President Muizzu Attends SCO Plus Meeting in China, Voices Support for Global Governance Initiative
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu attended the “SCO Plus” Meeting in Tianjin, China, where leaders gathered to discuss security, economic integration, and global governance.
The session opened with remarks by President Xi Jinping of China, who stressed the need for regional and international cooperation to promote peace, stability, and prosperity. Xi also introduced the Global...
Maldivian Reduces FIT Fares to Support Local Tourism
Maldivian, the national airline, has announced a reduction in Free Independent Traveler (FIT) fares as part of efforts to strengthen local tourism. The initiative, unveiled on 1 September, delivers an average 15 percent reduction in fares and is aligned with a presidential pledge to make domestic travel more affordable. The reduced fares will be available for purchase...
Corporate Maldives to Launch Supplier Expo as Part of Bizweek 2026
Corporate Maldives is set to host the Corporate Maldives Supplier Expo in 2026, introducing a flagship addition to Bizweek. The event will serve as a dedicated platform to connect Maldivian resorts and corporations with a wide range of suppliers, creating new opportunities for business growth and collaboration.
The Supplier Expo will bring together suppliers...
Maldives Economic Growth Steady but Slower Than Expected in 2025
The Maldives economy recorded modest growth in the first quarter of 2025, while key sectors such as tourism and construction showed mixed signals through mid-year, according to the latest Economic Update released by the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA).
Advance estimates by the Maldives Bureau of Statistics revealed that real GDP expanded by 2.5 percent in Q1...
August Arrivals Lift Maldives’ 2025 Momentum, Up 9 Percent Year on Year
Tourist arrivals to the Maldives reached 192,058 in August 2025, an increase of 9 percent compared with August 2024 when the country welcomed 176,175 visitors. August also outperformed July’s 186,738, marking a second consecutive monthly gain after the mid-year lull in May and June.
By the end of August, cumulative arrivals for 2025 stood...
Dhiraagu Unveils Medal and Race Kits for Maldives Road Race 2025
Dhiraagu has revealed the official medal and race kits for the Dhiraagu Maldives Road Race (DMRR) 2025, which will take place on 24 October at Hulhumalé Central Park.
Participants will receive a kit comprising race bibs with integrated timing chips, runner t-shirts, and a race bag. Every finisher will also be awarded a specially...
President Muizzu Joins SCO Leaders at Banquet Hosted by Xi Jinping
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu attended a welcome banquet hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan in Tianjin. The event took place at the Tianjin Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Centre and was held in honour of visiting Heads of State, Government leaders, and representatives of international organisations participating in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
New Harbour Purchases and Processing Facility Boost Fuvahmulah’s Fishing Industry
Fishing vessels in Fuvahmulah City can now sell their catch directly at the harbour, following the start of official purchasing operations on Saturday. The move is expected to ease longstanding challenges for local fishermen and bring greater returns from one of the nation’s richest fishing grounds.
The launch was marked by the arrival of...
Maldives to Introduce National Engineers’ Award from 2026
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the Government will launch a National Engineers’ Award in 2026 to recognise the contributions of engineers to national development.
The announcement was made during the inaugural National Engineers’ Day, which was celebrated yesterday in the Maldives. The President also declared 30 August as “Maldives Engineers’ Day”, to...
China-Maldives FTA Set to Strengthen Fisheries Exports and Trade Opportunities
The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Maldives and China, which came into effect on 1 January, is expected to deliver significant economic benefits, particularly in fisheries exports, according to Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Kong Xianhua.
In an interview with state media, the Ambassador said the agreement has already created opportunities for Maldivian...
Dhiraagu Maldives Junior Open 2025 Set to Begin in Malé
The Dhiraagu Maldives Junior Open 2025 is scheduled to begin on Monday, 1 September, and will run until 6 September at the Kulhivaru Ekuveni Badminton Hall in Malé.
Organised by The Badminton Club, the tournament will see 347 players from eight countries compete across 733 matches. Among them are 30 international athletes, reflecting growing...
Maldives and China Agree to Deepen Partnership During Leaders’ Meeting
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday morning at the Tianjin Yingbin Hotel, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing cooperation between the Maldives and China.
President Xi welcomed Dr Muizzu and described the visit as a significant step in strengthening the longstanding ties between the two nations....
Kihaa Maldives Found Operating Without Valid Licence, Faces Legal Action
The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has announced legal action against Kihaadhuffaru in Baa Atoll, known as Kihaa Maldives, after finding the resort in breach of the Maldives Tourism Act and failing to comply with minimum operating standards.
According to the ministry, the resort was leased to Athama Marine International Pvt Ltd under an...
