Your Excellency Sulaiman bin Abdul Azeez AlYahya, Advisor to His Royal Highness the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Makkah Route Initiative,
High-level delegation members from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia visiting for this inauguration,
H.E Mr. Fahad Aldosari, Chargé d’affaires at the Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Maldives,
Honourable Ministers,
Distinguished Guests,
Beloved Brothers and Sisters,
It is with profound gratitude and heartfelt joy that we mark a truly historic and spiritually significant occasion—the official launch of the Makkah Route Initiative in the Republic of Maldives. This moment is not merely a commencement of a new logistical arrangement; it is the unfolding of a sacred service—an act of grace—that will ease and enrich the journey of our pilgrims as they embark on the most profound spiritual voyage of their lives: the Hajj.
For the first time, the Maldivian pilgrims will benefit from this visionary initiative—designed and generously extended by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under its far-sighted leadership. The Makkah Route Initiative, part of the Pilgrim Experience Program of Saudi Vision 2030, represents a transformative model for the facilitation of Hajj travel. It ensures that pilgrims from participating countries complete all necessary immigration, customs, and health procedures at their point of departure—in our case, Velana International Airport—allowing them to arrive in the Kingdom and proceed directly to their accommodation with ease, comfort, and dignity.
This historic inclusion of the Maldives in this global initiative is a profound testament to the depth of the brotherly relationship between our two brotherly nations, and to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s unwavering dedication to the service of Islam and the Ummah.
We are deeply honoured and grateful to The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for welcoming the Maldives into this distinguished initiative. Their stewardship in the Islamic world continues to set a high standard of generosity, unity, and service, not only in the sacred lands of Makkah and Madinah but also across the wider Islamic world.
As the Qur’an so beautifully proclaims:
“And proclaim to the people the Hajj—they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.”
(Surah Al-Hajj, 22:27)
Today, we are witnessing the modernization of that eternal call—facilitated with excellence, foresight, and heartfelt care.
I also extend our sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Ministry of Interior, the Steering Committee of the Makkah Route Initiative, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs of Saudi Arabia, and the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the Maldives for their relentless efforts, generous cooperation, and deep commitment to our shared faith and values.
I would also like to commend the Ministry of Islamic Affairs of the Maldives, Maldives Immigration, Velana International Airport, and all local agencies that worked so closely with our Saudi counterparts to make this initiative a reality.
We are particularly grateful for the high-level Saudi delegation that visited our shores in advance of the Hajj season. Their close coordination and meticulous planning ensured the successful operationalization of this complex but deeply impactful initiative.
The Government of Maldives remains fully committed to supporting our pilgrims. This year, for the first time, we have established a dedicated Hajj clinic in Saudi Arabia, equipped with emergency medical services—set up with the invaluable support of Saudi medical teams. Our Hajj Mission arrived in the Kingdom earlier this month to ensure the necessary arrangements are in place, and to guarantee that every Maldivian pilgrim is well looked after throughout their journey.
In this regard it is noteworthy to highlight that from this year onwards Maldivians will be utilizing the high-speed train services instead of buses between Makkah and Medina.
Additionally, the Bank of Maldives has increased the international transaction limit for debit cards to USD 1,750, easing the financial concerns of our pilgrims during their time abroad. These measures are part of our broader commitment to ensure that the pilgrims are not only spiritually uplifted, but also they are secure and worry-free.
Distinguished guests, dear brothers and sisters,
The Makkah Route Initiative is more than an administrative reform—it is a reflection of shared purpose, a demonstration of Islamic unity, and a manifestation of the enduring partnership between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It affirms the Kingdom’s central role in leading with compassion and foresight in the service of Islam.
May اللهُ سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى bless the journey of all our pilgrims. May He accept their prayers, reward their sacrifices, and return them to us spiritually renewed, physically safe, and with hearts full of light.
Let me once again express the Maldives’ highest esteem and heartfelt gratitude to the leadership and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We look forward to working even more closely with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Government of Saudi Arabia to deepen our ties, expand our cooperation, and together serve for the greater good of the Islamic world.
I thank you.