This is his second official visit overseas after his one-day trip to Indonesia in February.

In a statement, the foreign ministry said Muhyiddin was the first head of government to be invited by Saudi Arabian ruler, King Salman Abdulaziz since the historic Al-Ula Conference in January.

The ministry said Muhyiddin will be in Saudi Arabia from March 6 to March 9 and UAE from March 9 to March 11. He will be accompanied by foreign affairs minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

In Saudi Arabia, Muhyiddin will have a virtual audience with King Salman and a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He will also perform the umrah in Mecca.

On his trip to UAE, Muhyiddin will meet Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Dubai Ruler and UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The visit to both countries will seek to strengthen bilateral and trade ties between the kingdom and Malaysia through various proposals.

This includes the establishment of a high-level strategic committee at the foreign ministers’ level with Saudi Arabia to serve as an overarching bilateral platform for consultations.

The ministry said the two governments would also strengthen cooperation with regards to the haj and umrah through the formalisation of the “Mecca Road Service”.

“The initiative will ease and simplify the pre-clearance process for Malaysian haj and umrah pilgrims, such as airport arrangements, visa and passport checking, Customs procedures and other logistical arrangements.”

Malaysia will also be proposing the establishment of an International Food Security Coalition (IFSC) with UAE to strengthen global food supply chains.

A memorandum of understanding on the establishment of the Food Diplomacy Cooperation between Malaysia and the UAE will be signed.

The Malaysian delegation is required to undergo mandatory quarantine upon returning from the Middle East.

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