Saudi Arabia

The Edition | 2 hours, 42 minutes ago | positive

Morocco's National Team Is Winning Maldivian Hearts, But One Moroccan Did It Long Ago

Morocco's national football team has gained popularity in the Maldives since their 2022 World Cup run. Older fans remember Fidadi Mohamed, a Moroccan player who played for Victory Sports Club in 2001 and 2005, regarded as the greatest foreign player in Maldivian football. Fidadi was in Morocco's provisional 1994 World Cup squad but omitted due to a dispute. He played for Olympique Club de Khouribga, Al-Ettifaq, and Selangor FA before joining Victory. He recommended switching to a 4-4-2 formation, transforming the team after a 4-0 defeat to New Radiant.

Maldives News Network | 1 month, 1 week ago | positive

Saudi delegation arrives in Maldives to finalise Makkah Route arrangements for 1447 AH Hajj

A Saudi delegation has arrived in Maldives to finalize Makkah Route Initiative arrangements for the 1447 AH Hajj season. Operations Director Omar Abdul Majeed arrived in Malé on Saturday, with 18 more members arriving on May 11, 2026. The initiative, first expanded to Maldives in 2025, simplifies Hajj procedures by completing entry formalities before departure. For 2026, it covers 17 entry points in 10 countries including new participants Senegal and Brunei. Around 1,000 Maldivian pilgrims travel annually. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs highlighted the service as reflecting strong ties between Maldives and Saudi Arabia. Hajj 2026 is expected from May 24-29.

Maldives News Network | 2 months, 1 week ago | positive

President Muizzu Arrives in Saudi Arabia for Umrah

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. They were received at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport by Madinah Governor Salman bin Sultan Al Saud and Royal Protocol Director Ibrahim Barri. The visit is fully hosted by the Saudi government, with all expenses covered. Sources note this is the first time a sitting Maldivian president has been facilitated with two Umrah pilgrimages, one Hajj, and private jet arrangements within a single term, all funded by Saudi Arabia. The visit reflects strong bilateral ties.

The Standard | 2 months, 1 week ago | positive

President Muizzu to perform Umrah on official invitation of Saudi Arabia

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed will depart for Saudi Arabia on Monday, April 6, to perform Umrah. The Saudi government will cover all expenses, reflecting strong bilateral ties. Arrangements were finalized in February. No additional official engagements have been announced for the trip.

Maldives News Network | 6 months, 1 week ago | positive

Saudi Delegation Arrives for Maldives’ Second Hajj and Umrah Conference

A high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia arrived in the Maldives ahead of the nation's second Hajj and Umrah Conference, scheduled for the 11th of this month. The delegation is led by Bandar bin Abdullah Al-Rajhi, Chairman of the Al-Safwa Foundation, and comprises several senior officials. The visit underscores continued cooperation between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia in strengthening services for Maldivian pilgrims. During the trip, Chairman Al-Rajhi will hold an official meeting with the Minister of Islamic Affairs and engage with members of the Supreme Council for Islamic Fatwa. The delegation will also tour the National Centre for the Holy Quran and meet young preachers, Quran memorizers, and imams. Discussions will be held with Hajj Corporation Limited to improve Hajj and Umrah facilitation.

Maldives News Network | 6 months, 2 weeks ago | positive

Saudi Business Delegation Meets President Muizzu to Strengthen Economic Ties

A high-level Saudi Arabian business delegation led by Deputy Minister for International Relations Sara Al Sayed paid a courtesy call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The visit follows President Muizzu's earlier meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Discussions focused on deepening collaboration in investment, private-sector development, economic growth, agriculture, fisheries, AI, IT, and tourism. The delegation will participate in the Maldives–Saudi Investment Roundtable. President Muizzu expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia's support, including facilitating completion of Velana International Airport. Both parties reaffirmed commitment to enhancing bilateral relations.

