A high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has arrived in the Maldives to begin preparations for implementing the Makkah Route Initiative, a key facilitation program that will ease the Hajj journey for Maldivian pilgrims this year. The advance team, comprising six senior representatives from leading Saudi institutions, arrived in the Maldives on 16 May 2025 and is scheduled to depart on 19 May 2025.
The delegation includes officials from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ministry of Interior, National Information Centre, and other relevant Saudi authorities. The initiative, which will be fully operational from 26 May 2025 to coincide with the departure of the first group of Maldivian pilgrims, will be supported by a total of 26 Saudi Arabia’s officials stationed in the Maldives.
The visiting advance team was welcomed at Velana International Airport by Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed and other high-ranking officials from the Ministry. Their visit marks a major step forward in the practical implementation of this initiative, which was officially extended to the Maldives on 10 May 2025.
Introduced under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Makkah Route Initiative aims to simplify the immigration process for Hajj pilgrims. It enables pilgrims to complete immigration and travel formalities at their country of departure, ensuring a seamless and expedited arrival into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The inclusion of the Maldives in this program is a reflection of the deepening bilateral cooperation between the two nations, especially in religious and service-oriented sectors. It also highlights the Maldives’ strengthened diplomatic and Islamic ties under the leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The President’s leadership has been pivotal in realizing the inclusion of the Maldives in the Makkah Route Initiative. His forward-thinking guidance and direct instructions to the relevant authorities have ensured that Maldivian pilgrims benefit from streamlined and dignified services during their sacred journey. This achievement reflects President Dr. Muizzu’s unwavering commitment to enhancing religious services for the Maldivian people and his broader vision of strengthening the nation’s Islamic values. By fostering deeper international cooperation, particularly with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, President Dr. Muizzu has once again affirmed his dedication to serving the spiritual needs of the Maldivian community and elevating the Maldives’ global Islamic partnerships.
Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to His Majesty King Salman and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for extending this facilitation to Maldivian pilgrims. He also thanked the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, and the Minister of Interior, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for their dedicated efforts in realizing this initiative. Further gratitude was extended to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, and the Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Maldives, whose cooperation has been instrumental in ensuring the Maldives’ inclusion in this important program.
The Makkah Route Initiative is expected to transform the Hajj travel experience for Maldivians, offering a streamlined, secure, and spiritually focused journey to the holy cities.
advertisment
advertisment
