Islamic Ministry distributes Saudi Arabia’s annual Ramadan date donation to institutions nationwide

Dates donated by the Saudi government, January 20, 2025. (Photo/Islamic Ministry)

The Maldives Ministry of Islamic Affairs has completed the distribution of 15 tons of dates generously donated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Received on February 23 during a formal ceremony at the Islamic Centre, the shipment was presented by Saudi Ambassador Yahya Hassan Al-Qahtani to Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed. While the ministry has confirmed that these provisions have been disseminated to various government offices, colleges, and religious organizations, public feedback indicates a departure from previous years, as household-level distribution appears to be absent this season.

15 tons of dates were contributed by Saudi Arabia for the Ramadan season.
Official handover took place on February 23 with diplomatic representation from both nations.
The scope of distribution covers institutional entities, including government, academic, and religious bodies.
Minister Shaheem publicly acknowledged the support of King Salman and the Saudi government.
Residents have noted an absence of household-level date allocations compared to previous years.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has distributed 15 tons of dates donated by Saudi Arabia to government offices, colleges and religious institutions across the Maldives.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Da’wah and Guidance donated the dates on February 23. A handover ceremony was held at the Islamic Centre, where Saudi Ambassador to Maldives Yahya Hassan Al‑Qahtani officially presented the donation. The dates were received on behalf of the Maldives by Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed.

At the ceremony, Minister Shaheem thanked King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Saudi government for their continued support and close ties with the Maldives. He also praised the work of Saudi Islamic Affairs Minister Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al‑Sheikh.

Islamic Ministry Distributes Saudi-Donated Dates to Institutes and Collegeshttps://t.co/Pma4odDWlQ pic.twitter.com/G2yG2OCR92
— Ministry of Islamic Affairs (@MVIaffairs) March 15, 2026

The Islamic Ministry said Sunday that the donated dates have now been distributed to various government institutions, colleges and religious organisations.

Saudi Arabia traditionally donates dates to the Maldives during Ramadan. In previous years, the donation has been large enough to distribute to households across the country. However, some social media users have noted that they have not received Saudi dates this Ramadan.

By Azhaar Abdul Azeez

Writer