Maldives News Network | 6 months, 3 weeks ago | positive

Maldives and Saudi Arabia Sign Judicial Cooperation Agreement

The Supreme Court of the Maldives signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Ministry of Justice of Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of the International Judicial Conference in Riyadh. Chief Justice Uz Abdul Ghanee Mohamed signed for the Maldives, and Saudi Minister of Justice Dr Walid Al-Samani for the Kingdom. This is the first cooperation agreement of its kind with an Arab Islamic nation at this level. The five-year framework aims to expand legal, administrative, and professional cooperation, including improving court procedures, institutional capacity, and skills of judges. It also enables exchange of expertise, joint conferences, seminars, and training programmes.

Ministry of Economic Development & Trade | 8 months, 3 weeks ago | positive

Minister Saeed graces ceremony held to commemorate Saudi Arabia’s National Day

Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed attended the official ceremony for Saudi Arabia's 92nd National Day. The Ministry posted on X, extending greetings and reaffirming the Maldives' commitment to strengthen friendship, trade, and cooperation with Saudi Arabia. Saudi National Day is observed on 23 September annually.

Ministry of Economic Development & Trade | 8 months, 3 weeks ago | positive

މިނިސްޓަރ ސަޢީދު، ސަޢޫދީ ޢަރަބިއްޔާގެ ޤައުމީ ދުވަހުގެ މުނާސަބަތުގައި ބޭއްވެވި ޙަފްލާ ޝަރަފުވެރިކޮށްދެއްވައިފި

Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed attended the official ceremony for Saudi Arabia's 92nd National Day. The Ministry posted on X, extending greetings and reaffirming the Maldives' commitment to strengthen friendship, trade, and cooperation with Saudi Arabia. Saudi National Day is observed on 23 September annually.

Maldives News Network | 8 months, 3 weeks ago | neutral

Arab States Welcome Western Recognition of Palestinian State Amid UN Summit

A wave of Western recognition for the State of Palestine was praised by Islamic countries and condemned by Israel. At a UN summit co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France, France, Belgium, Andorra, Luxembourg, Malta, and Monaco announced recognition. The summit aimed to revive the two-state solution. 157 UN member states now recognize Palestine. Israel and the US boycotted the event.

Maldives News Network | 10 months, 4 weeks ago | optimistic

Riyadh Expo 2030 hosts reception in Osaka to boost international cooperation

Riyadh Expo 2030, in collaboration with the Saudi Embassy in Japan, hosted a reception in Osaka to highlight Saudi Arabia's readiness for the World Expo. Over 200 guests attended, including ambassadors and commissioners-general from Expo 2025 Osaka. The event featured discussions on the theme 'The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow' and subthemes 'Innovative Technologies', 'Sustainable Solutions', and 'Thriving Communities'. Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi ambassador to Japan, opened the event. Abdulaziz Al-Ghannam, commissioner-general of Riyadh Expo 2030, said the journey has begun. Thamer Al-Saadoun, executive vice president, emphasized the theme's alignment with UN SDGs and Saudi Vision 2030. Riyadh Expo 2030 will run from Oct 1, 2030 to March 31, 2031, spanning 6 million sq meters.

Avas English | 1 year ago | positive

President Muizzu thanks Saudi leadership for exceptional Hajj hospitality

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu thanked the Saudi Arabian government for excellent hospitality to Hajj pilgrims during a meeting with Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfig F. Al-Rabiah. He expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their consideration towards Maldivian pilgrims and the Makkah Route Initiative. The President and First Lady are in Saudi Arabia for Hajj, hosted by the Saudi government.

Avas English | 1 year ago | positive

Islamic Minister hails ‘best’ Hajj arrangements

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed described this year's Hajj arrangements as the best to date, significantly improved from previous years. Pilgrims expressed satisfaction. He noted some areas for improvement but said the government is committed to improving within its capacity. Unlike previous years, no pilgrims got lost this year.

