Ministry of Islamic Affairs have said that they will give the highest priority to the poor in the distribution of the dates donated by Saudi Arabia.

Around 50 tonnes of dates has been donated by Saudi Arabia, to be distributed among Maldivians. According to the Ministry, dates will be distributed on a first come first served basis - after taking into consideration that the poor is the first priority

One packet of dates is to be distributed per household in all cities and islands, after tallying the number of inhabited households and the poor. After the distribution of the dates to the poor, one packet of dates will once again be distributed per household on a first come first served basis.

The Ministry also added that when more dates are donated, they will be made available through the island councils. Dates will be distributed after the households are verified for authenticity.

Dates that were donated by Saudi Arabia was handed over to the Ministry by late April.

Dates will be distributed starting 8:45am till 1:00pm and during ramadan the hours would be from 9:30am till 12:00pm.