King Salman Mosque stands as a strong symbol of the enduring ties between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said.

President Muizzu made the remarks after a meeting with Dr Salah bin Muhammad al-Budair, the Imam and Khateeb of Masjid Al-Nabawi, who is currently in Maldives on a five-day official visit.

Dr Salah al-Budair paid a courtesy call on President Muizzu at the President’s Office, following an invitation extended by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs as part of its ongoing efforts to reinforce the Islamic identity of the Maldives by welcoming distinguished scholars and religious leaders from across the Islamic world.

President Muizzu expressed gratitude for the support Saudi Arabia has extended to the Maldives in several areas of national development.

"The Salman Mosque is a strong symbol of our [Maldives-Saudi] relationship. I believe that the Saudi King is the leader of the Islamic Ummah," he said.

During his visit, the Imam of Masjid Al-Nabawi is scheduled to lead Maghrib and Isha prayers at the King Salman Mosque. Thursday night’s Isha prayer will also be led by Dr Salah.

King Salman Mosque was opened to the public during Ramadan 2023. Construction of the USD 24 million (MVR 370 million) mosque began in 2017 during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen.

Although the mosque was structurally completed within two years, it remained unused for various reasons until its official opening.