Preparations for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage are 99 per cent complete, according to Managing Director of Maldives Hajj Corporation Mohamed Shakeel.
He said Maldivian pilgrims are scheduled to depart on 15, 17, 18 and 19 May, while Arafat Day will fall on 26 May this year.
Speaking on preparations, Shakeel noted that all major arrangements have been finalised in line with requirements set by Saudi authorities. These include accommodation, flights, transport within Saudi Arabia and health services for pilgrims in Mecca and Medina.
He said visa processing was completed in February after all logistical requirements were met, with applications submitted for around 1,000 pilgrims travelling from the Maldives.
Shakeel added that pilgrims will be accommodated in the Mina tent area used last year, with a dedicated space arranged exclusively for Maldivians. He described the area as a separate zone similar to a “Maldivian town”, with facilities reserved only for Maldivian pilgrims.
Based on last year’s experience, the number of toilets has been increased fourfold, with facilities also designated specifically for Maldivians.
Pilgrims will again travel to Medina by high-speed train, reducing travel time from around seven hours to between two and three hours.
Flights this year will operate under the Mecca Route initiative, which allows pilgrims to complete immigration procedures before departure, significantly reducing waiting times on arrival. Shakeel noted that last year, pilgrims were able to exit Jeddah airport within minutes under this system.
He said services for pilgrims have improved significantly in recent years, with coordinated efforts by the Hajj Corporation, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and the President.
Training and awareness programmes have also been conducted to prepare pilgrims for the journey. An advance team is scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia on 4 May to complete final arrangements.
In addition, teams of service staff, healthcare workers and administrative personnel will be deployed to support Maldivian pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage.