Maldives Slams COP29 Climate Finance Deal as Inadequate Amid Escalating Crisis
The Maldives has criticised the USD 300 billion annual climate finance target agreed upon at the COP29 summit, stating that it falls far short of the financial support needed to address the growing climate crisis. Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Thoriq Ibrahim, expressed the country’s disappointment in an exclusive interview with the BBC, describing the...
Ministry Teams Up with ESCAP and APCICT to Support Women in Business
The Ministry of Social and Family Development, in collaboration with ESCAP (Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific) and APCICT (Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development), has opened registration for a training programme aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs through digital transformation. Scheduled to take place in Malé from 14th...
Maldives Secures Nine Prestigious Titles at World Travel Awards 2024
The Maldives has cemented its position as a global tourism leader, winning nine prestigious titles at the World Travel Awards 2024, held in Madeira, Portugal. The accolades recognise the nation’s excellence and innovation in the travel and tourism industry, further enhancing its reputation as a premier luxury destination.
Among the awards, the Maldives was...
Parliament Committee to Probe Pending Payments to SOEs
The Public Accounts Committee of Parliament has resolved to seek details of all pending payments owed to State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), following a proposal by Funadhoo MP Mohamed Mamdhooh (PNC), which was seconded by Central Hithadhoo MP Ahmed Azaan (PNC) during a committee meeting.
This decision comes as the committee has begun reviewing the financial...
MPL Targets USD 6.5 Million in Revenue by Year-End
Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) is aiming to achieve USD 6.5 million in revenue by the end of this year, according to its Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim. Speaking on a programme aired by state media, Wajeeh outlined the company’s recent initiatives to enhance operations and customer services, contributing to its financial growth.
Wajeeh...
ARC Launches Website to Combat Child Abuse in the Maldives
Advocating the Rights of Children (ARC) has unveiled the HOPE Campaign website, a dedicated platform aimed at addressing child abuse in the Maldives. The launch coincided with the World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse and World Children’s Day, marking a significant step in ARC’s efforts to protect vulnerable children and provide resources for those affected.
G. Balasubramanian Appointed as New Indian High Commissioner to Maldives
G. Balasubramanian, a seasoned diplomat from the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Maldives. Currently serving as the High Commissioner to Nigeria, Balasubramanian is expected to assume his new role in the coming weeks, following an announcement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Trans Maldivian Airways Named World’s Leading Seaplane Operator for 2024
Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), the world’s largest seaplane operator, has once again secured global recognition, earning the titles of World’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2024 and Indian Ocean’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2024 at the 31st Annual World Travel Awards. The ceremony, held on 24th November in Portugal, marks TMA’s tenth consecutive win in the regional category, further cementing...
Fuad Thaufeeq Nominated as Maldives’ Ambassador to Thailand
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has nominated Fuad Thaufeeq, former President of the Elections Commission (EC), as the Maldives' Ambassador to Thailand. The nomination was presented to the parliament during Monday's session and referred to the foreign relations committee for review. The committee’s findings will determine the next steps for parliamentary approval.
Fuad’s tenure at...
Tourist Arrivals in Maldives Surge by 5.8% in November
Tourist arrivals in the Maldives continue to grow steadily, with November 2024 witnessing a 5.8% increase in arrivals compared to the same period in 2023. According to data from the Ministry of Tourism, 139,175 tourists visited the Maldives from 1st to 24th November this year, compared to 131,517 during the same period last year.
Dhiraagu Introduces Orange Box Mesh WiFi for Seamless Home Connectivity
Dhiraagu has unveiled the Orange Box Mesh WiFi, a device designed to deliver uninterrupted and reliable internet connectivity to every corner of the home. The Orange Box promises enhanced coverage, boosting weak signals and ensuring consistent, high-speed internet across multiple rooms and floors.
According to Ahmed Ishan, Customer Value Manager for Broadband & Devices...
COP29 Concludes with Breakthrough Climate Finance Agreement
The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, has closed with a historic agreement to triple climate finance to developing countries, aiming to reach USD 300 billion annually by 2035. A broader target of USD 1.3 trillion per year from both public and private sources was also set, creating a significant shift in global climate...
