A ceremony rich in gratitude and mutual respect marked the conclusion of the official visit of His Sheikh Dr. Salah Al-Budair, Imam and Khateeb of Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi, to the Maldives. As part of the event, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs of the Republic of Maldives awarded a special recognition to Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, honouring him with the shield of “Personality of Promoting Moderation, Tolerance, and Communication among Peoples for 2025.”
The prestigious award was received on behalf of Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh by Sheikh Dr. Salah Al-Budair, who graciously accepted it from the Minister of Islamic Affairs of the Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. The award symbolises the Maldives’ deep appreciation for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s enduring efforts in fostering a spirit of moderation, peaceful coexistence, and interfaith understanding across the Muslim world.
Following the official engagements, Sheikh Dr. Al-Budair met with the various teams and individuals who had been instrumental in facilitating his five-day visit. The meeting brought together staff of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Ministry of Defense officials, Maldives National Defence Force personnel who provided transportation and security arrangements, Maldives Police Service officers who managed movements and traffic control, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who coordinated diplomatic protocols.
Additionally, media teams from Islamic Studio and Public Service Media (PSM) were acknowledged for providing comprehensive media coverage of the visit, while members of the Maldives National University Student Union were also recognized for their valuable support throughout the series of events and lectures.
In recognition of Sheikh Dr. Al-Budair’s acceptance of the Maldives’ invitation and his active engagement during the visit, Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed presented the Imam with a Certificate of Recognition and Appreciation, expressing sincere gratitude for his contribution to strengthening Islamic unity and enriching religious awareness across the country.
Throughout the visit, Sheikh Dr. Al-Budair participated in several high-profile activities, including Meeting with H.E President Dr. Muizzu and Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, meeting Supreme Council for Islamic Fatwa, delivering a major public lecture, leading congregational prayers at King Salman Mosque and Islamic Centre, meeting scholars, Hafiz, Imams, Khateeb’s and Hafiz students, and visiting Islamic University of Maldives. His visit was conducted under the guidance of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, with the gracious approval of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The Imam of the Prophet’s Mosque concluded his official program on Friday, 25th April 2025, departing from Velana International Airport back to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. His visit has been widely regarded as a spiritually enriching and historically meaningful occasion, further strengthening the Maldives’ ties with the wider Islamic world and highlighting the nation’s commitment to promoting religious learning, moderation, and international cooperation.
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