President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has hailed this year’s Hajj season as the most convenient and enhanced travel experience for Maldivian pilgrims in its history.
President Dr Muizzu made these remarks on his social media platforms after the first group of pilgrims from the Maldives arrived in Saudi Arabia under the Makkah Route Initiative.
As part of the Pilgrim Experience Program of Saudi Vision 2030, this initiative allows Maldivian pilgrims to proceed directly to their accommodations upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, thereby significantly enhancing their travel experience.
The President said that unlike previous years, Maldivian pilgrims would not have to wait for long to clear immigration and baggage at the Saudi airport.
Such arrangements and facilities provided under this initiative, this year's Hajj will improve the quality of services provided to all Maldivian pilgrims in Saudi, he said.
The President in his post expressed hope that the services would be even better in the future while thanking the Saudi government for excellent arrangements afforded to Maldivian pilgrims.
President Dr Muizzu and First Lady Saajidha Mohamed had officially inaugurated the Makkah Route Initiative for Maldives Hajj pilgrims on Monday.
This special initiative, launched under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman, is designed to streamline travel and immigration procedures for pilgrims, providing a smoother and more convenient Hajj experience from the point of departure.
According to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the inclusion of the Maldives in the Makkah Route Initiative reflects the strong and growing bilateral ties between Saudi Arabia and the Maldives. It also marks a significant milestone achieved under the leadership of President Dr Muizzu, further strengthening the nation’s Islamic and diplomatic engagements.