Maldives and Saudi Arabia Sign Agreement to Oversee Hajj Services for Maldivian Pilgrims

MV+ News Desk | November 10, 2025
Photo: Ministry of Islamic Affairs

The Government of the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement to govern Hajj services for Maldivian pilgrims. 

The agreement was signed on behalf of the Maldives by Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed and on behalf of Saudi Arabia by Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah.

The agreement outlines key principles and procedures for managing Maldivian pilgrims during the upcoming Hajj season. It addresses areas including payment arrangements for Hajj services, the standards and responsibilities of Maldivian Hajj service providers, and the establishment of the Maldivian Hajj Mission in Saudi Arabia to oversee and facilitate pilgrims’ welfare.

This accord forms part of an annual process between the two countries to ensure the smooth organisation of Hajj for Maldivian pilgrims. Following the signing, the ministers discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral ties.

Minister Shaheem expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for efforts to enhance Hajj and Umrah services and to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for initiatives that have facilitated the pilgrimage experience for Muslims worldwide. He also thanked the Saudi leadership for including the Maldives in the Makkah Route Initiative, which has provided significant convenience for Maldivian pilgrims.

The minister highlighted that strengthening the fraternal relationship with Saudi Arabia is a priority for President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to maintaining and enhancing these historic ties. He acknowledged the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s role in resolving challenges faced by Maldivian pilgrims and noted its continued cooperation has improved the overall Hajj experience.

Minister Shaheem also recognised the success of Saudi Arabia’s annual Hajj and Umrah exhibition for introducing innovative approaches to Hajj management. He noted that the Maldives has initiated a national conference on Hajj and Umrah since last year, reflecting shared goals in improving pilgrimage administration.

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