President Muizzu Inaugurates Muli Airport in Meemu Atoll
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu officially inaugurated Muli Airport in Meemu Atoll today. Although the government initially planned to open the airport on the 1st of this month, the ceremony was delayed.
The opening of Muli Airport fulfils a key pledge of President Muizzu’s administration. Developed under a Presidential Decree, the airport forms part of...
Barceló Nasandhura Officially Opens as Malé’s First Five-Star Hotel
Barceló Nasandhura Malé, the first five-star hotel in the Maldivian capital, officially opened its doors on May 19, marking a new chapter in the evolution of the city’s hospitality sector. The 16-storey seafront property, developed by Spain’s Barceló Hotel Group, is positioned as a high-end urban destination that blends luxury living with Malé’s growing appeal as...
UN Raises Concerns Over Rule of Law in Maldives After Judges Removed
The recent dismissal of two Supreme Court justices by the Maldives Parliament has drawn sharp criticism from the United Nations, which warned that the move could compromise the independence of the judiciary and undermine the rule of law in the country.
Justices Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir were removed following investigations...
Minister Saeed: Port Network Expansion Key to Economic Decentralisation
Economic Development and Trade Minister Mohamed Saeed has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a nationwide expansion of commercial port infrastructure, signalling that the development of Kulhudhuffushi City Commercial Port is just one part of a broader strategy to reshape the Maldives’ logistics landscape.
Speaking at a signing ceremony held on Monday to...
Maldives Joins Global Climate Push with New Energy Targets and Blue Planet Alliance Pact
The Maldives has strengthened its global climate engagement with a renewed focus on energy transition and international cooperation, marked by three major developments during Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef’s recent visit to Honolulu, Hawaii.
Participating as a special guest at the opening ceremony of the Blue Planet Alliance (BPA) Fellowship Programme, the...
Maldivian Unveils ‘Aerial Isles’ In-Flight Magazine at ATM Dubai
Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, has officially launched the first edition of its new in-flight magazine Aerial Isles at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai. The launch event took place at the Visit Maldives stand and was officiated by Mr Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of the Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC).
Ministry to Develop Northern Logistical Hub Through Kulhudhufushi Harbour Expansion
The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade will develop a logistical hub to serve the islands of Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu, and Shaviyani Atoll through the harbour extension project in Kulhudhufushi City.
To facilitate the project, the Ministry signed an agreement with Maldives Ports Limited (MPL). Minister Mohamed Saeed signed on behalf of the...
President Muizzu Reaffirms Commitment to MVR 20 Per Kilogram Fish Purchase Price
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed his commitment to raising the fish purchase price to MVR 20 per kilogram today.
He made this guarantee while he met with the local fishermen at the President’s Office today, where union representatives expressed satisfaction with the government’s progress in implementing proposals previously submitted by the fishing community.
Construction Sector Shrinks for Fourth Straight Quarter as Costs Rise and Orders Lag
The construction sector in the Maldives continued its decline for a fourth consecutive quarter in Q1 2025, according to the latest Quarterly Business Survey published by the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA). Despite rising price pressures and cautious optimism on employment, activity in the sector remains subdued as firms report falling orders, weak financial performance, and persistent...
Development Bank Denies Former CEO’s Claims of Unpaid Salary
The former CEO and Managing Director of the Maldives Development Bank, Noel Gregor Paterson-Jones, filed a complaint with the Employment Tribunal last month alleging unpaid salary and benefits. However, the case was dismissed due to procedural non-compliance, and the bank has since denied the allegations, asserting that Noel was paid in full.
India Funds MVR 100M in New Ferry and Connectivity Projects in Maldives
Thirteen new development projects will be rolled out across the Maldives under the third phase of the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP), following the signing of a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Governments of Maldives and India on Saturday.
The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Foreign...
Maldives Launches Project to Reinforce Early Warning Systems for Climate Disasters
A new project named Thayyaaru has been launched to enhance the Maldives’ capacity to respond to climate-induced disasters, marking a step forward in building community resilience across the island nation. The initiative was officially unveiled in Malé yesterday, with key representatives from the Maldives government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Embassy of the People’s Republic...
