President to depart for Hajj on Sat on Saudi invitation
According to the President, all associated expenses will be covered by Saudi Arabia and not from the state budget.
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President Mohamed Muizzu is scheduled to depart for Hajj on Saturday at the invitation of the King of Saudi Arabia.
Speaking during the seventh episode of his Rayyithunna Eku podcast, President Muizzu said the pilgrimage would be undertaken outside the Maldives’ official Hajj quota. He addressed speculation that his participation would come from the quota of 1,000 Maldivian pilgrims.
“The special opportunities given to me and previous rulers are not going through the quota. We are getting a special invitation outside the 1,000 quota,” the President said.
He added that the Saudi government had made separate arrangements, including a dedicated flight. According to the President, all associated expenses will be covered by Saudi Arabia and not from the state budget.
“None of my Hajj is done through the quota. It is not done by the government budget. It is done by the Saudi Royal Quota through Saudi hospitality,” he said.
This year’s Hajj pilgrimage is scheduled to take place on Thursday, the 5th of next month. This will be President Muizzu’s first Hajj pilgrimage since assuming office.
