Ramadan nears end, dates from Saudi still pending

Ministry of Islamic Affairs has stated that the annual date shipment from Saudi Arabia is still yet to be received.

Every year, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia donates dates to Islamic nations to mark the holy month of Ramadan and is usually delivered at the start of the month.

The holy month is nearing end. When questioned about the delay earlier this month, the Ministry said that the dates would be delivered and distributed within the last 10 days of the month.

When questioned regarding the issue, Ismail Afrah, Media Official of the Ministry, said that the dates are yet to be received. He added that they had received information that it would be sent soon but refrained from giving a set date.

With the exception of 2021, Saudi Arabia had always shipped 50 tons of dates to the Maldives. Last year, the amount was 25 tons. Therefore, the Ministry had distributed only to those listed as destitute, children in Kudakudhinge Hiyaa and Fiyavathi, individuals in the Special Needs Center in Guraidhoo island, and inmates under the care of Department of Corrections.