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Islamic Minister advocates for affordable Umrah packages

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has urged Umrah service providers in the Maldives to offer more affordable packages to facilitate greater participation in Umrah. This appeal was made during the inaugural ceremony of the country’s first Hajj and Umrah Conference.

Minister Shaheem underscored the necessity for systematic reforms in the Maldives’ Umrah services to align with recent advancements in Saudi Arabia. He observed that, although numerous companies offer Umrah services, travel opportunities are often restricted to specific months. He advocated for the provision of year-round access to these services.

Furthermore, the Minister proposed that the costs associated with travel to Mecca and Medina could be alleviated by selecting accommodations located farther from the Holy Mosque. He suggested the introduction of packages priced at approximately USD 977.24 or USD 1,302.99 to enhance accessibility for a broader segment of the population.

The Hajj and Umrah Conference aims to strengthen the overall system for Hajj and Umrah, foster connections between service providers and relevant businesses, and enhance collaboration with the Ministry. The conference will feature panel discussions and keynote addresses from various institutions.