In a momentous event symbolizing the enduring brotherhood between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Salah bin Muhammad al-Budair, the esteemed Imam of Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah, paid a courtesy call on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at the President’s Office this morning.
މަސްޖިދުއްނަބަވީގެ އިމާމު، ރައީސުލްޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާގެ އަރިހަށް އިޙުތިރާމުގެ ޒިޔާރަތެއް ކުރެއްވުން pic.twitter.com/WFAnGlydrP
— The President’s Office (@presidencymv) April 22, 2025
President Muizzu extended a heartfelt welcome to Sheikh Dr. al-Budair, emphasizing that hosting the Imam is a profound honor for the Maldivian nation. He highlighted that this visit marks the first official visit by an Imam of Masjid al-Nabawi to the Maldives in 41 years, underscoring the deep-rooted Islamic ties and shared values between the two nations.
During the meeting, Sheikh Dr. al-Budair conveyed warm greetings and well-wishes from His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He expressed gratitude for the Maldives government’s invitation and hospitality, noting the spiritual and cultural bonds that unite the Maldives and Saudi Arabia.
President Muizzu acknowledged the generous support of the Saudi government in various areas of national development, particularly in the field of Islamic education. He also expressed appreciation for the special care and hospitality extended to Maldivian pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah.
The meeting concluded with both leaders expressing their shared hopes that this historic visit will further strengthen the spiritual ties between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia and serve as a source of inspiration for the Maldivian people.
Sheikh Dr. al-Budair’s visit includes leading congregational prayers and delivering religious lectures at prominent mosques in Malé, including the King Salman Mosque and the Islamic Centre. He is also scheduled to meet with religious scholars, young preachers, and students at the National Centre for the Holy Quran and other Islamic institutions.
This landmark visit not only reinforces the Maldives’ commitment to Islamic values but also signifies a renewed chapter in the nation’s spiritual journey, fostering unity and faith among its people.
For more details on Sheikh Dr. al-Budair’s visit and scheduled events, please refer to the official announcements from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.
