Hajj arrangements begin: Makkah Route Initiative delegation received in the Maldives
received the Makkah Route Initiative, a warm and distinguished welcome upon their arrival in the Republic of Maldives. This arrival marks the commencement of operational arrangements for transporting Maldivian pilgrims to the Holy City of Makkah to perform Hajj. Footage accompanying the delegation's arrival showed the exceptional hospitality shown by Maldivian children in their traditional attire, who presented white roses to the Saudi delegation members as a heartfelt expression of their appreciation for this blessed initiative.
The Minister of Islamic Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, announced the commencement of joint coordination efforts and early preparations to ensure a smooth and easy departure for pilgrims. This visit coincides with the start of preparations for the Hajj season, aimed at facilitating and easing the pilgrimage for Maldivian pilgrims by completing their procedures in their home country before traveling to the Holy Land.
Historical dimensions and ongoing development in the Makkah Route Initiative
This step is an extension of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's successive successes in serving the pilgrims. The initiative was first launched in 2017, marking a qualitative leap in the history of Hajj organization. The idea began with a pilot program in a limited number of countries, then gradually expanded to include major Islamic countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Morocco, Turkey, and Côte d'Ivoire. This initiative is considered one of the most prominent initiatives of the Saudi Ministry of Interior within the Guests of God Service Program, which is one of the key executive programs of Saudi Vision 2030, aimed at improving the quality of services provided to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
Maldives, the eighth destination: Exceptional facilities for pilgrims
With the official inclusion of the Republic of Maldives during the 1446 AH (2025 CE) Hajj season, it becomes the eighth country to benefit from these exceptional facilities. The initiative allows pilgrims to complete all the complex procedures that were previously time-consuming. This includes issuing electronic visas, collecting biometric data, and bypassing passport control, customs, and health screening at their departure point in their home country's airport. Furthermore, luggage is pre-sorted and labeled, enabling pilgrims to be transferred directly by dedicated buses to their accommodations in Makkah and Madinah upon arrival at Saudi airports, while their luggage is delivered to their rooms by the relevant authorities.
The regional and international impact of the Kingdom's efforts
The impact of this massive project extends far beyond mere procedural considerations, carrying profound humanitarian and international dimensions. Locally and regionally, the project alleviates pressure on Saudi airports and minimizes waiting times, reflecting the efficiency of Saudi management in handling millions of pilgrims. Internationally, these facilities enhance the Kingdom's soft power and highlight its leading role in serving Islam and Muslims. Providing this exceptional care, particularly for elderly and disabled pilgrims, has a profoundly positive psychological impact and underscores the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to harnessing all its technological and human resources to ensure a safe and comfortable spiritual journey for all those visiting the Two Holy Mosques.
