In a significant diplomatic engagement, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu met with Lieutenant General Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya, Advisor to the Saudi Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Makkah Route Initiative Steering Committee, at Velana International Airport on May 26, 2025. This meeting underscored the deepening ties between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly in facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage for Maldivian citizens
During the meeting, President Muizzu expressed profound gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for including the Maldives in the Makkah Route Initiative. He highlighted that this inclusion reflects the high regard Saudi Arabia holds for its relationship with the Maldives.
Lieutenant General Al-Yahya conveyed that the decision to incorporate the Maldives into the initiative was made under direct instructions from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring its implementation this year. He commended the Maldives for its disciplined approach to Hajj operations in previous years, stating that the nation has demonstrated it is well-deserving of this initiative.
The Makkah Route Initiative aims to streamline the Hajj pilgrimage process by completing visa processing and immigration procedures at Velana International Airport before departure. Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, pilgrims will be transported directly to their accommodations in Mecca, with their luggage delivered to their rooms, eliminating the need for queues at immigration counters or baggage claims.
This initiative marks a major milestone in enhancing the Hajj experience for Maldivian pilgrims and deepens the long-standing ties between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
