All preparations for this year’s Hajj are underway and largely completed, the Managing Director of Maldives Hajj Corporation, Mohamed Shakeel, has said.
Sharing updates on the Hajj preparations, Shakeel said visa arrangements for pilgrims have been finalised. Meanwhile, work is ongoing to repair and upgrade the hotel where Maldivians pilgrims would be accommodated in Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the property owner, he said.
Shakeel said authorities are improving services based on last year’s feedback, with close oversight and direction from President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Major service upgrades have been introduced, including a significant increase in toilets in Mina following past complaints. This year, up to four or five times more toilets will be available in Mina.
Shakeel noted that the government is prioritising better services and concessions for pilgrims, with strong coordination with Saudi authorities. He also thanked the Saudi government for its support.
The Maldivian Hajj Mission and advance team will depart to Saudi Arabia on 4 May, while the first group of pilgrims will depart on 15 May. Flights will be operated by Maldivian and Saudia. Pilgrims will travel to Medina by high-speed train and return to the Maldives via Medina.
According to Shakeel, the Mecca Route Initiative will continue, making procedures easier for Maldivian pilgrims. Similar to last year, pilgrims will once again receive Nusuk Hajj cards, and a special team will assist with arrangements.
Shakeel said the next steps include making arrangements for providing religious guidance, raising health and safety awareness, and completing remaining administrative work.