President Dr Mohamed Muizz has said it’s an honor and a great pleasure to become the 8th country to be included in the Makkah Route Initiative. 

Writing on X, the President disclosed that the first group of 235 Maldivian pilgrims, who departed Monday, were accorded a warm welcome upon landing in Saudi Arabia, and said the pilgrims were able to proceed directly to the hotel without any delay, not having to wrangle with the luggage.

The President expressed his wish that the pilgrims would experience similar convenience throughout their whole trip making it the pilgrimage with the best arrangements so far. 

And he expressed his desire to see still better arrangements are made in the future.

The President also thanked Allah SWT for bestowing such a blessing, and the Saudi government for allowing convenient services this year to Maldivian Hajj Pilgrims. 

He ended his message with a prayer wishing the pilgrims a Mabroor Haj , while being healthy and content.