President Dr Mohamed Muizzu received the Imam of Masjid Al-Nabawi, Dr Salah bin Muhammad al-Budair, at the President’s Office on Monday morning.

President warmly welcomed the Imam to the Maldives, stating that hosting him was a great honour and a reflection of the longstanding brotherly relations between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

He noted that this marks the first official visit by an Imam of Masjid Al-Nabawi to the Maldives in over four decades.

During the meeting, Dr al-Budair expressed his gratitude to the Maldivian government for the invitation and warm hospitality. 

He highlighted the deep-rooted ties between the two nations based on shared Islamic values and conveyed warm greetings and well-wishes from 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.

President Dr Muizzu acknowledged the generous support provided by the Saudi government to the Maldives, particularly in the field of Islamic education. 

He also thanked the Saudi leadership for the exceptional care extended to Maldivian pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing their hope that this historic visit would further strengthen spiritual bonds and inspire the Maldivian people.

As part of his visit, Dr al-Budair is scheduled to meet with Islamic Minister Mohamed Shaheem , members of the Supreme Council for Fatwa, local religious scholars, young Khateebs, Huffaz, and Imams. 

He will also engage with Quran students at the National Centre for the Holy Quran and various private institutions.

Additionally, the Imam will tour the King Salman Mosque, constructed with assistance from the Saudi Arabian government. 

He is set to lead the Maghrib and Isha prayers at the mosque on Wednesday, followed by Isha prayers and a special religious lecture at the Islamic Centre on Thursday. 

He will also lead Friday prayers at the Islamic Centre.