His Excellency Sulaiman bin Abdul Azeez Al Yahya, Advisor to His Royal Highness the Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Makkah Route Initiative, paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during his official visit to the Maldives. The meeting took place at Velana International Airport on 26th May 2025, where both sides acknowledged the deepening cooperation between the two nations, particularly in facilitating religious travel services.
During the meeting, President Dr. Muizzu expressed his sincere appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for extending the Makkah Route Initiative to the Maldives. He noted that this decision reflects the high level of trust, respect, and friendship Saudi Arabia holds for the Maldives, reaffirming the enduring relationship built on shared religious and cultural values. President Dr. Muizzu also thanked the Government of Saudi Arabia for granting the Maldives a special exemption from standard eligibility requirements, allowing the country to be among the select few included in the initiative. He underscored the importance of this initiative in enhancing the Hajj experience for Maldivian pilgrims and praised the Saudi leadership for their continued support and vision in improving services for pilgrims worldwide.
In response, H.E. Sulaiman bin Abdul Azeez Al Yahya highlighted that the inclusion of the Maldives in the Makkah Route Initiative came under the direct instructions of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He conveyed that the leadership of Saudi Arabia placed great emphasis on ensuring the initiative’s full implementation in the Maldives this year. Commending the discipline, efficiency, and dedication of the Maldivian administration in managing Hajj operations over the years, he noted that the Maldives had demonstrated it was fully deserving of this high-level facilitation.
The Makkah Route Initiative, which is being launched in the Maldives for the first time in Maldivian history, introduces a streamlined travel process for Hajj pilgrims. Under this program, Maldivian pilgrims will complete all Saudi immigration and visa formalities at Velana International Airport before departure. Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, they will bypass immigration queues and proceed directly to their accommodation in Mecca, with luggage delivered straight to their hotel, greatly enhancing comfort, safety, and convenience.
This advanced facilitation marks a transformative step in the Maldives’ commitment to improving religious travel services under the leadership of President Dr. Muizzu. It not only elevates the experience for Hajj pilgrims but also serves as a strong indicator of the Maldives’ growing international partnerships, particularly with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The courtesy call further reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to strengthen cooperation in religious affairs, logistics, and people-to-people engagement. It reflects the Maldives’ dedication to nurturing diplomatic ties that align with the values and aspirations of its citizens, especially in facilitating one of the most meaningful spiritual journeys in the lives of Maldivian Muslims.
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