Tourism Growth Strategy: Maldives Sets Ambitious 15% Target for 2025
The Maldives has set an ambitious target to increase tourist arrivals by 15% in 2025, focusing on boosting occupancy rates and leveraging modern technological tools. Mohamed Khaleel, Advisor to the President on Tourism Development, revealed the administration’s plans during a ceremony at Velana International Airport in 2024, marking the arrival of the country’s two millionth tourist. While...
Maldives Sees 14% Rise in Jet Fuel Sales as Aviation Growth Continues
Jet fuel sales in the Maldives saw a notable increase in the third quarter of this year, with revenue rising by 14% to US$5.3 million, according to the latest report from the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA). This growth has been largely attributed to a rise in flight movements, including both scheduled and charter flights, along with private...
URA Begins Issuing Permanent Licences for Public Utility Services
The Utility Regulation Authority (URA) has commenced the issuance of permanent licences to operate public utility services in the Maldives, marking the first time this has been done. The licences cover essential services such as water, sewerage, electricity, and waste management, which are provided for a fee or on a commercial basis.
Previously, the...
Dhiraagu Unveils 2025 Calendar: ‘Minivankan Mathee Abadhah’
Dhiraagu has unveiled the company’s 2025 calendar, ‘Minivankan Mathee Abadhah’, on National Unity Day.
The new year’s calendar was unveiled by Mohamed Mauroof Jameel, the Managing Director of Housing Development Corporation (HDC), together with Ahmed Nasif, the Chairman of HDC’s Board of Directors, during the meeting held with HDC to discuss ongoing collaboration between...
Maldives Trade Struggles as Fish Exports and Fuel Imports Plummet
Revenue from import-export activities in the Maldives reached approximately USD 16.1 million in November 2024, according to the Maldives Customs Service (MCS).
Excluding fuel, import levels remained stable compared to the same period last year, totalling USD 220.5 million. However, when fuel is included, total imports declined to USD 259.4 million in November, down...
Ooredoo Nation to Host The Ultimate Gaming Festival Featuring a Total Prize Pool of MVR 100,000
Ooredoo Nation has announced The Ultimate Gaming Festival 2024, the most anticipated gaming event of the year, now set to take place on the 21st and 22nd of February 2025. This festival brings together the finest gamers from across the Maldives for two days of intense competition and unmatched entertainment.
The gaming festival will...
Report: From Volume to Value, Rethinking Success in Maldives Tourism
The Maldives has achieved a significant milestone in its tourism sector, reaching 2 million tourist arrivals in 2024, a record that illustrates the nation’s appeal as a top-tier destination. However, as the tourism industry celebrates this achievement, critical questions arise about whether arrival numbers alone should define success. With an average occupancy rate of just 58.9% for...
Dhiraagu Partners with Villa College for ‘VIgnite’ Business Incubator Programme
Dhiraagu has partnered with Villa College to support the launch of the Maldives’ first business incubator programme for students, ‘VIgnite’. The initiative, led by Villa College’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED), aims to foster early-stage startups and provide entrepreneurs with mentorship, business development support, and access to resources.
As part of this...
Maldives Breaks Tourism Record, Reaches 2 Millionth Arrival in 2024
The Maldives has a new record in the tourism industry with the arrival of the two millionth tourist of 2024. Astrid Dirnegger, an Austrian national, arrived in the Maldives this morning, 26th December 2024, officially achieving the target set for this year. This is her third visit to the Maldives, and she is here on vacation with...
Veligaa Hardware Launches “HOMEY” Brand Products in the Maldives
Veligaa Hardware, a leading hardware retailer in the Maldives since 2008, has expanded its product range by introducing the "HOMEY" brand to the local market. The Homey product line includes silicone sealants, polyurethane foam, and spray paints, catering to both professional builders and DIY enthusiasts.
These products are available for purchase at Veligaa Hardware's...
President Reshuffles Cabinet and Merges Ministerial Portfolios
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has made adjustments to his ministerial cabinet, merging several portfolios and appointing ministers to key positions. The reshuffle was announced on Thursday and formalised during a ceremony at the President’s Office.
At the ceremony, the new appointees were presented with their letters of appointment and took their oaths of office,...
ADFD Provides Additional USD 40 Million for Velana International Airport Development
The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development has extended a USD 40 million (MVR 616 million) loan to the Maldives to support the ongoing development of Velana International Airport (VIA). The agreement, signed by Minister of Finance Moosa Zameer on behalf of the Maldives, marks a key step in the government’s plans to complete the new terminal by...
Maldives Reflects on 2004 Tsunami: Rebuilding and Preparing for the Future
On 26 December 2004, the Indian Ocean tsunami, triggered by a massive undersea earthquake near Sumatra, swept across multiple countries, leaving devastation in its wake. Among the affected nations, the Maldives suffered significant losses as towering waves up to 14 feet submerged islands, displacing thousands and crippling critical infrastructure. The disaster caused widespread damage, highlighting the vulnerability...
