Islamic Minister Travels to Saudi Arabia for Forum, Mosque Deal

The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has departed for Saudi Arabia on an official visit. He is attending the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum 2026, currently being held in Medina. A key objective of the visit is to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Saudi Arabian company. The agreement will be for the construction of a major mosque planned for Hulhumalé. Under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's leadership, bilateral relations between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia continue to strengthen. The Saudi government has been a consistent source of support, particularly in matters related to the Hajj pilgrimage. Close collaboration is maintained with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and its Ministry of Islamic Affairs, with several joint initiatives actively underway. Efforts are also being coordinated with the Saudi Embassy in Malé, reflecting the deepening cooperation between the two nations.