Pres: Imam Budair’s visit a symbol of longstanding ties between Maldives-Saudi Arabia

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu states the visit by Imam of Masjid al-Nabawi Sheikh Dr. Salah bin Muhammad al-Budair is a symbol of the longstanding brotherly ties between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia.

Imam Budair paid a courtesy call on the President at the President’s Office on Tuesday morning.

During the meeting, President Muizzu extended a warm welcome to Imam Budair, highlighting hosting him was a great honor. He attributed the visit to a symbol of the longstanding brotherly ties between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia.

The President noted that it had been 41 years since an Imam of Masjid Al-Nabawi undertook an official visit to the Maldives.

Imam Budairi expressed gratitude to the Maldivian government for the invitation and hospitality. He noted that the bond between the two nations is deeply rooted in their shared Islamic values and expressed his hope for the continued strengthening of this relationship. He also conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from Saudi Arabian King and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The President recognized the valuable contributions of the Saudi government to the Maldives’ national development, highlighting in particular its support for Islamic education. He also extended heartfelt thanks for the thoughtful care and hospitality shown to Maldivian pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah.

Both the President and the Imam concluded the meeting by expressing a mutual desire for this historic visit to deepen the spiritual connection between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia, and to inspire greater unity and faith among the Maldivian people.

During his visit, Imam Budair is scheduled to hold meetings with Islamic Minister Shaheem, members of the Supreme Council for Fatwa, religious scholars, young Khathibs, Hafizes and Imams. He will also meet with students memorizing the Holy Quran at the National Centre for Holy Quran and private institutions.

He will also tour King Salman Mosque, which was constructed with grant assistance from the Saudi Arabian government.

On Wednesday, he will lead the congregational Maghrib and Isha prayers at Salman Mosque. On Thursday, he will lead the congregational Isha prayer at the Islamic Centre which will be followed by a special religious lecture. He is also scheduled to lead the Friday prayer on Friday afternoon.