Maldives Secures Fifth Consecutive Win as World’s Leading Destination
The Maldives has once again been crowned the World’s Leading Destination at the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) 2024, marking an unparalleled fifth consecutive victory. This historic achievement cements the Maldives' reputation as a premier global tourism destination, triumphing over 19 renowned contenders, including Dubai, Greece, Indonesia, Spain, and Vietnam.
The accolade was announced...
Tourism Expansion: 11 Islands Approved for Resort Development in Maldives
Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal has announced the allocation of 11 islands for resort development as part of the government’s efforts to expand the Maldives’ tourism sector. Speaking during a programme aired on state media, the Minister highlighted the investments being made to promote tourism across the nation, with approximately USD 385 million committed to these projects...
Dhiraagu Extends Internet Support to State Care Facilities Across the Maldives
Dhiraagu has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting vulnerable children and victims of domestic abuse under state care by extending high-speed internet services to Amaan Veshi and Amaan Hiya facilities nationwide. These centers, overseen by the Ministry of Social and Family Development, provide alternative care homes and temporary shelters for children without parental care and survivors of domestic...
Gov’t to Develop Landmark Tower and Financial Centre in Funadhoo
The Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, has announced plans for a landmark tower in the Airport Economic Zone, which he believes will be a source of pride for all Maldivians. The tower is set to be developed in Funadhoo, Shaviyani Atoll, following the relocation of the area’s fuel storage facilities.
Speaking...
Road Assessment for Male’ and Villimale’ Completed by Chinese Expert Team
The Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure has announced the completion of road condition assessments for Male’ City and Villimale’. Conducted by a Chinese government-appointed expert team in collaboration with the ministry’s technical team, the assessment marks the initial phase of a comprehensive road development initiative funded by grants from the Chinese government.
This project...
Maldives to Expand Fish Processing Capacity Ninefold Over Three Years
Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has announced that the Maldives' fish processing capacity is set to increase from 35 tonnes to 300 tonnes within the next three years. Speaking in an exclusive interview with PSM News, the Minister highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to expand fish storage and processing facilities across the country.
Maldives Records MVR 10.8 Billion Fiscal Deficit Amid Mixed Revenue and Expenditure Trends
The Maldives' Ministry of Finance has released its latest fiscal data, revealing a cumulative deficit of MVR 10.8 billion from January to 14 November 2024. This reflects a balance between MVR 29.6 billion in revenue and grants and MVR 40.4 billion in expenditure during the period.
Tax revenues accounted for 76% of total revenue,...
From Subsidies to Shared Responsibility: Maldives to Overhaul Healthcare Costs
The Maldivian government has announced reforms in the 2025 state budget, introducing income-based co-payments for certain medical services. Effective from April, these measures aim to improve healthcare infrastructure and ensure equitable access to essential services.
Key Features of the Reform
Individuals earning over USD 3,894 per month, or those liable to...
Airlines Raise Fares as Maldives Airport Taxes Increase
International airlines operating in the Maldives are adjusting ticket prices upwards in response to the government’s recent airport tax hike.
Ace Aviation Service Maldives, the local representative of SriLankan Airlines, announced fare increases effective from 1 December. Passengers departing from Velana International Airport and Gan International Airport will see higher costs. Economy-class tickets for...
Mastercard Collaborates with Orca Media Group to Enhance Brand Presence in Maldives
Mastercard has collaborated with Orca Media Group, a leading media and marketing company in the Maldives, to enhance its brand presence through tailored marketing initiatives, including the introduction of the iconic ‘Priceless’ program.
Through this collaboration, Mastercard will leverage Orca Media Group’s expertise in public relations, digital media, and integrated marketing strategies to connect...
India Investigates Alleged Sugar Smuggling in Shipments to Maldives
The Indian government has launched an investigation into the suspected illegal smuggling of 70 tonnes of sugar intended for the Maldives under a special export agreement. The inquiry is being conducted by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), which operates under India’s Ministry of Economic Affairs.
The case involves sugar that was part...
Vice President Launches Maldives MSME Awards 2025, Emphasises Role of SMEs in Economic Growth
Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering an innovative economy as a key component of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision for national development. Speaking at the inauguration of the Maldives MSME Awards 2025, organised by the Business Centre Corporation (BCC), the Vice President highlighted the indispensable role of micro, small, and...