Maldives, Saudi Arabia sign agreement on 1448 Hajj arrangements

The Maldives and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement outlining arrangements and services for Maldivian pilgrims during the 1448 AH Hajj season.

The agreement was signed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of the 2026 Hajj Conference and Exhibition.

Deputy Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Sheikh Usam Mohamed Saeed signed on behalf of the Maldives, while Saudi Arabia was represented by Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat.

According to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the agreement establishes guidelines for Hajj service arrangements, payment procedures and the responsibilities of Maldivian Hajj service providers.

It also provides for the establishment of a Maldivian Hajj Mission in Saudi Arabia to oversee the affairs and welfare of Maldivian pilgrims during the pilgrimage.

During the visit, Deputy Minister Usam also held discussions with Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah on preparations for the upcoming Hajj season and ways to improve services provided to Maldivian pilgrims.

Further operational agreements are expected to be concluded between the Maldives Hajj Corporation and relevant Saudi authorities to finalise arrangements for the upcoming pilgrimage.