Saudi Arabia has donated 15 tonnes of dates to the Maldives as part of its annual Ramadan assistance programme, reaffirming longstanding ties between the two nations.

The official handover ceremony was held today at the Islamic Centre in Malé, where the Saudi Ambassador to the Maldives, Yahya Hassan Algahtani, presented the donation to Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed.

The donation marks the first phase of a broader initiative, with an additional 50 tonnes of dates currently being transported to the Maldives.

Once the shipment arrives, the dates will be distributed in Malé and across the atolls to assist communities observing the holy month of Ramadan.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Shaheem conveyed appreciation to the Saudi government, noting that the annual contribution reflects the close and enduring bilateral relationship shared by the two countries.

Ambassador Algahtani reiterated Saudi Arabia’s continued support for the Maldives, describing the island nation as a valued partner and affirming the Kingdom’s commitment to ongoing cooperation.

This year’s contribution follows last year’s 60-tonne donation.