Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has described this year’s Hajj operation for Maldivian pilgrims as the most effective to date, citing full participation at Arafat and the absence of missing persons as major milestones.

Speaking to state media during a visit to the Maldivian pilgrim camp in Mina, Minister Dr Shaheem said the Maldives Hajj Corporation had successfully delivered a well-organised operation despite the logistical challenges of the mass pilgrimage. He noted that pilgrims themselves had expressed satisfaction with the experience, which he regarded as a marked improvement over the previous years.

Among the key successes, the Minister highlighted that no Maldivian pilgrim missed the standing at Arafat – the most critical ritual of Hajj. In contrast to previous years, when transport delays led to late arrivals, all pilgrims this year were present from early morning until sunset. He described this as the operation’s greatest achievement.

Minister Dr Shaheem also praised the inclusive nature of the arrangements, noting that elderly and ill pilgrims were given particular care to ensure their participation. He expressed satisfaction that even the most vulnerable were able to enter Arafat at the earliest time, and commended the devotion shown by all pilgrims.

He further emphasised the improved coordination during the transition from Arafat to Muzdalifah and onwards to Mina, traditionally the most challenging segment of the pilgrimage. No Maldivian pilgrim went missing during this phase, a result the Minister attributed to effective logistical planning and execution.

This year also marked the first participation of Maldivian pilgrims in the Makkah Route Initiative, part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Pilgrim Experience Programme. The initiative streamlines immigration processes, allowing pilgrims to proceed directly to their accommodations upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, thereby easing the overall journey.

While acknowledging that certain limitations remain under the purview of Saudi authorities, Minister Dr Shaheem affirmed that future improvements would be made wherever possible. He said this year’s outcome lays a strong foundation for further enhancing the Hajj experience for Maldivians.