A delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia arrived in the Maldives today to initiate the implementation of the Makkah Route Initiative, an advanced facilitation program designed to ease and streamline the Hajj pilgrimage experience for Maldivian pilgrims during the 1446H Hajj season.
The delegation, comprising 23 senior officials from key Saudi institutions including the Ministry of Interior, the National Information Center, and members of the media and technical teams, was officially received at Velana International Airport by the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed. Also in attendance were senior officials from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and the Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Maldives, reflecting the strong diplomatic and religious cooperation between the two nations.
The official inauguration ceremony of the Makkah Route Initiative in the Maldives is scheduled to take place on 26 May 2025 at Velana International Airport. The launch will be officiated by His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who has played a pivotal role in ensuring the Maldives’ inclusion in this exclusive initiative.
Under the direct guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and with the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Maldives was granted special exemption from the standard eligibility requirements, an honour that underscores the depth of the Maldives-Saudi Arabia relationship and the trust and respect between the two countries.
The implementation of the Makkah Route Initiative represents a significant advancement in the Maldives’ commitment to improving public service delivery, particularly in the area of religious affairs. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration has prioritized the welfare of Maldivian pilgrims and worked tirelessly to provide them with dignified, efficient, and spiritually fulfilling services. This initiative is a direct result of his forward-thinking leadership and strong diplomatic engagement with international partners, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Through the Makkah Route Initiative, Maldivian pilgrims will now complete their Saudi immigration procedures, including passport control, customs, and biometric verification—while still at Velana International Airport. Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, they will be able to proceed directly to their accommodations in Makkah without further delays. This streamlined process is expected to significantly enhance the travel experience and minimize transit-related stress for the pilgrims.
The Saudi delegation’s arrival marks the beginning of intensive operational coordination with Maldivian authorities to finalize all logistical aspects of the program. Both governments have expressed their full commitment to ensuring the success of the initiative, which stands as a testament to the strength of bilateral cooperation and shared Islamic values.
As preparations intensify ahead of the official launch, the Maldives continues to demonstrate its readiness to meet global standards in Hajj facilitation, thanks to the visionary leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the ongoing support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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