Avas English | 1 year ago | positive

President Dr Muizzu meets Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Mina Palace. He conveyed gratitude to King Salman, the Crown Prince, and the Saudi government for exceptional hospitality and support for Hajj pilgrims. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations. The President was accompanied by several ministers. The delegation is hosted by Saudi Arabia.

The Standard | 1 year ago | positive

Maldives Shines at Hajj Reception as President Muizzu Sits Beside Crown Prince

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu was seated next to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the official Hajj reception at Mina Palace, highlighting Maldives' rising stature in the Islamic world. The event included high-ranking dignitaries and Islamic scholars. President Muizzu expressed appreciation for Saudi hospitality. The Makkah Route Project continues to enhance ties.

The Standard | 1 year ago | positive

From Flight to Stay, All Set by Saudi Arabia— President Muizzu to Leave for Hajj on Royal Invitation

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed will depart for Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, following an invitation from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The trip is fully sponsored by the Saudi government and does not use the Maldives' Hajj quota or state funds, as clarified by President Muizzu in his podcast. He expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This is the second time President Muizzu has been invited by Saudi leadership for a religious pilgrimage, the first being Umrah in May 2024.

Maldives Republic | 1 year ago | neutral

Trump’s Visit to the Middle East: Secured Bonanza for US But Nothing for Gaza

US President Donald Trump visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE from 13 to 16 May 2025, securing major defence and economic deals. Trump announced the US would adopt the term 'Arabian Gulf'. No tangible relief was offered for Gaza. Deals included NVIDIA supplying AI chips to Saudi Arabia, AMD's $10 billion partnership, Amazon's $5 billion AI zone, Google's $100 million AI fund and $20 billion data deal with Supermicro. Saudi investments in the US reached $9.5 billion in 2023. UAE investments in the US totalled $3.7 billion (2018-2023), while US investments in UAE were $9.5 billion. Microsoft invested $1.5 billion in G42. UAE committed $1.4 trillion in US investments over ten years, with $200 billion in direct deals including Etihad Airways' $14.5 billion Boeing order, ADNOC's $60 billion oil expansion, Emirates Global Aluminium's $4 billion smelter, Qualcomm's AI hub, and G42's AI complex with 5 GW data centre capacity.

Maldives News Network | 1 year, 1 month ago | positive

Imam of Masjid Al-Nabawi, pays a courtesy call on the President

Imam of Masjid Al-Nabawi, Dr Salah bin Muhammad al-Budair, paid a courtesy call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu at the President's Office. The President highlighted the visit as a great honor and a symbol of longstanding brotherly ties between Maldives and Saudi Arabia. The Imam conveyed greetings from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The President acknowledged Saudi support in national development, especially Islamic education, and appreciated care for Maldivian pilgrims. Both expressed hopes for strengthened spiritual ties.

The Standard | 1 year, 2 months ago | concerned

Maldivians Face New Hurdles as Saudi Arabia Tightens Transit Visa Rules

Saudi Arabia has tightened its e-transit visa policy, affecting Maldivians and travelers from 18 countries classified as 'Group A'. The revised guidelines require applicants to have a valid visa for a Group A country and proof of previous entry using that visa. The change is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to enhance security and streamline visa procedures. Maldivian travelers may face additional hurdles, including more documentation and fewer spontaneous stopovers. Travel agents in Male' report increased inquiries about alternate routes. Tourism stakeholders warn of impacts on traffic flow.

The Standard | 1 year, 2 months ago | neutral

PM Modi Set to Visit Saudi Arabia, Rekindles Strategic Ties to Boost India-Europe Corridor

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Saudi Arabia later this month, his first trip to the Kingdom since 2019, to strengthen strategic ties and advance the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). During the visit, he will hold discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The IMEC, unveiled at the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September 2023, aims to create an integrated transportation network linking rail, road, and maritime routes. It envisions a rail line through Saudi Arabia connecting UAE ports to the Israeli port of Haifa. The corridor supports India's diversification of trade routes and aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic goals.