Maldives becomes 8th country benefiting from "Makkah Route" Initiative
MALE — Saudi Arabia launched the "Makkah Route" Initiative in the Maldives on Monday, making it the eighth country to benefit from the initiative. The other countries are Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, and Côte d'Ivoire.
Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the Makkah Route Initiative at Velana International Airport in Male in the presence of Chairman of the "Makkah Route" Supervisory Committee Lt. Gen. Sulaiman Al-Yahya, Maldives Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed and Acting Chargé d'Affaires at the Saudi Embassy in the Maldives Fahad Al-Dosari.
A high-level Saudi delegation, including officials from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as senior officials from the Maldivian government also attended the ceremony.
The first group of 234 Maldivian pilgrims under the Makkah Route Initiative left the Male airport for Saudi Arabia.
The "Makkah Route" Initiative focuses on facilitating the smooth and seamless completion of all travel procedures for pilgrims from beneficiary countries in their designated embarkation points. These include issuing Hajj visas electronically, taking biometrics, completing entry procedures to the Kingdom from the airport of the country of departure after verifying that the required health requirements are met.
The process involves coding and sorting luggage according to transportation and accommodation arrangements in the Kingdom. The passengers are then transferred directly to buses to be transported to their residences in Makkah and Madinah. Partner agencies are responsible for the delivery of their luggage to buses and accommodation of the pilgrims.
The Ministry of Interior is implementing the initiative for the seventh year in a row as part of the Doyof Al-Rahman Program, one of the programs of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. This initiative is being implemented in cooperation with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the General Authority for Endowments, the Doyof Al-Rahman Program, and the General Directorate of Passports.
© Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
15 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE residents opt for popular summer destinations that cater to Muslim families
This summer, families are planning vacations in destinations that not only offer scenic beauty and leisure but also cater to their religious and cultural needs. Specially for Muslim families, trips must offer a balance of cultural familiarity, family-friendly experiences, and religious considerations such as halal food, prayer spaces, and respectful environments. According to travel experts and hospitality providers, demand is steadily rising for regions that offer halal-certified services, privacy options, and Islamic-friendly experiences — from Europe to Asia and island getaways. Rikant Pittie, CEO & Co-founder, told Khaleej Times: 'We've observed that families are increasingly gravitating towards destinations that blend a mix of cultural familiarity with family-friendly amenities. 'In Europe, places like Zakopane in Poland have gained popularity. Nestled in the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane offers a cool climate, affordability, and a growing halal-friendly infrastructure, including halal dining options and Arabic signage, making it particularly appealing to UAE's clientele. 'Similarly, the Algarve region in Portugal stands out for its sunny beaches and family-oriented resorts. Accommodations here often provide kids' clubs, halal dining, and women's wellness facilities, catering well to Muslim families. 'Beyond Europe, destinations like the Maldives, Malaysia, and Turkey continue to be favoured. These locations offer a combination of Islamic heritage, halal-certified services, and family-friendly attractions, aligning well with the preferences of Muslim travellers from the UAE.' Where they are going Mohamed Ahmed Ismail, an Egyptian doctor living in Dubai for the past 13 years, is planning a summer holiday to Switzerland with his wife and two children. Their stay will last a minimum of 10 days, with an expected budget of Dh25,000 to Dh30,000. "When travelling, in addition to considering safety, we tend to choose destinations and hotels that offer a family-friendly environment and take into account our cultural and religious needs as a Muslim family — such as prayer times, non-alcoholic beverages, halal food, and cultural sensitivity during tours and vacations," he told Khaleej Times. Ahmed and Kholoud Shamasneh, a Jordanian couple born and raised in the UAE and currently residing in Dubai, are set to travel to Malta this summer with their young child. Their vacation is confirmed and currently in the planning phase, with a stay of between one week and ten days and a budget of around Dh36,000. 'We're a small family, so we usually look for quiet, peaceful destinations with hotels that offer family-friendly facilities — such as kids' play areas, spacious rooms, and easy access to nature or relaxing settings. We are not really city people and therefore, prefer more serene and laid-back environments. 'We are also looking to see historical places that have a wide mix culture to communicate with locals. Having religious considerations is also an important aspect when planning a trip, because it gives the feel of convenience and ease, without having to worry about any relevant needs or requirements during travel.' How are international destinations responding? Khaleej Times reached out to a couple of industry experts to learn how they accommodate UAE-based Muslim families. Mauritius Ramesh Jeenarain, director of sales & marketing, Sunlife Resorts in Mauritius, said, 'We have beachfront resorts that go the extra mile to cater to Muslim travellers, many of whom typically stay between 3 to 5 nights and seek a culturally considerate experience for the whole family. From prayer mats and Qibla direction to halal-friendly dining options and the availability of shisha lounges, every detail is thoughtfully curated to ensure comfort. 