Special Access to Makkah Route Initiative Signals Strong Maldives-Saudi Arabia Relations, Says Ambassador Sareer

The inclusion of the Maldives in Saudi Arabia's Makkah Route Initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening diplomatic relations between Malé and Riyadh, according to Maldivian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Sareer. He hailed the decision as a testament to the robust and deepening bilateral ties between the two nations.

Structured to streamline the Hajj pilgrimage process, the initiative is typically extended only to nations that send at least 20,000 pilgrims annually. The Maldives, however, secured entry under a special arrangement, bypassing the usual volume criteria. Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed described this inclusion as a "significant privilege" from Saudi Arabia, granted without a formal agreement.

In Jeddah, where he welcomed the first group of Maldivian pilgrims benefiting from the programme, Ambassador Sareer underscored the significance of the new arrangement. The initiative, he said, has provided substantial improvement in accessibility to Maldivian pilgrims, who expressed exceptional satisfaction with the quality of services and logistical support offered.

The Makkah Route Initiative is reserved for nations maintaining exceptionally strong diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Sareer noted. The swift implementation of the programme in the Maldives, he argued, reflects the depth of the bilateral relationship.

Saudi immigration officials had previously indicated that participation in the initiative is typically extended only to nations with well-established logistical frameworks, according to Ambassador Sareer. He recalled discussions earlier this year in which Maldivian officials presented their consistently well-managed pilgrim travel infrastructure, prompting special consideration for inclusion.

Part of Saudi Arabia's broader Vision 2030 strategy, the Makkah Route Initiative seeks to modernise public services while contributing to economic diversification. Among its principal advantages is the completion of Saudi immigration procedures within the Maldives, eliminating lengthy processing times upon arrival in Jeddah and streamlining travel logistics.

This year, 1,000 Maldivians will undertake the pilgrimage, with the first flight departing Malé on Monday afternoon, carrying 234 passengers under the newly established arrangements.