Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Minister of Islamic Affairs, has departed for Saudi Arabia on an official visit at the invitation of Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah. The visit, according to the Maldivian Islamic Affairs Ministry, is intended to formalise bilateral agreements governing the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
At the centre of the minister’s itinerary is the signing of the Hajj agreement for the year 1447 AH, a formal accord between the Maldivian and Saudi governments that regulates pilgrimage facilitation for Maldivian citizens. The agreement is expected to be signed during Minister Shaheem’s meeting with Minister Al-Rabiah.
The visit also includes consultations on the Makkah Route Initiative, a Saudi-led programme designed to streamline immigration and logistical procedures for pilgrims. Minister Shaheem is also scheduled to meet with Lieutenant General Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al Yahya, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the initiative, to discuss operational coordination and future enhancements.
The Maldives’ inclusion in the initiative was enacted in 1446 AH, following a royal directive issued by King Salman bin Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. That directive granted the Maldives a unique exemption from the standard conditions typically applied to participating countries, an exception reflecting the special consideration extended to the Maldives under the king’s personal instruction.
In addition to bilateral meetings, Minister Shaheem will represent the Maldives at the Hajj Ministers’ Conference and attend the opening ceremony of the 5th Hajj and Umrah Conference, convened by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
The visit takes place during a period of deepening diplomatic and religious ties between Malé and Riyadh. Under the administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the Saudi government has continued to extend various forms of assistance to the Maldives in matters related to Hajj administration and pilgrim welfare.