President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed have concluded their official visit to Saudi Arabia, where they performed the Hajj pilgrimage at the special invitation of the Saudi government. The President and his spouse were bade farewell at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah by Jeddah’s Governor Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin al-Jalawi al-Saud.


The President and the First Lady departed for Saudi Arabia on 31 May accompanied by several ministers. All arrangements and expenses related to the visit were generously borne by the Saudi government.
During his stay, the President met with Maldivian pilgrims and inquired about their well-being. He also inquired about the difficulties faced by the pilgrims and listened to their concerns.
During his visit, the President attended a special meeting hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, held on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, for dignitaries visiting Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. The meeting was attended by heads of state, dignitaries, special guests of the King, and leaders of Hajj missions of various countries. Notably, President Muizzu was seated next to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during this year's meeting.
The President also met separately with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohamed bin Salman. During the meeting, the President conveyed his profound gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their exceptional hospitality and support. He also thanked them for the excellent services extended to all the pilgrims who performed Hajj this year.
Discussions centred on strengthening bilateral relations between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia. Views on avenues to further enhance the existing fraternal ties between the two nations in a manner that would prove mutually beneficial were exchanged during the meeting.
In addition, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfig F. Al-Rabiah paid a courtesy call on President Dr Muizzu during his stay in Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, President Muizzu extended his profound gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for their sincere consideration towards Maldivian pilgrims and for the outstanding services provided.
The President highlighted that the Maldives’ inclusion in the Makkah Route Initiative has greatly facilitated travel procedures for pilgrims and commended the exceptional hospitality and accommodation arrangements made for this year’s Hajj.
According to the government, due to the facilitations granted under the Makkah Route Initiative, Maldivian pilgrims had to spend only around three minutes at Jeddah airport upon their arrival. The Saudi government included the Maldives within the initiative without a formal agreement, after granting exemptions to the Maldives from the terms of the programme. This year’s arrangements for pilgrims have been notably more efficient and hospitable than in previous years.