In a dedicated effort to strengthen pre-Hajj coordination, a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia convened a detailed working session with key Maldivian authorities on 17 May 2025, ahead of the official commencement of the Makkah Route Initiative in the Maldives. The session, held at the conference hall of the Islamic Centre in Malé, brought together officials from multiple state agencies, aviation bodies, and Hajj service providers, reflecting the scale of coordination required to successfully deliver this transformative Hajj facilitation program. Senior officials from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Aviation Security Command, Maldives Immigration, Maldives Customs Service, Maldives Civil Aviation Authority, Maldivian airline, and Saudia Airlines were in attendance. Each agency presented their current readiness status and reaffirmed their commitment to ensure the smooth implementation of the Makkah Route Initiative.
The session was led by Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, who welcomed the Saudi delegation and delivered a detailed presentation outlining the Maldives’ readiness to support the initiative. During his address, Dr. Shaheem provided an overview of the religious environment in the Maldives, highlighting the central role of Islamic values in national life, the Ministry’s mandate, and the country’s ongoing efforts to improve pilgrimage services for Maldivians. He also emphasized areas where further technical cooperation with Saudi authorities could strengthen service delivery.
Ms. Aishath Ghahir, Head of Operations at the Maldives Hajj Corporation, provided a detailed update on the operational preparations underway for the upcoming Hajj season of 1446H. In her briefing, she outlined the comprehensive logistical arrangements being made to ensure a smooth and efficient pilgrimage experience for Maldivian pilgrims. This included the coordination of travel schedules, baggage handling protocols, health and safety measures, and ground transportation services in both the Maldives and Saudi Arabia. She emphasized the Corporation’s commitment to maintaining high service standards and ensuring that all pilgrims are well-informed, supported, and cared for throughout their spiritual journey. Ms. Ghahir also reaffirmed the Corporation’s readiness to work in close collaboration with Saudi authorities and local stakeholders to meet the requirements of the Makkah Route Initiative and deliver a seamless pre-departure process at Velana International Airport.
Representatives from the Saudi delegation, which includes officials from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, briefed attendees on the operational framework of the initiative and clarified logistical and procedural queries raised by Maldivian stakeholders. The delegation also requested technical and operational support from Maldivian authorities to guarantee the success of the rollout.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the pledge of full institutional cooperation from all participating Maldivian agencies. Authorities agreed to work in sync to streamline the departure process for Hajj pilgrims and ensure timely coordination across all service points.
As part of the support extended by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a dedicated terminal hall will be designated at Jeddah Airport exclusively for Hajj pilgrims under the Makkah Route Initiative. One of the key highlights shared by the Saudi delegation was the exceptional level of logistical support being extended specifically to the Maldives. For the first time, ten dedicated immigration processing systems will be installed at Velana International Airport exclusively for Maldivian pilgrims. This is a unique exceptional arrangement, as most participating nations are typically provided with only two systems. This measure aims to accelerate pre-departure procedures and reduce congestion, ensuring a smooth departure experience for pilgrims.
The Saudi Arabia delegation also assured that pilgrims’ baggage will be transferred directly from Jeddah Airport to their accommodation in Makkah, removing the need for manual handling and easing the journey for elderly and first-time travelers.
The Makkah Route Initiative will officially launch in the Maldives on May 26, 2025, in conjunction with the departure of the first batch of Maldivian pilgrims for Hajj 1446. A total of 235 pilgrims will travel on the initial flight. The program is set to simplify the immigration and customs process by allowing all formalities to be completed at the point of departure, streamlining the arrival process in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This initiative is the result of strengthened bilateral relations between the Maldives and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, supported at the highest level by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. His administration has prioritized improving religious services and ensuring Maldivian pilgrims receive world-class support throughout their spiritual journey. The collaborative efforts between the two nations reflect a shared commitment to serving the needs of pilgrims with dignity, efficiency, and care.
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