Maldivian Pilgrims Begin Return Journey from Saudi Arabia via High-Speed Rail

The first group of Maldivian pilgrims departed for Madinah on Wednesday after completing the rites of the Hajj pilgrimage, marking the beginning of the return phase of this year’s journey.

In a first for Maldivian pilgrims, the group travelled to Madinah via high-speed train, a significant shift from previous years when the journey was made by bus. The Islamic Ministry stated that the bus journey typically took between six to eight hours, whereas the high-speed train reduces the travel time to just two hours, cutting approximately five hours off the journey.

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The change in travel arrangements was introduced as part of broader government efforts to improve the Hajj experience for Maldivian pilgrims by providing greater convenience and efficiency.

Pilgrims will travel to Madinah in four separate groups before returning to the Maldives. Their return is scheduled in phases, with groups arriving on 13, 14, 16 and 17 June.

A total of 1,000 Maldivians undertook the Hajj pilgrimage this year. For the first time, the Maldives participated in the Makkah Route Initiative, allowing pilgrims to complete immigration procedures for both the Maldives and Saudi Arabia at Velana International Airport prior to departure. This streamlined process eliminated waiting times upon arrival in Jeddah and enabled pilgrims to proceed directly to their accommodation with their luggage.