Saudi Arabia has officially announced the inclusion of the Maldives in the Makkah Route Initiative, granting Maldivian pilgrims significant new travel conveniences during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development in an official statement. Maldives' Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, currently in Makkah for Hajj, also confirmed the announcement and welcomed the decision.

According to officials, the Maldives’ inclusion was made as an exception to standard eligibility criteria, following a special directive from Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

This year, all four Hajj flights from the Maldives operated under the Makkah Route Initiative. As a result, Maldivian pilgrims were able to complete Saudi immigration procedures in Malé before departure, significantly reducing wait times upon arrival at Jeddah Airport.

Pilgrims arriving under the initiative are exempt from immigration processing and baggage claims at the airport. They are transported directly from the aircraft to their hotels, with luggage delivered separately. Saudi authorities are also officially welcoming Maldivian pilgrims upon arrival.

Further enhancements include upgraded facilities in Mina, where Maldivian pilgrims will stay in Category B tents equipped with dedicated sofa beds. No pilgrims from other countries will share these tents, and efforts are underway to provide individual sofa beds for Maldivian pilgrims in Arafat as well.

Additionally, a special clinic for Maldivian pilgrims has been established in Makkah in collaboration with a Saudi hospital to provide dedicated medical services.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that this year’s Hajj season will be the most convenient and well-organised for Maldivian pilgrims, highlighting the range of facilities and support provided through the initiative.