The Government of the Maldives has officially appointed Al-Sheikh Imthithau Abbas as the head of the Maldives Hajj Mission office in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Sheikh Imthithau, who currently serves as the Director General of the Maldives Zakat House, will oversee the welfare and logistics of Maldivian pilgrims during the upcoming Hajj season.

In addition to this appointment, Dr. Ilyas Hussain, a prominent member of the Supreme Council for Islamic Fatwa, has been designated as the lead religious scholar to provide spiritual guidance to this year’s pilgrims. The Hajj Mission office serves as the primary liaison between the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Maldivian government, ensuring all administrative aspects of the pilgrimage are coordinated effectively.

To finalize preparations, a 10-member advance team from the Hajj Mission is scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia tomorrow. Their mandate includes verifying accommodation, catering, transport, and medical facilities to ensure they meet the strict standards set by Saudi authorities before the pilgrims’ arrival.

According to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, all arrangements are proceeding as per the schedule established by the Saudi Ministry. The first group of Maldivian pilgrims is expected to depart for the holy land starting May 15th.