President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has praised the Saudi government's organisation of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, highlighting that Maldivian pilgrims were highly impressed by the quality and thoroughness of the arrangements made for the sacred journey.

Speaking at the 'Rayyithunnaa Eku' podcast, he highlighted the thoughtful arrangements by the Saudi government for the Hajj pilgrimage this year. 

The President noted that under the Makkah Route Initiative, the Saudi government had provided significant convenience for Maldivian pilgrims, from their arrival in Saudi Arabia to their departure. 

He highlighted that Maldivian pilgrims were allocated a designated area in Mina, allowing them to perform their rituals comfortably and move with ease. The President added that these thoughtful arrangements were acknowledged and greatly appreciated by the pilgrims.

This year, for the first time, all registered Maldivian pilgrims completed the pilgrimage within the same year, with 1,000 travelling through the Hajj Corporation. The overall experience was notably smoother, largely due to the Makkah Route Initiative, which significantly streamlined immigration procedures and alleviated logistical challenges for pilgrims.