Ministry of Islamic Affairs Distributes 15 Tons of Dates Donated by Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has distributed 15 tons of dates donated by Saudi Arabia to government offices, colleges, and religious institutions across the Maldives.

The donation was made by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Da’wah and Guidance on 23 February. A handover ceremony was held at the Islamic Centre, where Saudi Ambassador to the Maldives, Yahya Hassan Al‑Qahtani, officially presented the dates. The donation was received on behalf of the Maldives by Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed.

At the ceremony, Minister Shaheem expressed gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi government for their continued support and close ties with the Maldives. He also acknowledged the contributions of Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al‑Sheikh.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs stated on Sunday that the donated dates have now been distributed to various government institutions, colleges, and religious organisations.

Saudi Arabia traditionally provides dates to the Maldives during Ramadan. In previous years, the donation was large enough to allow distribution to households nationwide, although some social media users have noted that they have not received Saudi dates this Ramadan.