TTM Maldives 2025 Wraps Up with Record Meetings and Industry Recognition
The 9th edition of TTM Maldives 2025, which began on August 27th at Barceló Nasandhura Malé, successfully concluded on August 28th at Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi.
The TTM Connect Meetings, held over the two days at Barceló Nasandhura Malé, brought together over 500 travel trade professionals and more than 125 hoteliers, facilitating over 3,000...
Fuel and Food Drive Maldives’ Import Bill, Fisheries Lead Exports in July 2025
Maldives’ trade figures for July 2025 show a widening gap between imports and exports, reflecting the country’s heavy dependence on foreign goods and fuel. According to customs data, total imports reached MVR 4.5 billion, while exports stood at just MVR 210 million.
Fuel remained the largest import category, valued at MVR 923 million, underscoring...
President Ratifies Insurance Act to Regulate Sector
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Insurance Act (Act No. 13/2025), introducing a comprehensive legal framework to regulate the insurance industry in the Maldives.
The legislation, passed by the People’s Majlis on 18 August 2025, sets out licensing requirements for insurance companies and intermediaries, alongside supervisory provisions designed to strengthen oversight of the...
National Payment System Amendment Grants MMA Greater Oversight Powers
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the First Amendment to the National Payment System Act (Act No. 8/2021), granting the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) greater statutory authority to oversee and strengthen the country’s financial infrastructure.
The amendment, passed by the People’s Majlis on 18 August 2025, enables the MMA to develop and enhance the...
President Muizzu Departs for China to Attend SCO Summit
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu departed on Friday for an official visit to the People’s Republic of China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, where he will participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
During the visit, President Muizzu is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with President Xi and other foreign leaders. His...
Tourism Pioneer Mohamed Umar “M.U.” Maniku Dies at 78
Mohamed Umar “M.U.” Maniku, widely regarded as the father of modern tourism in the Maldives, passed away today in Singapore at the age of 78. His death was confirmed by Universal Enterprises, where he served as Chairman.
M.U. Maniku was instrumental in establishing the nation’s tourism industry more than five decades ago. In 1972,...
Report: When Duty Becomes Business
The soldier’s duty is to defend the nation. The police officer’s is to uphold the law. These roles are already heavy with responsibility, yet in the Maldives, they have been complicated by something else: business.
The Sifainge Cooperative (SIFCO) and the Police Cooperative Society (POLCO) were not created to compete in the market. They...
MPL to Establish Second Free Zone at Addu City Regional Port
Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has announced plans to establish the country’s second free zone at the Addu City Regional Port, as part of the government’s push to diversify the economy and expand regional logistics.
The initiative follows the introduction of the first pilot free zone at Kulhudhuffushi Regional Port in the north, which authorities...
Parliament Approves Four New Appointments to MIRA Board
Parliament has approved the appointment of four members to the Board of the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA).
At the sitting held on 4 August, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu proposed 14 names for the seven-member board, which is appointed by the President but requires parliamentary endorsement.
The Parliament’s Economic Committee reviewed...
Minister Saeed Announces Duty-Free Operations at Kulhudhuffushi Port
Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, has announced that duty will no longer be levied on goods unloaded at Kulhudhuffushi Port, positioning the northern port as a new hub for trade expansion.
The announcement was made at the inauguration ceremony of new services at the port, part of broader efforts to expand...
President Concludes Tour of South Thiladhunmathi Islands with Focus on Development Projects
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has concluded a four-day tour of South Thiladhunmathi Atoll, during which he visited 13 islands and held discussions with councils, Women’s Development Committees, and community representatives. The trip centred on addressing local priorities while advancing the government’s wider development agenda for the northern region.
The visit saw several agreements signed...
LATEST ARTICLES
President Muizzu Attends SCO Plus Meeting in China, Voices Support for Global Governance Initiative
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu attended the “SCO Plus” Meeting in Tianjin, China, where leaders gathered to discuss security, economic integration, and global...
Maldivian Reduces FIT Fares to Support Local Tourism
Maldivian, the national airline, has announced a reduction in Free Independent Traveler (FIT) fares as part of efforts to strengthen local tourism....
Corporate Maldives to Launch Supplier Expo as Part of Bizweek 2026
Corporate Maldives is set to host the Corporate Maldives Supplier Expo in 2026, introducing a flagship addition to Bizweek. The event will...
Maldives Economic Growth Steady but Slower Than Expected in 2025
The Maldives economy recorded modest growth in the first quarter of 2025, while key sectors such as tourism and construction showed mixed...
August Arrivals Lift Maldives’ 2025 Momentum, Up 9 Percent Year on Year
Tourist arrivals to the Maldives reached 192,058 in August 2025, an increase of 9 percent compared with August 2024 when the country...
