President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has described this year’s Hajj arrangements as exemplary, highlighting the strong cooperation between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He made the remarks during the seventh episode of the Rayyithunnaa Eku podcast, aired by the President’s Office.
Speaking on the topic, the President outlined several key improvements introduced for Maldivian pilgrims, including the implementation of the Makkah Route Initiative. Under this initiative, pilgrims can proceed directly to their hotels upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, significantly reducing immigration delays. He also noted that pilgrims will be accommodated in high-standard facilities in Mina and will travel between Makkah and Medina on high-speed trains, reducing travel time to around two hours.
President Muizzu said these enhancements were made possible through close coordination with the Saudi government, which he said underscores the value placed on Maldivian pilgrims by Saudi authorities. He extended gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on behalf of the Maldivian people and government.
The President also announced that he and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed will be undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage this year. He clarified that their trip is not part of the official Hajj quota and is being made on the special invitation of the Saudi King. All arrangements for their visit, including travel and accommodation, are being fully covered by the Saudi Royal Court.
Addressing recent speculation, President Muizzu reaffirmed that no state funds or official Hajj slots are being used for his pilgrimage.
He made the remarks during the seventh episode of the Rayyithunnaa Eku podcast, aired by the President’s Office.
Speaking on the topic, the President outlined several key improvements introduced for Maldivian pilgrims, including the implementation of the Makkah Route Initiative. Under this initiative, pilgrims can proceed directly to their hotels upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, significantly reducing immigration delays. He also noted that pilgrims will be accommodated in high-standard facilities in Mina and will travel between Makkah and Medina on high-speed trains, reducing travel time to around two hours.
President Muizzu said these enhancements were made possible through close coordination with the Saudi government, which he said underscores the value placed on Maldivian pilgrims by Saudi authorities. He extended gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on behalf of the Maldivian people and government.
The President also announced that he and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed will be undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage this year. He clarified that their trip is not part of the official Hajj quota and is being made on the special invitation of the Saudi King. All arrangements for their visit, including travel and accommodation, are being fully covered by the Saudi Royal Court.
Addressing recent speculation, President Muizzu reaffirmed that no state funds or official Hajj slots are being used for his pilgrimage.
