The Maldives has formally requested inclusion in Saudi Arabia's Makkah Route Initiative, a programme designed to streamline the Hajj pilgrimage process, according to Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Minister of Islamic Affairs. He announced that the official appeal had been submitted to the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, marking a significant step in the nation's efforts to enhance the experience for its citizens.
Such participation, Minister Shaheem explained, would ease the journey for Maldivian pilgrims by addressing current travel bottlenecks. Upon arrival at Jeddah Airport, travellers would bypass extended wait times and proceed directly to their accommodations, signalling, he said, a major departure from existing procedures.
Central to the initiative is its innovative approach to pre-departure preparations, according to the minister. Pilgrims would finalise logistical and administrative formalities domestically before embarking on their journey, an adjustment that, he revealed, promises a seamless transition upon reaching their destination.
The Makkah Route Initiative currently benefits pilgrims from seven countries, exemplifying Saudi Arabia's vision for facilitating religious travel. Minister Shaheem expressed confidence that the Maldives would soon join this cohort, underlining the government's commitment to securing its inclusion. The move aligns with broader efforts to prioritise convenience and accessibility for Maldivian citizens undertaking the sacred journey.
Since its establishment in 2017 by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior, the initiative has received widespread acclaim for simplifying entry procedures to the Kingdom and exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive strategy to transform the Hajj experience.