His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Salah Al-Budair, the esteemed Imam of Masjid Al-Nabawi in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, arrived in the Maldives this afternoon on an official visit. He was welcomed with a ceremonial red carpet reception at Velana International Airport by the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Chief Imam of the Islamic Center Sheikh Mohamed Lateef, and senior officials from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.
The visit, conducted at the invitation of the Ministry in consultation with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen religious ties and facilitate engagements with prominent Islamic scholars. The trip also comes with the gracious approval of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
During his stay, Sheikh Dr. Al-Budair is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Dr. Muizzu and hold discussions with key religious leaders, including the Minister of Islamic Affairs and members of the Supreme Council for Islamic Fatwa. He will also engage with young preachers, Hafiz, and Imams from across the Maldives.
Sheikh Dr. Al-Budair’s itinerary includes visits to the National Center for the Holy Quran and various private institutions devoted to Quran memorization. Additionally, he will officially visit the King Salman Mosque in Malé, a landmark mosque established with generous support from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
As part of his religious engagements, Sheikh Dr. Al-Budair will lead Maghrib and Isha prayers at the King Salman Mosque on the evening of Wednesday, April 23. On Thursday, April 24, he will lead the Isha prayer at the Islamic Center, followed by a special religious lecture. On Friday, April 25, he will lead the Jumu’ah (Friday) prayer at the Islamic Center.
This high-profile visit not only reaffirms the close diplomatic and religious relationship between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia but is also expected to provide spiritual enrichment and lasting inspiration for the local Muslim community.