A Saudi Arabian delegation has arrived in the Maldives to oversee preparations under the Makkah Route Initiative for Maldivian pilgrims travelling for the 1447 AH Hajj season.

The delegation, comprising 18 Saudi officials, arrived in the country today to coordinate and supervise arrangements related to the implementation of the initiative.

The Maldives was included in the Makkah Route Initiative during the 1446 AH Hajj season under an initiative launched by Saudi Arabia to facilitate and streamline the journey of Hajj pilgrims.

The service was officially inaugurated in the Maldives last year by President Mohamed Muizzu. The ceremony was attended by Lieutenant General Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya, Chairman of the Makkah Route Initiative Committee, along with a high-level Saudi delegation.

The Maldives secured inclusion in the initiative following extensive discussions between the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowment and senior Saudi authorities.

The first group of Maldivian pilgrims for this year’s Hajj season is scheduled to depart on May 15.