President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has described the Hajj pilgrimage arrangements for 1446H as exemplary, crediting the success to the strengthened cooperation between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Speaking during the seventh episode of the Rayyithunnaa Eku podcast, the President emphasized that the Maldives’ inclusion in the prestigious Makkah Route Initiative was both a privilege and a testament to the deep and growing friendship between the two nations.
In his remarks, President Dr. Muizzu highlighted the seamless travel experience now available to Maldivian pilgrims under the initiative. Pilgrims are able to complete Saudi immigration, customs, and health checks at Velana International Airport prior to departure. Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, they are transported directly to their accommodations in Makkah, bypassing lengthy processing and wait times at the airport. “It is a tremendous convenience and reflects the high regard the Saudi government has for its relationship with the Maldives,” the President stated.
Sharing a message on his official X account, President Dr. Muizzu confirmed that the first group of 235 Maldivian pilgrims was warmly received by Saudi Arabia authorities. As expected, their journey was streamlined, with both pilgrims and their luggage transported directly to their designated accommodations in Mecca, underscoring the operational efficiency of the initiative.
The President also announced that he and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed would be undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage this year, with all arrangements generously facilitated by the Royal Court of Saudi Arabia. He expressed personal gratitude, on behalf of the Maldivian people, to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their compassion and continued support in enhancing the spiritual journey of Maldivian pilgrims.
Further elaborating on the arrangements, President Dr. Muizzu noted that high-quality accommodation had been arranged for pilgrims during their stay in Mina and that transport between Makkah and Madinah would be provided via high-speed trains—reducing travel time to just two hours. These enhancements, he said, are part of a broader commitment by the Saudi government to ease the pilgrimage experience for Muslims around the world.
The Makkah Route Initiative, launched in 2018 and officially operational since 2019, is a major component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to modernize services and elevate the Hajj experience. Reserved for countries with strong logistical capabilities and strategic partnerships with the Kingdom, the initiative is currently extended to only eight countries, including the Maldives. President Dr. Muizzu described the Maldives’ selection as a “great honor,” highlighting the nation’s consistent dedication to managing Hajj operations with professionalism and care.
In concluding his message, the President urged Maldivians to celebrate the upcoming Eid holidays in accordance with Islamic principles and traditions, reaffirming the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen religious values in national life.
The Rayyithunnaa Eku podcast continues to serve as a vital platform for the government to engage directly with the public, communicate policies, and foster community connection—further reflecting the administration’s commitment to transparency and service.
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