Police Seize Electronic Devices in Expanding HDC Land Scandal Inquiry
The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) land allocation scandal has taken new turns as investigations by the Maldives Police Service and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) continue to unravel alleged irregularities in land and flat distribution under the Binveriya and Gedhoruveriya housing schemes. The controversy, which surfaced recently, has triggered a leadership shake-up at HDC and intensified public scrutiny...
Maldives Inflation Rises to 1.3% in Q3 2024 as Electricity and Food Costs Increase
The Maldives saw its annual inflation rate accelerate to 1.3% during the third quarter of 2024, compared to just 0.3% in the previous quarter. This notable rise, reported in the Maldives Monetary Authority’s Quarterly Economic Bulletin, highlights the growing influence of sector-specific price pressures on the nation's cost of living.
Key Drivers of...
Trans Maldivian Airways Transfers Over 5,500 Passengers in a Single Day
Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) has marked the festive season with an impressive achievement, transferring over 5,500 passengers in a single day. This milestone highlights the airline’s capacity to handle peak travel demand, ensuring seamless operations for thousands of visitors arriving in the Maldives for the holidays.
This figure represents a significant increase compared to...
Ooredoo Maldives Unveils Exclusive New Year Offers
Ooredoo Maldives has launched a range of special offers to celebrate the arrival of 2025, providing customers with enhanced data plans and connectivity options to brighten the holiday season and beyond. These offers, designed to suit various needs, are available for activation through the Ooredoo SuperApp until 31st January 2025.
Aachaa Long-Term Plans
Government Ensures Timely Payments to Fishermen
The Maldives government has made progress in ensuring timely payments to local fishermen. Upon taking office in November 2023, the administration inherited outstanding payments amounting to USD 15 million owed to fishermen. Since then, efforts have been underway to clear these unsettled debts and streamline the process.
During Fishermen's Day celebrations on 10 December,...
Maldives Immigration Detains 31 Undocumented Workers in Latest Raids
Maldives Immigration has detained 31 individuals in a series of coordinated operations targeting areas with high concentrations of undocumented workers in Malé and Hulhumalé. These actions are part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal labour practices and address the challenges posed by undocumented migrant workers in the country.
Focus on High-Risk Areas
Maldives Endorses Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy
The National Disaster Management Council, chaired by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, has approved the ‘Maldives Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy 2024-2030’, marking a significant step in the nation’s efforts to mitigate disaster risks and enhance resilience. The strategy was ratified during a council meeting held at the President’s Office earlier this week.
Focusing on both...
Dhiraagu Announces Exciting New Year Offers to Celebrate 2025
Dhiraagu has rolled out a series of special offers to welcome 2025, designed to enhance customers’ digital experiences during the festive season. The promotion includes a range of exclusive deals on data plans, streaming add-ons, and broadband services, catering to both prepaid and postpaid users across the Maldives. These offers are available until 31st January 2025, providing...
Robust Growth in Loans and Capital Strengthens Maldivian Banks
The Maldivian banking sector demonstrated notable resilience in the third quarter of 2024, maintaining strong capital adequacy and profitability ratios despite challenges such as increased expenses and a seasonal dip in deposits. The sector’s performance highlights its importance as a critical pillar of the domestic economy, navigating shifts in global and local conditions with stability and adaptability....
Ooredoo Maldives’ Cycle Libey Promotion Nears Its Conclusion
Ooredoo Maldives has announced the final stretch of its highly anticipated “Win a Motorcycle Every 3 Days” promotion under the 5G Libey Campaign, with only five motorcycles left to be won. As the promotion heads towards its conclusion on 31st December 2024, customers still have a chance to secure one of the final prizes, including the grand...
Tourism Ministry Distances Itself from State Minister’s Controversial Remarks
The Ministry of Tourism has announced the suspension of State Minister Mohamed Nihad following contentious comments made during a People’s National Congress (PNC) rally. The remarks, which accused the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) of planning a terrorist attack targeting resorts, have been met with widespread criticism.
Nihad alleged that the opposition, with support...
LATEST ARTICLES
Tourism Growth Strategy: Maldives Sets Ambitious 15% Target for 2025
The Maldives has set an ambitious target to increase tourist arrivals by 15% in 2025, focusing on boosting occupancy rates and leveraging...
Maldives Sees 14% Rise in Jet Fuel Sales as Aviation Growth Continues
Jet fuel sales in the Maldives saw a notable increase in the third quarter of this year, with revenue rising by 14%...
URA Begins Issuing Permanent Licences for Public Utility Services
The Utility Regulation Authority (URA) has commenced the issuance of permanent licences to operate public utility services in the Maldives, marking the...
Dhiraagu Unveils 2025 Calendar: ‘Minivankan Mathee Abadhah’
Dhiraagu has unveiled the company’s 2025 calendar, ‘Minivankan Mathee Abadhah’, on National Unity Day.
The new year’s calendar was...
Maldives Trade Struggles as Fish Exports and Fuel Imports Plummet
Revenue from import-export activities in the Maldives reached approximately USD 16.1 million in November 2024, according to the Maldives Customs Service (MCS).
