religious and educational collaboration by inviting respected Islamic scholars and figures to engage with the Maldivian community.
During his stay, Sheikh Dr. Al-Budair is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. He will also hold discussions with the Minister of Islamic Affairs and members of the Supreme Council for Islamic Fatwa. In addition, he will meet with local Imams, Hafiz, and youth scholars.
Sheikh Dr. Al-Budair’s itinerary also includes visits to several key institutions such as the National Center for the Holy Quran and private schools focused on Quran memorization. A highlight of his visit will be his official visit to the King Salman Mosque in Malé, a notable architectural and religious contribution to the Maldives supported by the government of Saudi Arabia.
In leading public worship, Sheikh Dr. Al-Budair is scheduled to lead the Maghrib and Isha prayers at King Salman Mosque on Wednesday evening, April 23. On Thursday, April 24, he will lead the Isha prayer at the Islamic Center, followed by a special public religious lecture. The visit will culminate with Sheikh Dr. Al-Budair delivering the Jumu’ah (Friday) sermon at the Islamic Center on April 25.
This rare and prestigious visit marks the first time in four decades that an Imam from either of the Two Holy Mosques has visited the Maldives. It highlights the deep-rooted religious and diplomatic relationship between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is anticipated to leave a meaningful and enduring influence on the nation’s Islamic landscape.
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