Report: The Private Sector’s Role in the Maldives’ Climate Fight
The Maldives faces an existential threat from climate change. With tourism and fisheries constituting nearly half of the nation's GDP and employment, the adverse effects of climate change on coral reefs and marine ecosystems pose significant economic challenges.
The Maldivian government has set an ambitious target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, contingent...
Maldivian’s Airbus A330 Arrives with 180 Tourists from Chengdu
The Maldives celebrated a significant milestone in aviation as Maldivian’s new Airbus A330-200 arrived from Chengdu, China, carrying 180 tourists. The arrival of the wide-body aircraft, which is the national airline’s largest to date, marks a momentous step in enhancing connectivity and supporting the tourism sector.
The flight, which had 192 passengers onboard, including...
First National’s Real Estate Fund Reaches MVR 18 Million Target
First National has successfully completed its fundraising for the inaugural project under the First National Real Estate and Hospitality Fund Plc, marking a historic milestone in the Maldives' investment landscape. This fund, designed for real estate investments, opened for subscriptions on 12 December 2024, and closed on 16 January 2025. Notably, it is the first real estate...
Long-Term Leases and Training Centres Promised for Maldivian Boat Building Sector
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to address the challenges facing the Maldives’ boat building industry, promising to create opportunities for Maldivians to thrive in the sector. Speaking to residents of Innamaadhoo, he outlined his Administration’s vision for revitalising the industry and reaffirmed its importance as a sector inherently tied to Maldivian heritage.
The...
Maldives Showcases Diverse Tourism Offerings at Fitur 2025 in Madrid
The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), alongside 25 industry partners, is showcasing the unique and diverse experiences of the Maldives at Fitur 2025, one of the world’s premier travel trade events. Taking place in Madrid, Spain, from 22nd to 26th January 2025, this marks MMPRC’s first major international engagement of the year.
Housing, Healthcare, and Youth Projects Prioritised in 2025
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has emphasised the importance of adopting a citizen-centric approach to governance, pledging rapid development and prioritising the needs of local communities. Speaking to the residents of Innamaadhoo on Wednesday evening, he outlined his Administration’s plans to address pressing issues, including housing, healthcare, and youth development, under the 2025 state budget.
Maldives to Enforce New Seaplane Platform Licensing Regulation in May
The Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced a new regulation, MCAR 138C - Requirements for Seaplane Platform License, which will come into effect on 1 May 2025. This regulation replaces the Procedure and Requirements for Licensing Water Aerodromes and Floating Platforms issued in 2009 and aims to set comprehensive standards for site selection, construction, and operational safety for seaplane platforms.
Maldives Customs Releases Seized Rolling Tobacco Shipments
Maldives Customs Service has released previously seized shipments of rolling tobacco and related products after deciding against implementing a ban on these items.
The shipments had been detained earlier this month after the Ministry of Health notified Customs of amendments to the Tobacco Act. The amendments included prohibitions on importing various items used for...
Trump’s Climate Exit: A Blow to Vulnerable Nations Like the Maldives
On 20 January 2025, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders, including the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. This marks the second time the Trump administration has opted out of the historic climate accord, a decision that Mohamed Nasheed, former President of the Maldives and Secretary-General of the Climate Vulnerable...
Gov’t Focuses on Healthcare Expansion and Primary Care Reforms
Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has announced the government’s comprehensive strategy to enhance healthcare services nationwide, including new developments in Malé City and the outer atolls. Speaking during a visit to Raa Atoll alongside President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the Minister highlighted a series of reforms aimed at improving access to quality healthcare.
Among...
Digitalisation vs Corruption: Can Technology Alone Deliver Change?
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has presented an ambitious plan to eliminate corruption in the Maldives through the digitalisation of public services. Speaking to residents of Ungoofaaru in Raa Atoll, the President cited Estonia as a model for success, noting its efficient digital governance and low levels of corruption. He expressed confidence that adopting a similar system would...
Fiscal Snapshot: Maldives Ends 2024 with MVR 15.3 Billion Deficit
The Ministry of Finance has revealed in its latest Weekly Fiscal Developments report that the Maldives concluded 2024 with a significant budget deficit of MVR 15.3 billion. The report highlights increased revenue, particularly from tourism-related taxes, but notes that government expenditure continues to surpass income.
Revenue and Grants
The total...
Former HDC Managing Director Accused of Disposing Official Documents
The former Managing Director of Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed, is facing accusations of disposing of official company documents, according to a statement released by the police yesterday.
Fazul is currently under investigation for his alleged involvement in the wrongful allocation of land plots under the Binveriya scheme. As part of the...
MP Raises Concerns Over Limited Use of OneGov Platform
A parliamentary committee is set to summon senior officials from Tradenet Maldives to address concerns about the limited adoption of the OneGov platform by government institutions. The platform, developed as a national single window initiative, was launched in 2023 to centralise and digitise government services.