'Resorts provide guests with prayer mats and Qibla direction markers in their rooms. Our team is always available to provide daily prayer times.. Guests have access to mosques within a 5 to 20-minute drive. Rooms include Muslim showers (bidet sprays) and we offer private spa treatments for female guests with female therapists, in-room dining, and exclusive-use spaces for family gatherings.' Switzerland Tamara Löffel-Jäger, head of business development at VisitGraubunden, shared: 'Muslim travellers from UAE often prioritise family-sized suites, halal dining options, and culturally respectful service. Most upscale properties provide prayer mats, Qibla direction, and daily prayer times in-room and private prayer spaces can be arranged upon request. " "Amenities include private wellness areas, women-only spa times, female therapists, Muslim showers on request, halal menus, alcohol-free minibars, and family-oriented layouts with ample privacy," she added. Malta Kyle Pace Cumbo, group director of sales & marketing at Iniala Harbour House, noted: 'Guests typically book suites or private residences for secluded family time. Their average stay is 6 nights, and they spend generously on exclusive experiences, private dining, and wellness. 'Our concierge team assists with prayer times and directions to the closest mosque. Prayer mats and Qibla markers are available in-room. We offer halal-certified private dining options and can accommodate dietary requirements at our Michelin-starred restaurant.'
Arabian Business
18 hours ago
- Arabian Business
UAE flight suspension updates; 4-day work week in Dubai; Public holiday dates announced; New Saudi dining rules, Piers Morgan interview – 10 things you missed this week
From escalating regional tensions disrupting UAE airline routes to flexible work weeks reshaping the Dubai summer, this week has brought a mix of major developments across the Gulf. Dubai's real estate market continues its record-breaking momentum, while Abu Dhabi quietly asserts itself as a rising investment magnet. Saudi Arabia has unveiled new food transparency rules, the UAE confirmed the Hijri New Year public holiday, and outspoken broadcaster Piers Morgan gave a headline-shifting interview on Gaza, Israel and Trump. Catch up on 10 of the biggest stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors. UAE airline flight suspensions: flydubai, Etihad, Air Arabia and Emirates travel update UAE airlines continue to report suspensions and cancellations of flights as conflict between Israel and Iran impacts airspace and travel. UAE carriers Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia and Emirates have all announced suspended flights and airports have issued travel advisories amid closed air space and disrupted travel routes in the region. Flights from the UAE carriers to destinations, including Iran, Israel, Russia, Jordan and Iraq have been suspended. See the latest travel news here and check with airlines and updates for live updates. Dubai announces 4-day week and flexible hours for some workers The Dubai Government has announced new working hour rules for employees. Flexible operating hours and a four-day week will be available to some employees throughout the summer as part of an initiative to enhance work-life balance. The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) announced the implementation of the 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative across all Dubai Government entities, following the success of its pilot phase in 2024. UAE announces Hijri New Year holiday for public and private sector The UAE has announced a private sector holiday to mark the Hijri New Year. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced that Friday, June 27 will be an official paid holiday for private sector companies in the UAE on the occasion of the new Hijri year 1447 AH. It means a 3-day weekend for many, with an extended break from June 27 to 29. It follows an earlier announcement by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) to designate the same day as a holiday for public sector workers. The FAHR issued a circular to all ministries and federal entities, stating that the Hijri New Year holiday for the year 1447 AH will fall on Friday, June 27, 2025. Saudi Arabia announces major new food and dining rules Saudi Arabia is set to introduce major new food rules and guidelines for restaurant and café menus from July 1. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has announced the imminent implementation of new technical regulations for food. These regulations are designed to enhance food transparency and provide consumers with comprehensive information when dining out, empowering them to make informed nutritional decisions. SFDA noted that starting July 1, 2025, food establishments will be mandated to display detailed nutritional information on their menus. This includes placing a 'saltshaker' label next to meals high in sodium as a clear guide, disclosing the caffeine content of beverages, and indicating the estimated time required to burn off the calories from a meal. The great wealth migration: How Dubai became the world's top millionaire magnet In recent times, Dubai has seen sharp growth in the number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) relocating to the country. The UAE has solidified its position as the top destination for millionaires, with an increasing inflow of wealthy individuals — more than any other country in the world. In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, Louis Harding, CEO of Betterhomes Dubai, said: 'Wealth is moving where