MACL has revealed today that over 5,500 Maldivians have travelled to Saudi Arabia to complete Umrah pilgrimage this month. 

In a post shared on social media today, MACL said that 5,565 individuals have travelled for Umrah from the Velana International Airport in the month of July. MACL extended thanks to all who contributed to ensuring travel for the pilgrims was smooth and seamless. 

Families, including children and the elderly, often travel for Umrah during school holidays. 

Earlier, Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said that over 4,000 Maldivian pilgrims had gone for Umrah these school holidays under the care of 30 separate agents. This number, however, has since increased. 

Previously, Umrah pilgrimage was generally undertaken by adults. However, this trend has shifted over the past five years or so, with children often accompanying parents now.