President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended greetings to the leadership and people of Saudi Arabia on the Kingdom’s 96th National Day, highlighting the longstanding relationship between the two countries and Saudi Arabia’s contribution to development in the Maldives.
In a message marking the occasion, Muizzu conveyed his congratulations to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Royal Family, government and people.
The President described relations between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia as being rooted in historic connections and shared Islamic values.
He also expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s assistance to the Maldives over the years, particularly its contribution to the country’s social and economic development.
Muizzu said he was confident that friendship, solidarity and cooperation between the two countries would continue to strengthen in the years ahead.
Saudi Arabia has remained one of the Maldives’ important development partners, with the Saudi Fund for Development supporting several major infrastructure and development projects in the country.
Among the most prominent is the expansion of Velana International Airport, which received significant financing from the Saudi Fund for Development.
The project included the development of the airport’s new international passenger terminal, which was officially inaugurated in July 2025. The Maldivian government has previously described Saudi support for the airport expansion as an important symbol of the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
Saudi assistance has also extended to housing and fisheries.
In 2020, the Saudi Fund for Development signed two agreements worth a combined USD 50 million with the Maldives, allocating USD 25 million for an affordable housing programme and another USD 25 million for fisheries sector development.
At the time, the government said Saudi financing had also supported other major development initiatives, including the second phase of Hulhumalé.
Bilateral engagement between Malé and Riyadh has continued under the current administration.
During an official visit to Saudi Arabia in August 2024, then-Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and held discussions on strengthening cooperation between the two countries. Meetings were also held with senior Saudi officials and representatives of the Saudi Fund for Development.
Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel has since reiterated the Maldives’ appreciation of its relationship with Saudi Arabia, describing the partnership as one founded on friendship, Islamic solidarity and shared values.
The Maldives has also repeatedly expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia on regional security issues.
Most recently, the government condemned an attempted drone attack targeting the holy city of Makkah on September 16, reaffirming its support for Saudi Arabia in protecting its sovereignty and the Two Holy Mosques. President Muizzu separately condemned the incident and called for an end to attacks threatening regional peace and security.
Saudi Arabia celebrates its National Day annually on September 23, commemorating the 1932 unification of the Kingdom under King Abdulaziz.
Concluding his message, President Muizzu offered prayers for continued peace, prosperity and progress for Saudi Arabia and its people.
