President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and his wife, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed today concluded their visit to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj Pilgrimage. 

They were seen off at the airport by the Governor of Jeddah, Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi Al Saud, as reported by the President’s Office. 

On Sunday Minister of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia Dr Thawfiq  Al Rabiah paid a courtesy call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

During the call, the President expressed profound gratitude to the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohamed bin Salman, for their consideration towards Maldivian pilgrims and for the convenient services provided. 

Highlighting that after Maldives was included in the Makkah Route Initiative, travel has been significantly eased, the President applauded the extraordinary hospitality and accommodation service provided during this year’s Hajj. 

On Saturday, Saudi Crown prince Mohamed bin Salman himself met President Dr. Mohamed Muizz at the Royal court in Mina Palace, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

At the meeting the two leaders exchanged Eid Al Adha greetings and discussed ways to strengthen relations and expand co-operation between their countries across various fields. 

The meeting reflected ongoing efforts to bolster Saudi -Maldivian ties and explore new avenues for partnership, the Saudi Press Agency said.

A number of Senior Saudi officials are also reported to have attended the meeting including Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region; Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sports; Prince Abdul Aziz bin Saud bin Nayef, Minister of Interior; Price Khalid bin Salman, Minister of Defense and Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

From the Maldivian side President Muizzu was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Khaleel and other members of his delegation.

The high-level talks come as Saudi Arabia continues to deepen engagement with nations across South Asia in line with its broader diplomatic and economic outreach initiatives. 

Later President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu also attended a special reception hosted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on behalf of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, for state officials, heads of government agencies and delegations, religious figures and other dignitaries who were in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj this year.

At the reception held in Mina on Saturday, President Muizz was seen seated closest to the Crown Prince. Attendees at the reception also included those who performed Hajj at the invitation of the King, and heads of Hajj Missions from different countries. A similar meeting is held every year for dignitaries who visit Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj.

Political analysts note, the fact that President Muizzu was seated closest to MBS, indicate the close bonds between Maldives and Saudi Arabia.

President Muizzu and his wife Madam Sajida Mohamed were in Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Saudi government.