Maldives president hails Makkah Route Initiative as symbol of Saudi Arabia's leadership
RIYADH: President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives has hailed Saudi Arabia's Makkah Route Initiative as a symbol of the Kingdom's service to Islam and Muslims.
'Their leadership of the Islamic world represents an exemplary model of giving, unity, and service, not only at the two holy mosques but throughout the entire Islamic world, confirming the Kingdom's pivotal role in leading with wisdom and mercy in serving Islam,' he said at the launch of the initiative in his country recently.
Muizzu added: 'For the first time, Maldivian pilgrims will benefit from this pioneering initiative, designed by Saudi Arabia under its wise leadership and generously provided within the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program emerging from Saudi Vision 2030,' he explained.
The initiative enables the completion of all passport, customs and health screening procedures from the departure point — Velana International Airport.
Muizzu thanked Saudi Arabia's ministries of interior, Hajj and Umrah, as well as other organizations for their assistance.
'We renew our great gratitude and appreciation for the leadership and people of Saudi Arabia, and look forward to enhancing cooperation and joint work under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his crown prince for the good of the entire Islamic nation.'
The initiative is now operating in eight countries, which includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Morocco and the Ivory Coast.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
41 minutes ago
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: Tar'fay cafe in Alkhobar
In historic northern Alkhobar — where tradition and the contemporary collide — lies a quintessential Eastern Province cafe: The eclectic and quirky world of Tar'fay. A kaleidoscope of color and craft, the cafe is the best-kept local secret. Everything we tried was delicious — their famous cake slice, affectionately known as 'cake heart of Khobar,' features a tiny red heart in the corner and goes for SR15 ($4). Opened in 2023, the cafe is the brainchild of a Saudi woman creative whose name it proudly carries. More than just a cafe, Tar'fay hosts a variety of artsy events; their recent calendar has been packed with workshops like junk journaling, rubber-stamp making and a teddy bear workshop. This is the place where you would take someone from out of town to show them the aura and essence of Alkhobar. It is also the spot in which locals park their laptops and work while sipping on some coffee or matcha. Tar'fay hosts a treasure trove of items and every space is full of vibrant and inspiring art to help fuel your creative energy as you fuel up on caffeine. They even have fun mugs that feel like a hug for your hands. It is an Instagram and TikTok haven but also a great spot to slow down and delve into a physical book — many of which are supplied on the coffee tables. Tar'fay is a gathering space for creatives with a large communal table and plenty of nooks to nestle in and read, or scroll on your phone. The cafe is open daily. Check out Tar'fay's Instagram page for more @
Arab News
42 minutes ago
- Arab News
Saudi students tackle Hajj challenges with tech
RIYADH: A team of students at King Abdulaziz University has developed a mobile app designed to help Hajj pilgrims navigate their journey with ease, eliminating a common challenge faced during the intense pilgrimage: getting lost. Led by student Hassan Al-Sulami, the team created the Musaed app, an interactive tool that can help pilgrims locate their camps and navigate crowded areas. 'The innovative idea aims to ease the pilgrims' journey by presenting it at the upcoming Hajj and Umrah Conference, seeking a sponsor to adopt it,' Al-Sulami said. 'We are working to integrate it into the Nusuk Haq Hajj app.' • Although the app is still in its prototype phase and pending official approvals, the Musaed project reflects the creativity and technical potential of Saudi youth. • Led by Saudi student Hassan Al-Sulami, the Musaed app is an interactive tool that can help pilgrims locate their camps and navigate crowded areas. The app was born out of firsthand observation during the 2022 Hajj, when Al-Sulami and his team noticed many pilgrims struggling to find their tents, leading to missed rituals and logistical and transport delays. Using technologies like the Internet of Things, Musaed enables pilgrims to identify their camp locations on an offline map after an initial download. A standout feature is its use of the phone's camera to identify the direction of the camp, similar to how one uses augmented-reality compass function to find the Qibla direction. The app's concept also includes audio and visual directions that serve as a personal guide to help pilgrims navigate their surroundings. The app will also provide suggested routes and available facilities, as well as a real-time alert feature that notifies users of congestion. A built-in contact feature allows direct communication with supervisors or relevant authorities, adding a layer of safety and assurance. Although the app is still in its prototype phase and pending official approvals, the Musaed project reflects the creativity and technical potential of Saudi youth. With more than 1 million pilgrims arriving each year, initiatives like Musaed offer scalable, tech-forward solutions that support Saudi Arabia's commitment to serving pilgrims with efficiency and care.
