Malé, Maldives – The Maldives on Thursday welcomed His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Salah al-Budair, Imam of Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah, marking the first official visit by an Imam from one of the holy mosques in over four decades.

Sheikh Dr. Salah al-Budair was received with a red carpet welcome at Velana International Airport. Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Chief Imam of the Islamic Centre Sheikh Mohamed Latheef, and senior officials from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs were present to welcome him.

The visit comes following an official invitation extended by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs under the guidance of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The invitation was also approved by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

During his stay, Sheikh Dr. al-Budair is scheduled to meet with President Dr. Muizzu and hold discussions with leading religious figures in the Maldives, including members of the Supreme Council of Fatwa and Islamic scholars. He will also meet with Islamic Minister Dr. Shaheem.

As part of his engagements, Sheikh Dr. al-Budair will deliver the Friday sermon at the Islamic Centre and conduct a public religious lecture, providing an opportunity for Maldivians to hear directly from one of the most respected figures in the Islamic world.

The visit is seen as a significant step in strengthening religious ties between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia, and part of a broader initiative by the current administration to host esteemed Islamic scholars in the country.