President of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, and First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed have returned to the Maldives after successfully completing their pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Hajj 1446H. The visit, conducted at the invitation of the Saudi government, highlighted the strength of bilateral relations between the two countries and was marked by a series of high-level engagements and expressions of goodwill.
During their time in Saudi Arabia, the President and First Lady visited the accommodation facility for Maldivian pilgrims in Makkah, where they personally met with pilgrims, enquired about their well-being, and discussed the overall Hajj experience. The gesture was warmly received by the pilgrims and reflected the administration’s ongoing commitment to ensuring quality support and care for Maldivians performing the pilgrimage.
As part of the official engagements, President Dr. Muizzu held a meeting with His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. The two leaders exchanged views on strengthening the longstanding fraternal ties between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, exploring ways to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. President Dr. Muizzu expressed his sincere appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to the Crown Prince for the generous hospitality extended to the Maldivian delegation and for the outstanding services provided to all pilgrims this year.
In a separate courtesy call, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, His Excellency Dr. Tawfig F. Al-Rabiah, met with President Dr. Muizzu in Minaa. During their discussion, the President thanked the Saudi government for its exceptional organisation of the Hajj pilgrimage. He commended the inclusion of the Maldives in the Makkah Route Initiative, which allowed Maldivian pilgrims to complete immigration, customs, and health procedures at Velana International Airport prior to departure, significantly easing travel and arrival processes in Saudi Arabia.
The President also praised the overall logistical arrangements, the improved facilities in Mina and Arafat, and the dedicated services provided for Maldivian pilgrims, which contributed to a spiritually fulfilling and safe pilgrimage.
The President and First Lady were accompanied by a high-level delegation including Minister of Finance and Treasury Moosa Zameer; Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed; Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdulla Khaleel and his spouse; Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu and his spouse; Chief Imam of the Islamic Centre Sheikh Mohamed Latheef and his spouse; and Chief of Protocol Mohamed Shahudy.
The delegation was hosted as special guests of the Saudi government throughout their stay, reflecting the warmth and high regard with which Saudi Arabia views its relationship with the Maldives. Upon their departure, the President and First Lady were officially seen off at the airport by the Governor of Jeddah, His Highness Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi Al Saud.
The visit has further solidified the diplomatic, religious, and cultural ties between the two nations and highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to elevating the Hajj experience for pilgrims from the Maldives and around the world.
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