President and First Lady to leave for Hajj tomorrow

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed will be leaving to Saudi Arabia tomorrow for Hajj pilgrimage.

Speaking in today's episode of the 'Rayyithunnaa Eku' [With Citizens] podcast, President Muizzu said that they are going on Hajj pilgrimage through a special opportunity presented by the Saudi King. As such, no expenses of the trip will be covered by the State.

The President said that Saudi Arabia has arranged a special flight for the couple to travel to the country.

"My Hajj pilgrimage is not within the quota granted to the country. It is not through the government budget. It has been arranged on invitation from Saudi Arabia, through the royal quota," he said.

The last group of pilgrimages from the quota of 1000 received by Maldives will be flying to Saudi Arabia today.

The President affirmed that arrangements have been made this year in a manner that will present maximum convenience to Maldivian pilgrims.

This includes changing the 10 to 12 hour long bus trip from Makkah to Medina to a high speed rail which takes only a couple of hours, participating in the Makkah Route Initiative, and establishing a dedicated clinic for Maldivian pilgrims.