First group of Maldivian Hajj pilgrims depart for Saudi

The first group of Maldivian Hajj pilgrims departed for Saudi Arabia on Friday.

A total of 235 pilgrims depart on Saudia Arabian flight at 15:25pm today, with many arriving at the airport early in the morning via coordinated bus services arranged for the journey.

Additional groups of pilgrims are scheduled to depart on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Islamic Ministry, Maldives Hajj Corporation and other stakeholders, in collaboration, have implemented special arrangements at the airport for the pilgrim departure process. These include designated zones for the arrival and parking buses transporting pilgrims.

Islamic Ministry has confirmed that the Maldives Hajj Corporation has completed all necessary logistical preparations in Mecca ahead of the pilgrims’ arrival. These arrangements cover accommodation, local transport, and essential services in Mina and Arafat.

Additionally, the Ministry stated that Maldives Hajj Mission is actively monitoring preparations and developments on the ground in Mecca to ensure smooth coordination throughout the pilgrimage period.

The Maldives has once again been allocated a quota of 1,000 pilgrims this year, all of whom are being managed through the state-owned Maldives Hajj Corporation. Maldivian pilgrims will travel under “Mecca Route Initiative,” aimed at streamlining immigration and travel procedures for pilgrims.