President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended his heartfelt gratitude to the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for selecting the Maldives as one of the countries to benefit from the Makkah Route Initiative.

The President expressed his appreciation during a courtesy call paid by Sulaiman bin Abdul Azeez Al Yahya, Advisor to the Minister of Interior of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Makkah Route Initiative.

The meeting took place at Velana International Airport post inaugural ceremony of Makkah Route Initiative

In his remarks, President conveyed special thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Government of Saudi Arabia.

He noted that the inclusion of the Maldives in the initiative reflects the Kingdom’s high regard for the longstanding relationship between the two nations.

Sulaiman bin Abdul Azeez Al Yahya stated that the decision to implement the initiative in the Maldives this Hajj season was made under the direct instruction of the Saudi leadership.

He also commended the Maldives for its effective management of Hajj operations in previous years and described the country as well-organized and deserving of this facilitation.

The Makkah Route Initiative is expected to greatly enhance the Hajj experience for Maldivian pilgrims.

Immigration procedures, visa processing, and baggage handling will be completed at Velana International Airport before departure, enabling pilgrims to bypass long queues upon arrival in Saudi Arabia and proceed directly to their accommodation in Mecca.

The initiative marks a significant milestone in Maldives–Saudi Arabia relations and represents a major step forward in improving the comfort and dignity of the Hajj journey for Maldivian citizens.