Health clinic for Maldivian pilgrims in Mecca in collaboration with a Saudi hospital

Maldivian pilgrims performing Hajj this year will, for the first time, have access to a dedicated health clinic in Mecca, set up by the Maldives' Ministry of Islamic Affairs in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Abir Hospital.

Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed announced that the clinic, located at the hotel where Maldivian pilgrims are staying, is part of a broader effort to enhance health and safety services during the pilgrimage.

“This is the first time a clinic has been established specifically for Maldivian pilgrims in collaboration with a Saudi hospital,” the minister said.

The clinic will be fully equipped with medical staff, treatment facilities, and hospital beds to cater to health emergencies during the pilgrimage season.

The announcement comes as Maldives is included for the first time in Saudi Arabia’s Mecca Route Initiative, a key component of the kingdom’s Vision 2030 programme aimed at streamlining the pilgrimage process.

Under the Mecca Route Initiative, Maldivian pilgrims will benefit from:

- Biometric and visa processing completed in Malle' before departure.

- Health and safety checks administered in advance.

- Baggage tagging and check-in at Velana International Airport, with boarding passes issued on site.

- Pre-clearance by Saudi immigration officials, allowing pilgrims to bypass lengthy arrival procedures.

- Direct transfer to accommodation in Mecca, with no need to collect baggage at the Saudi airport.

Minister Shaheem highlighted that these developments mark a significant milestone in the Maldives’ participation in the Hajj pilgrimage, reflecting growing cooperation between the Maldivian and Saudi governments.

Mecca Route Initiative, launched in 2018, is a Saudi-led effort overseen by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Interior. It aims to enhance the experience of pilgrims from select countries through digitization, streamlined entry, and improved service delivery.