Maldivian Umrah pilgrim dies of heart attack in Mecca

A Maldivian man performing Umrah in Mecca has died after suffering a heart attack, officials said.

Mohamed Imthiyaz, 62, of M. Sakkeyomaage, was part of a group travelling under the Almanasik Hajj and Umrah Group. He died at 7.35pm last night while performing his second Umrah at Masjid al-Haram.

An official from the Almanasik group said doctors had confirmed the cause of death as a heart attack, adding that Imthiyaz had a pre-existing heart condition and had been fitted with a pacemaker.

Imthiyaz had travelled to Saudi Arabia for Umrah on Saturday.

According to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, more than 7,700 Maldivians are expected to perform Umrah during the current school holidays.