it's treated best. Dubai's appeal to HNWIs lies in a rare combination: zero income tax, political stability, world-class infrastructure, and a strategic location within an 8-hour flight to two-thirds of the world's population. It's not just about escaping taxes — it's about building a secure, global life. The city now offers what few others can: capital preservation, mobility, and clarity in an uncertain world.' According to a recent report by Betterhomes, the UAE emerged as the 14th largest wealth market globally, housing 130,500 dollar millionaires, indicating a 98 per cent surge in the last decade. Piers Morgan on Gaza, Israel and Trump: 'Unacceptable' war must end as global opinion shifts It wasn't a soundbite or a headline that signalled Piers Morgan's evolving stance on Gaza. It was a shift in tone – a colder assessment, a sharper demand for accountability, and a firmer insistence on facts. In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, Morgan, never one to back away from controversy, appeared less concerned with provocation, and more concerned with principle. For a man long associated with Western media orthodoxy, Morgan's recent commentary on Israel's military campaign has marked a significant pivot. Though he never explicitly said 'I changed my mind,' the message was clear throughout – the facts have changed, and so has he. 'What they're doing now is unjustified, unacceptable, probably illegal – and it needs to stop,' he says of the Israeli military campaign. This statement represents a marked departure for a media figure whose initial reaction to Hamas' October attack reflected the narrative of Israel's 'right to defend itself.' That shift, from supportive understanding to public criticism, mirrors a broader transformation taking place across Western capitals, newsrooms, and public opinion. UAE offers Corporate Tax fine waiver — but deadline looms The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is urging corporate taxpayers across the UAE to register for corporate tax and file returns within the legal deadline to avoid administrative penalties, under a limited-time waiver introduced by Cabinet Decision. The waiver applies to both taxable entities and exempt persons required to register, provided they submit their corporate tax registration and file their first tax return or annual declaration within seven months from the end of their first tax period. The FTA clarified that the exemption from late registration fines only applies to the first tax period, regardless of whether the due date falls before or after the decision came into effect. Dubai real estate: Sales of homes worth more than $2.7m increase tenfold in 4 years; top millionaire neighbourhoods revealed Dubai's prime residential property market has entered its fourth consecutive year of growth, with Savills Middle East reporting sustained increases in both value and volume across the city's most exclusive neighbourhoods. According to the newly released Savills Dubai Prime Residential 2025 report, the number of AED10m+ ($2.7m+) home sales rose from 469 in 2020 to a record-breaking 4,670 in 2024 — a tenfold increase. In Q1 2025 alone, more than 1,300 such properties changed hands, up 31 per cent year-on-year. Dubai real estate: Metro Blue Line to turn infrastructure into wealth generator, says fäm Properties CEO Construction has begun on Dubai's Metro Blue Line expansion, with a property expert predicting the infrastructure project will transform the emirate's urban economy and turn connectivity into real estate currency. Firas Al Msaadi, CEO of fäm Properties, said the Blue Line will have implications for Dubai's real estate market as the city advances its position as a global, liveable, and investable destination. Construction began last week with the laying of the foundation stone for the first station at Dubai Creek Harbour. Abu Dhabi is driving 'significant opportunity' amid UAE real estate surge, experts say While the UAE's real estate spotlight has long been focused on Dubai, Abu Dhabi has been crafting a quieter, yet no less powerful, growth story. In a series of exclusive interviews, leading real estate experts revealed how the capital's property market is becoming a magnet for both domestic and international investors—driven by smart planning, long-term vision, and a wave of infrastructure and lifestyle upgrades. 'Abu Dhabi has surpassed Oslo to become the city with the highest concentration of sovereign wealth,' Ali Ishaq, Head of Residential Agency in Abu Dhabi told Arabian Business.
UAE Moments
a day ago
- UAE Moments
GCC Approves Unified Tourist Visa, Launch Expected Soon
A major move for Gulf tourism is underway. A single tourist visa covering all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has been officially approved, according to UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. In a recent interview, Al Marri confirmed that the visa is now in the final stages of preparation and will be rolled out once the Ministry of Interior and other relevant authorities complete implementation. One Visa, Six Destinations Once in effect, the unified tourist visa will allow international travelers to explore the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain without the need for separate entry permits for each country. The move is expected to simplify travel across the Gulf, support regional tourism goals, and boost visitor numbers—especially for those who want to experience multiple destinations in a single trip. What's Next? While no official rollout date has been announced, the plan is already in motion. The visa is now with the interior ministries and key agencies across the region for final processing. This step aligns with ongoing efforts to promote the Gulf as a connected tourism hub, making cross-border travel smoother, faster, and more attractive to international tourists.
