The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has expressed appreciation for the Saudi Arabian team’s efforts in launching the Makkah Route Initiative in the Maldives.

Saudi officials were presented with certificates by Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed during a ceremony held on Saturday night.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed thanked the Saudi officials for their invaluable efforts in establishing the Makkah Route Initiative and highlighted the convenience it has brought to Hajj pilgrims. He also thanked King Salman bin Abdulaziz for including the Maldives in this initiative. 

This year, all four groups of Maldivian pilgrims traveled under the Makkah Route Initiative, completing Saudi immigration procedures in the Maldives before departure, which significantly reduced their processing time at Jeddah Airport.

This is the first time Maldivians are participating in the pilgrimage under the Makkah Route Initiative. 

Under the leadership of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the Government has introduced several significant enhancements to improve the experience for Maldivian pilgrims. These upgrades include elevating Mina accommodations to Category B, providing individual sofa beds in both Mina and Arafat, and securing exclusive housing solely for Maldivian pilgrims.

Furthermore, a dedicated clinic for Maldivian pilgrims has been set up in Makkah in partnership with a Saudi hospital, strengthening health and safety support throughout the pilgrimage.