The issue was raised by North Galolhu MP Mohamed...
Maldives-China Free Trade Agreement Sees MVR 1.9 Million in Initial Trade
The Maldives and China have reported steady progress in bilateral trade following the implementation of their Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with goods worth MVR 1.9 million imported into the Maldives so far. The agreement, which officially came into effect on 1 January, aims to strengthen economic ties between the two nations by reducing trade barriers and encouraging...
Ooredoo Maldives Offers Exclusive Prizes at Golden Futsal Challenge
Ooredoo Maldives has unveiled an exclusive promotion, “Golden Futsal Ranuge Furusathu,” at the ongoing Golden Futsal Challenge held at Rehendhi Turf in Hulhumalé. The promotion, designed to add excitement to the event, offers customers the chance to win exclusive prizes while enjoying the thrilling matches.
Visitors to the Ooredoo tent at the event can...
IMF Recommends Climate-Sensitive Reforms for Maldives’ Public Financial Management
The Maldives faces a critical juncture in addressing the dual pressures of climate vulnerability and limited fiscal space, according to a high-level summary report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The report, titled "Mainstreaming Climate Change into Public Financial and Investment Management," highlights the need for robust reforms to integrate climate considerations into the country’s public financial management (PFM)...
Maldives Marine Expo 2025 Gears Up with Sponsors and Partners
The Maldives Marine Expo, the premier exhibition of the National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM), is set to celebrate its 10th edition from 6th to 9th February 2025 at Central Park, Hulhumalé. Organised by MEDIUM Events Pvt Ltd, the expo continues to serve as a vital platform for showcasing cutting-edge marine innovations and sustainable solutions, bringing together...
President Muizzu Stresses Maldives-USA Cooperation in Congratulatory Letter to President Trump
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended his congratulations to President Donald J. Trump on assuming office as the 47th President of the United States of America. In a letter addressed to President Trump, President Dr Muizzu underscored the enduring diplomatic relationship between the Maldives and the United States, marking 60 years of formal ties.
New aFAD Designs to Revolutionise Sustainable Fishing in the Maldives
The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has launched a project to modernise Anchored Fish Aggregating Devices (aFADs) in the Maldives, aiming to enhance their efficiency and durability.
Fish Aggregating Devices, or FADs, are man-made objects placed in the ocean to attract fish, making them easier to catch. Anchored FADs (aFADs) are a specific...
Maldives to Expand Energy Efficient Hakathari Programme
The Ministry of Climate Change, Energy and Environment has announced plans to expand the Hakathari programme, an energy efficiency labelling initiative, to include equipment used in government projects. The programme aligns with national goals to promote sustainable practices and reduce energy consumption.
Hakathari is designed to provide consumers with a clear understanding of the...
New Regulation in Maldives Mandates Propeller Guards for Excursion Vessels
The Maldivian government has announced a new regulation requiring excursion vessels to install propeller guards, aiming to enhance the conservation of whale sharks and ensure sustainable tourism practices. This initiative underscores the country's commitment to preserving its marine biodiversity and providing safe interactions between tourists and these gentle giants.
The regulation, which will take...
Foreign Minister Welcomes Indian High Commissioner to Discuss Partnership Expansion
The High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, His Excellency G. Balasubramaniam, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, earlier today. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focused on strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two neighbouring nations.
During the meeting, Minister Dr. Khaleel extended...
Thelu Veliga Retreat Leasehold Rights Offered for Tender
The Bank of Ceylon has announced the tender sale of the leasehold rights to Thelu Veliga Retreat, a five-star, 30-villa luxury island resort located in South Ari Atoll, Maldives. The property, currently held by Theluveliga Retreat Private Limited, has a lease agreement valid until April 2064, with an option for the successful bidder to extend the lease...
LATEST ARTICLES
Report: The Private Sector’s Role in the Maldives’ Climate Fight
The Maldives faces an existential threat from climate change. With tourism and fisheries constituting nearly half of the nation's GDP and employment,...
Maldivian’s Airbus A330 Arrives with 180 Tourists from Chengdu
The Maldives celebrated a significant milestone in aviation as Maldivian’s new Airbus A330-200 arrived from Chengdu, China, carrying 180 tourists. The arrival...
First National’s Real Estate Fund Reaches MVR 18 Million Target
First National has successfully completed its fundraising for the inaugural project under the First National Real Estate and Hospitality Fund Plc, marking...
Long-Term Leases and Training Centres Promised for Maldivian Boat Building Sector
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to address the challenges facing the Maldives’ boat building industry, promising to create opportunities for Maldivians...
Maldives Showcases Diverse Tourism Offerings at Fitur 2025 in Madrid
The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), alongside 25 industry partners, is showcasing the unique and diverse experiences of the Maldives...
