The Fragile Balance: Separation of Powers, Absolute Power, and the Future of the Maldives
On 26 February 2025, the Maldives witnessed a seismic shift in its democratic framework. The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), leveraging its parliamentary supermajority, forced through amendments to the Judicature Act, reducing the Supreme Court bench from seven to five justices. This move, executed with dizzying speed and scant regard for dissent, has sparked a firestorm of...
New Finance Rules Permit Government Projects Without Competitive Bidding
The government has changed public finance regulations, allowing the procurement of goods and services without a competitive bidding process for the next two years. This means that certain government projects can now be awarded directly to a company without inviting multiple suppliers to compete for the contract.
What kind of projects will be...
Bayfancy Residence: Crafting Homes with Dedication, Moving Forward Steadily
The Bayfancy Residence project is making significant strides in 2025, with steady progress on key construction milestones. Emphasizing quality and efficiency, the development is advancing ahead of schedule, bringing its vision of intelligent luxury closer to reality.
Project leader Woncar Chen shared insights into recent developments, outlining the successful completion of critical groundwork. Following...
STELCO Deploying 350 Employees for Single-Day Electricity Meter Readings
State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) is set to dispatch 350 employees tomorrow to conduct electricity meter readings across the Malé area in a single day.
Speaking at a press conference, STELCO General Manager Mohamed Saleem stated that the next reading will take place on 30 March, following the conclusion of Ramadan. The company aims...
Thriving at Work During Ramadan: Productivity, Energy, and Balance
Ramadan shifts the rhythm of daily life, offering a unique opportunity to refine work habits while balancing fasting, faith, and professional responsibilities. For those navigating demanding careers, staying productive within shorter work hours requires a strategic approach. With thoughtful planning, the holy month can be a time of both professional and personal growth.
Gov’t Moves Towards Sustainable Transport with Electric Taxis Initiative
The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, has signed an agreement to introduce environmentally friendly electric taxis in the Maldives. The initiative, which falls under the government’s broader efforts to promote sustainable urban transport, aims to reduce the environmental impact of road traffic while providing residents with cleaner...
Win an Apple Products Bundle with Ooredoo’s ‘Karaa Felhun’ This Ramadan
As Ramadan approaches, Ooredoo Maldives is rolling out exclusive offers designed to enhance connectivity and engagement during the holy month. This year’s initiatives include special data and voice packages, innovative digital experiences, and the return of the highly anticipated Ooredoo Karaa Felhun campaign, offering customers a chance to win an array of exciting prizes.
Inspired by...
Maldives Enforces Stricter Rules on Food Advertising to Protect Consumers
The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has introduced new regulations governing food advertising in the country, aiming to prevent misleading promotions, safeguard public health, and protect consumers—especially children—from harmful marketing practices.
Under the Food Advertising Regulations 2025 (Regulation No: 2025/R-25), all food advertisements must receive prior approval from the MFDA before being aired or published....
STELCO to Offer Minimum 10% Discount on Electricity Bills During Ramadan
STELCO has announced that all households will receive a discount of at least 10% on their electricity bills during the month of Ramadan. The initiative, which follows the same structure as last year, is part of efforts to ease financial burdens during the holy month.
The company shared details of its Ramadan preparations with...
Operation Kurangi Event Organised for Migrant Workers in North Harbour
The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has announced that a special Operation Kurangi event will take place today for migrant workers in the North Harbour area, local markets, and atoll shops.
The event is set to be held near The Shot Harbour Restaurant in North Harbour from 14:00 to 22:00, with employers encouraged to facilitate the participation...
Maldives and Sri Lanka Discuss Joint Tourism Initiative
The Maldivian and Sri Lankan governments have discussed the possibility of a collaborative tourism initiative aimed at strengthening economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The proposal was brought up during a meeting between Maldivian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Masood Imad, and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat...
MMA Introduces MVR 5 Million Fund to Boost Islamic Finance Education
The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has launched the Tamveel Islamic Finance Initiative to enhance public awareness and provide specialised training in Islamic finance. The initiative, announced during a ceremony attended by key officials, aims to strengthen the country’s position in the sector and develop local expertise.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed...
Fishermen Register to Improve Financial Access and Social Benefits
The government’s newly established fishermen membership register will provide crucial social protection and financial opportunities for local fishermen, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has said.
Speaking to state media while accompanying President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on a tour of several islands in Dhaalu Atoll, Minister Shiyam stated that the national fishermen...
