The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has held discussions with the Institute of Islamic Development on training professionals for Islamic finance. The discussions were held during a meeting between Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, the Director General of the Institute of Islamic Development, and Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Shaheem Ali Saeed during his visit to Saudi Arabia.
During the meeting, the two officials discussed the development of the Zakat House and training of professionals in the field of Islamic finance in the Maldives. The government has constituted the Maldives Zakat House, which is mandated to fortify the Maldivian Zakat system and do all necessary to expand the Zakat Fund by investing in areas where Shariah has approved Zakat, thereby maximising distributor benefits.
Minister Shaheem traveled to Saudi Arabia on the invitation of Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al Rabia. During their meeting, Minister Shaheem made a request to permit students studying in Saudi Arabia to assist pilgrims during the Hajj season. In addition, he sought the opportunity for Maldivian media to cover the Hajj in the local language. The two ministers also deliberated on the potential increase in the country's Hajj quota and discussed President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's efforts to facilitate the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage process.