Delegates from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia overseeing the Makkah Route Initiative have arrived in the Maldives.
Consisting of 18 officials, the delegation aims to manage and administer preparations as part of this initiative for Maldivian Hajj pilgrims in the Islamic year 1447.
The Makkah Route Initiative was commenced by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to ease the journey for Hajj worshippers.
The Maldives was included in this project since last year, where the service was officially inaugurated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. This ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Makkah Route Initiative Committee, and Advisor to the Saudi Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya. A high-level Saudi delegation was also present.
The Maldives was incorporated into this initiative after extensive dialogue with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments and senior Saudi authorities.
The first group of Maldivian Hajj pilgrims will depart on 15th May.