Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed 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.
According to the Maldives Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the visit aims to formalise the bilateral Hajj agreement for the year 1447 AH, which outlines the arrangements and responsibilities between the two governments for facilitating Maldivian pilgrims during the annual pilgrimage. The signing is expected to take place during Minister Shaheem’s meeting with Minister Al-Rabiah in Riyadh.
During the visit, Minister Shaheem will also hold discussions on the Makkah Route Initiative — a Saudi-led programme designed to simplify pre-departure immigration and logistical procedures for Hajj pilgrims. He is scheduled to meet Lieutenant General Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al Yahya, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the initiative, to review coordination efforts and explore ways to enhance operational efficiency.
The Maldives joined the Makkah Route Initiative in 1446 AH following a royal directive from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who granted the Maldives a special exemption from standard participation requirements — a privilege described by officials as a reflection of the King’s personal goodwill toward the Maldives.
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, hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
The visit comes amid strengthening diplomatic and religious relations between Malé and Riyadh. Under the administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Saudi Arabia has continued to extend support to the Maldives in areas of Hajj management, pilgrim services, and broader Islamic cooperation.