Arab News
43 minutes ago
- Arab News
Makkah royal commission leads Saudi Arabia's push to streamline Hajj operations
MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia is rolling out a high-tech, data-driven operational system to improve the pilgrim experience during Hajj, led by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. The initiatives emphasizes real-time coordination, smart mobility solutions and infrastructure enhancements to manage the flow of millions with greater speed, safety and efficiency, deploying cutting-edge technology and infrastructure improvements and operating on continuous assessment and gradual improvement, according to officials. At the core of the plan is a shift from reactive approaches to proactive operations. Through continuous assessment and integrated digital tools, the commission empowers authorities and streamlines pilgrim services across holy sites to achieve rapid response and strengthen functional integration. At the core of the plan is a shift from reactive approaches to proactive operations. (SPA) Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Rashid, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, said: 'Our preparations aim to create an operational environment that empowers relevant authorities and facilitates the pilgrims' journey.' Key elements include field operation rooms, backup buses and human-flow data analysis tools to guide resources and organize crowd movement, as well as electric scooter services and Makkah taxi services within carefully planned zones. The Transport General Authority has implemented an advanced operational plan for the transport system during the Hajj season, facilitating the movement of more than 2.1 million pilgrims over a few days. Efforts for health and safety infrastructure include a 200-bed field hospital in Mina. (SPA) The plan includes several transport systems: Single-trip buses serving 427,433 with 9,094 buses; two-trip services for 209,656 pilgrims using 2,230 buses; a shuttle for 702,251 pilgrims using 4,980 buses; and the Mashaer Metro line serving 423,000 pilgrims. To support this, the commission is overseeing key roadwork projects, including 1.7 km of the Second Ring Road with 208 meters of bridges and 3.35 km of service roads, as well as two phases of the Third Ring Road totaling more than 8 km, to reduce travel time and improve connectivity between Makkah and the Holy Sites. The commission also oversees the Kingdom's Project for the Utilization of Sacrificial Animals, also known as Adahi. Saudi Arabia has launched a high-tech data driven system for Hajj this year with upgraded facilities and streamlined efforts. (SPA) Recent efforts include equipping seven operational complexes over 1 million sq. m, processing more than 1.1 million animals, and expanding distribution to more than 30 countries via platforms such as Ehsan and Saudi Post. AI-powered systems track implementation and enhance efficiency. The Business Intelligence Center and Makkah Urban Observatory support real-time decision-making and monitor demographic and spatial improvements. Efforts for health and safety infrastructure include a 200-bed field hospital in Mina; 71 rapid intervention points; 15 mobile ambulance units; and 170,000 sq. m of shaded pedestrian pathways in Muzdalifah lined with 10,000 trees; 64 two-story restroom complexes, and 400 modern water coolers. In central Makkah, more than 235,000 sq. m of sidewalks and 30,000 sq. m of shade have been added, along with prayer courtyards for 60,000 extra worshippers, all to improve mobility and spiritual access around the Grand Mosque. Additional upgrades include multi-story tent systems, improved Miqat mosques, and expanded facilities at Al-Taneem and Al-Ji'ranah, enhancing the beginning stages of the pilgrimage. The commission's unified vision brings together more than 10 government agencies to support pilgrims logistically and elevate their overall experience through smart, coordinated planning.