Digital Connectivity Vital for Small Islands, Says Maldives’ Foreign Minister
The Maldives has stressed the critical role of digital connectivity in advancing education, healthcare, and industry for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), emphasising the need for an open and secure internet.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, highlighted this point during his address at the event Keep the Internet On! The Impact of Internet...
Maldives and Bangladesh Discuss Labour, Trade, and Education Ties
The Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh has called on the Maldivian government to regularise undocumented Bangladeshi expatriates and to recruit more workers from Bangladesh. The request was conveyed during a meeting with Maldivian High Commissioner Shiuneen Rasheed at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.
Bangladeshi expatriates form a significant part of the workforce in the country, with a...
MIRA Collected MVR 63 Million in Employee Withholding Tax: Here’s Where It Came From
The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has released its Quarterly Employee Withholding Tax (EWT) report for the fourth quarter of 2024 (24Q4), shedding light on how much tax was collected from employees across various industries. While EWT plays a significant role in the country’s taxation system, many people may not fully understand what it is and how it works.
New Aviation Regulations in the Maldives: What You Need to Know
The Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) has introduced updated aviation regulations under the MCAR-2 Rules of the Air, which came into effect on 20 February 2025. These new rules align with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and introduce key changes impacting commercial airlines, private aircraft operators, and remotely piloted aircraft systems.
What...
Inflation Rises by 0.33% in January as Food Prices Climb
The Maldives’ Consumer Price Index (CPI) saw a modest increase of 0.33% in January 2025 compared to December 2024, reflecting fluctuations in food, accommodation, and financial services, according to the Maldives Bureau of Statistics.
Key Drivers of Inflation
The food and non-alcoholic beverages category saw a 2.16% increase, largely driven by a 5.19% rise in fish...
President Addresses Medicine Shortage: STO Pharmacies to Stock Essential Medicines
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has declared that all medications listed on the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) essential medicine list will be accessible at State Trading Organisation (STO) pharmacies starting from 15 March.
During a meeting with residents of Meedhoo as part of his ongoing tour of South Nilandhe Atoll, President Muizzu addressed...
MPL to Prioritise Perishable Goods in Ramadan Port Operations
Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has announced plans to clear 150 containers per day, except on Fridays, during the month of Ramadan to ensure smooth import operations.
Speaking at a press conference, Head of Port Operations Ilyas Mohamed stated that the company aims to clear 150 containers daily when operating at full capacity, with 100...
Gov’t Conducts Nationwide Food Safety Inspections Ahead of Ramadan
The government launched a nationwide inspection of food safety standards in restaurants, cafés, and marketplaces on Monday as part of preparations for the upcoming Holy month of Ramadan.
The initiative is being carried out jointly by the Ministry of Health, the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), and the Health Protection Agency (HPA). Inspections...
The Cost of Undermining Judicial Independence: Economic and Investment Risks
The recent proposal by the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) to reduce the number of Supreme Court justices from seven to five has sparked significant debate in the Maldives. While this move is primarily viewed through a political lens, it carries substantial implications for the nation's business environment, economic stability, and foreign relations.
Kudahuvadhoo to Become Logistics Hub with New Port Development
The government has officially handed over a project to Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) for the development of a port in Dhaalu Atoll Kudahuvadhoo.
During a ceremony held on the island, the agreement was signed by Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed and newly appointed MPL CEO Mohamed Rishwan.
According...
President Announces Electricity and Water Bill Discounts for Ramadan
President Mohamed Muizzu has announced that electricity and water bills will be discounted during Ramadan, ensuring that households do not face higher utility costs during the holy month.
Speaking during a visit to Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu Atoll, the president assured residents that the government would maintain electricity and water bills at the same level...
LATEST ARTICLES
The Fragile Balance: Separation of Powers, Absolute Power, and the Future of the Maldives
On 26 February 2025, the Maldives witnessed a seismic shift in its democratic framework. The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), leveraging its...
New Finance Rules Permit Government Projects Without Competitive Bidding
The government has changed public finance regulations, allowing the procurement of goods and services without a competitive bidding process for the next...
Bayfancy Residence: Crafting Homes with Dedication, Moving Forward Steadily
The Bayfancy Residence project is making significant strides in 2025, with steady progress on key construction milestones. Emphasizing quality and efficiency, the...
STELCO Deploying 350 Employees for Single-Day Electricity Meter Readings
State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) is set to dispatch 350 employees tomorrow to conduct electricity meter readings across the Malé area in...
Thriving at Work During Ramadan: Productivity, Energy, and Balance
Ramadan shifts the rhythm of daily life, offering a unique opportunity to refine work habits while balancing fasting, faith, and professional responsibilities....
