Saudi Arabia has discussed providing USD150 million in aid to the Maldives.
Ministry of Finance stated that the aid will be used for the development of the Velana International Airport (VIA) and the health sector. As such, USD100 million will go towards the development of VIA, and USD50 million will go towards the development of the health sector.
Saudi Arabia has been providing financial assistance for the development of human resources and infrastructure in the Maldives since establishing bilateral relations. As such, the project to develop the new VIA passenger terminal was contracted to the Bin Laden Group of Saudi Arabia in 2016. The project involves the construction of a 78,000sqm terminal at a cost of USD357 million and is expected to be completed in 2025.
Additionally, the Saudi government made the decision to grant e-visas and on-arrival visas to Maldivians this year. Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia were established in 1981 and the two countries have expressed commitment to further strengthening their longstanding bilateral ties.