Maldives Tourism Gains New Voice as Shiuree Joins PATA Board
The Managing Director of the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), Ibrahim Shiuree, has been elected as a Board Member of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), one of Asia’s leading tourism organisations.
Shiuree’s election was decided through a voting process involving member governments, with nominees selected by PATA's members. The PATA Board,...
Traffic Congestion in Malé City: Economic Impacts and Tailored Solutions
Malé City faces significant traffic congestion challenges that impede economic activities and diminish residents' quality of life. With limited land area and a growing number of vehicles, the city's streets are often gridlocked, leading to delays and increased operational costs for businesses.
Economic Impacts of Traffic Congestion
The high level...
Gov’t Pushes Ahead with RACL-MACL Merger to Curb SOE Losses
The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) will finalise its merger with Regional Airports Company Limited (RACL) within this month, according to MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed. This move, initiated by the government, is part of a broader effort to reduce expenditure within State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).
Speaking to local media, Shareef stated that valuations...
MMA Reports Financial Growth in December 2024
The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has published its financial position for December 2024, providing a window into the country's economic health and monetary policy performance. While the numbers might appear complex, they offer critical insights into how the economy is functioning and where potential challenges lie.
One of the key highlights is the growth...
MDP Pushes for Uniform Utility Service Across Households
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has submitted a proposed amendment to the Consumer Protection of Goods and Services Act aimed at preventing telecommunications companies and utility providers from charging additional fees for extending services to all parts of a household. The amendment, introduced by Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim, seeks to address longstanding consumer grievances and...
Allied at 40: Four Decades of Protecting Maldivian Futures
As the Maldivian society, economy, and business sector grew, so did the need for a trusted institution to ensure financial security against various risks. Recognising this, the State Trading Organization (STO) partnered with British Commercial Union Assurance in 1985 to establish Allied Insurance Company of the Maldives.
In 1987, STO acquired the British company’s...
Ooredoo Maldives Partners with Qatar Charity to Repair Masjid Al Sheikh Qasim bin Al-Thani Ahead of Ramadan
Ooredoo Maldives has announced its partnership with Qatar Charity to enhance the facilities of Masjid Al Sheikh Qasim bin Al-Thani, commonly known as the Hulhumalé Grand Mosque, in preparation for Ramadan. This collaboration includes the installation of a state-of-the-art air conditioning system aimed at providing a more comfortable environment for worshippers.
The agreement was...
Resilient Housing: A Lifeline for the Maldives Amid Escalating Climate Risks
The Maldives is grappling with the growing consequences of rising sea levels and extreme weather events. The recent torrential rains and flooding, which affected hundreds of homes and displaced families across Male’, Hulhumale’, and several islands, are yet another reminder of the nation’s exposure to climate hazards. As the country braces for worsening impacts, the concept of...
SIMDI Recrea Launches Exciting Promotion in Hulhumalé
SIMDI Recrea in Hulhumalé has launched a limited-time promotion, offering discounts of up to 15% on a wide selection of premium household items. Running from 7th January 2025 to 15th February 2025, the promotion provides customers with an excellent opportunity to upgrade their homes with high-quality products at reduced prices.
The promotion spans a...
Gov’t to Settle Majority of SOE Payments to Contractors by Ramadan
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to clear a substantial portion of the outstanding debts owed by state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to private contractors before Ramadan. The initiative aims to address financial mismanagement under the previous administration, which left companies such as Fenaka Corporation, the Road Development Corporation (RDC), WAMCO, and MTCC unable to pay their dues.
Maldives-China Free Trade Agreement: An Overview
The Maldives-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a landmark deal aimed at fostering economic cooperation between the Maldives and China. Signed to strengthen bilateral ties, it lays the foundation for increased trade, investment, and technical collaboration. Here’s a breakdown of the agreement's key features, their implications, and what they could mean for the Maldivian economy.
Maldives and UAE Discuss Renewable Energy, Trade, and Tourism Collaboration
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to discuss key aspects of the Maldives-UAE relationship.
During the meeting, Minister Dr. Khaleel conveyed greetings from President...