Subsidies Down 21% in 2025 Amid Fiscal Surplus
Government expenditure on subsidies saw a significant decline in 2025, with spending falling to MVR 1.09 billion as of 8 May, compared to MVR 1.39 billion during the same period last year. The nearly MVR 300 million reduction in subsidy disbursements highlights a shift in the government's fiscal posture, despite an overall surplus in the national...
Tourist Arrivals in May 2025 Show Strong Double-Digit Growth
Tourist arrivals to the Maldives in May 2025 have continued on a strong trajectory, with a 14.6 percent increase recorded for the first 17 days of the month compared to the same period last year. According to data from the Ministry of Tourism, 81,365 tourists visited the country between 1st and 17th May, up from 70,986...
Retailers Report Strong Q1, Warn of Falling Sales and Tight Credit Ahead
The Maldives' wholesale and retail trade sector showed strong momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by surging orders and a significant recovery in financial sentiment. However, business expectations for the upcoming quarter reveal concerns over slowing sales, falling prices, and tightening credit conditions.
According to the Maldives Monetary Authority's latest...
Gulhifalhu Land Allocation Revised to Expedite Registrations
The government has announced a significant revision to the Gulhifalhu Land Use Plan, confirming that all residential plots allocated under the Binveriyaa housing scheme will now be issued exclusively from already-dredged areas. This adjustment is aimed at accelerating the land registration process and resolving complications that have delayed the formal handover of plots to beneficiaries.
April Trade Data Shows Strong Customs Revenue, Dip in Vessel Traffic
Imports to the Maldives totalled MVR 4.7 billion in April 2025, with fuel accounting for MVR 905 million of the monthly figure. When fuel is excluded, total imports stood at MVR 3.8 billion. Although import volumes remain substantial, the data signals a slight cooling off compared to recent months, particularly in fuel purchases.
MVR 80 Dividend Approved Again as STO Eyes Growth in Bunkering and Infrastructure
The State Trading Organisation (STO) has declared a dividend of MVR 80 per share for 2024, matching last year’s payout, and marking the highest shareholder return in 17 years. The decision was approved by 99 percent of shareholders during the company’s Annual General Meeting held Saturday at Barceló Nasandhura in Malé.
Despite...
Bayfancy Residence Now Open for Sales
Bayfancy Residence has currently achieved 20% of the construction volume approved by HDC, and the company has announced the grand opening for sales of its highly anticipated residential development in Hulhumalé Phase II, bringing a blend of intelligent design, sustainability, and urban convenience to the city’s expanding real estate market.
Strategically located...
Dhiraagu Empowering Progress Through Inclusive Digital Access
As we celebrate the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025, Dhiraagu proudly reflects on its journey of transforming lives through technology. With this year’s global theme focusing on “Gender Equality in Digital Transformation,” Dhiraagu’s continued efforts to connect communities and empower individuals have never been more relevant.
In a nation defined by its...
New Maldivian Envoy to IMO Presents Credentials in London
The Maldives’ new Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), High Commissioner Iruthisham Adam, formally presented her Letter of Credence to IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Antonio Domínguez Velasco in a ceremony held yesterday at the IMO headquarters in London.
During the presentation, High Commissioner Iruthisham conveyed greetings from President Dr Mohamed Muizzu...
Recurrent Costs Rise While Capital Spending Falls Behind
The Maldives recorded a surplus of MVR 1.95 billion in the latest fiscal update, but a closer look reveals a widening gap between recurrent and capital spending, raising questions about the pace of development and delivery of long-promised infrastructure.
From 1 January to 8 May 2025, total government revenue and grants stood...
Maldives Fertility Rate Decline Tied to Cost of Living and Housing, Study Finds
A new study conducted by the Maldives National University (MNU) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has identified the rising cost of living and inadequate living conditions as key factors driving the country’s declining fertility rate.
The findings were formally unveiled at a ceremony held at MNU, attended by several Cabinet...
Moody’s Flags Lingering Debt and Liquidity Risks in Latest Review of Maldives’ Credit Rating
Moody’s Ratings has completed its periodic review of the Maldives’ credit rating, maintaining its Caa2 long-term issuer rating with a negative outlook, citing persistent external liquidity risks and mounting refinancing challenges despite a modest improvement in foreign reserves.
The Caa2 rating sits deep in the non-investment grade category, often referred to as...