The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has revealed that dates donated by Saudi Arabia to the Maldives will be received within the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Dates donated by the kingdom are usually distributed among the citizens before the beginning of Ramadan each year. The absence of such an event this year had drawn criticism from the public towards the government.

Islamic Ministry’s media official Ismail Afrah told ONE Online that they haven't been able to distribute dates since they are yet to receive them. He however noted that the shipment is ready as of now, and is expected to be delivered within the last 10 days of Ramadan.

“The Saudi Embassy said the dates have been shipped. We expect it to arrive in the last 10 days of Ramadan. The delay in receiving the shipment this year remains unclear,” he said.

Afrah further revealed that they are not sure on the quantity of dates being donated, and added that a distribution plan will be finalized once they receive the dates.