Historic Expansion: Maldivian Introduces Airbus A330-200 to Fleet
Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, inaugurated its first wide-body operations with the arrival of an Airbus A330-200 at Velana International Airport. This milestone marks a significant expansion in the airline’s 25-year history, enhancing its ability to connect the Maldives with international markets and strengthen the tourism sector.
The Airbus A330-200 introduces three...
Maldives Customs Officers Investigated for Alleged MVR 400 Million Fraud
Authorities are investigating multiple officers from the Maldives Customs Service (MCS) over allegations of bribery, money laundering, and corruption. The inquiry, which reportedly began in August last year, involves suspicions of MVR 400 million being circulated through the accounts of several officers, potentially linked to fraudulent import duty payments.
The Maldives Police Service has...
Import-Driven Growth Propels Maldives’ Retail Sector Forward in Q3 2024
The Maldives’ Quarterly National Accounts for Q3 2024 reveal an optimistic trajectory for the wholesale and retail trade sector, with Gross Value Added (GVA) reaching MVR 2,363 million. This represents a 4.5% growth compared to the same period in 2023 and an 8.3% increase from the previous quarter, underlining the sector's resilience and its critical role in...
Roads and Municipal Infrastructure Development in Gulhifalhu Set to Begin Under New Agreement
An agreement was signed between the Maldivian government and China Machinery Engineering Corporation for the development of roads and municipal infrastructure in K. Gulhifalhu. The contract, signed on Monday at the President’s Office, represents a notable development in the Maldives' ongoing infrastructure projects.
Under the agreement, Chinese contractors will take charge of constructing comprehensive...
Registrations Open for Corporate Maldives “Bizweek”
Corporate Maldives opens registrations for its flagship event, “Bizweek”, which will be held from 14 – 15 May 2025.
“Bizweek,” the ultimate B2B networking event in the Maldives, with over 5,000 pre-scheduled meetings, offers a rapid way to promote your business and network with hundreds of potential customers and decision-makers in one place.
High Commissioner of India G. Balasubramanian Begins Mission in Maldives
The newly appointed High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, G. Balasubramanian, presented his Letters of Credence to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in a formal ceremony on Monday morning at the President’s Office.
The High Commissioner was escorted to the President’s Office in a cultural procession known as Haiykolhu, accompanied by the Maldives National...
2025 Set for Record Housing Projects in the Maldives
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has revealed that the Maldivian government will begin the search for contractors to implement all planned housing projects within this month. The announcement, made during a visit to Gulhi in Kaafu Atoll, highlighted that 2025 will be marked by significant development across the country, with housing projects taking centre stage.
Building Better Workplaces: HR Innovations for the Maldives in 2025
As the Maldives enters 2025, businesses must adapt to a transforming workplace shaped by technology, employee expectations, and the cultural dynamics of the nation. Here are five key HR strategies that Maldivian businesses can adopt to stay competitive and build a thriving workforce:
Flexible Work Models Tailored to Island LifeThe geographic...
Maldives and India Discuss Development Projects and Bilateral Relations
Concluding his official visit to New Delhi, the Maldives’ Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel highlighted key discussions and agreements made with Indian officials, reinforcing the ongoing cooperation between the two countries. In an interview with the international news outlet WION, Minister Khaleel provided details of his meetings with India’s Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, where a broad...
Maldives Concludes 2024 with MVR 14 Billion Budget Deficit
The Maldivian government concluded 2024 with a total revenue of MVR 34 billion and total expenditure of MVR 48 billion, as revealed in the latest data from the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA).
The fiscal performance for the year resulted in a budget deficit amounting to 13% of the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according...
FENAKA Reports Growth in Water Supply and Sewerage Coverage Across the Maldives
FENAKA Corporation Limited has reported progress in expanding its water and sewerage services across the Maldives over the past year.
In 2024, the corporation extended its water supply network to 21 additional islands and introduced sewerage systems to four more. As a result, FENAKA now provides services to a total of 107 islands nationwide.
Ministry Reopens Applications for Fishing Vessel RSW System Loans
The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has revealed plans to reopen applications for loans aimed at funding the installation of Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) systems on fishing vessels.
Launched in September 2024, the loan programme is a collaborative project between the Ministry and the SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC). During the initial application...