President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed are set to depart for Saudi Arabia on Saturday to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, following a special invitation from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. This journey, fully sponsored by the Saudi government, underscores the deepening ties between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia.
In his recent “Rayyithunaa Eku” podcast, President Muizzu clarified that their pilgrimage is not part of the Maldives’ allocated Hajj quota and does not utilize state funds. “None of my Hajj matters are within the local Maldives quota. It’s not something that comes from the government budget. It’s all arranged through Saudi hospitality, within the Saudi Royal quota,” he stated.
The President expressed profound gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their generous invitation and hospitality. He emphasized that this gesture reflects the strong brotherly relations between the two nations and Saudi Arabia’s continued service to the Islamic world.
This marks the second time President Muizzu has been invited by the Saudi leadership for a religious pilgrimage. In May 2024, he performed Umrah under the hospitality of King Salman, highlighting the enduring friendship and mutual respect between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia.
The President’s upcoming Hajj pilgrimage not only signifies a personal spiritual journey but also represents the Maldives’ esteemed position in the Islamic community and its close diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia.
