British Airways Joins Maldives’ Sea-to-Air Cargo Network with First Shipment
Velana International Airport has welcomed British Airways as the latest addition to its growing sea-to-air cargo transshipment network. The announcement was made on X, where the airport confirmed that the airline’s first shipment under this service included 8.2 tonnes of goods routed from Sri Lanka to Canada.
This milestone marks British Airways as the...
Gov’t Designates Seven Islands as Urban Centres Under New Development Policy
The government has designated seven islands as urban centres as part of its Sustainable Regional Development Policy, aiming to foster balanced economic growth and improve infrastructure across the nation. The islands identified for this initiative include R. Ungoofaru, B. Eydhafushi, Lh. Naifaru, ADh. Mahibadhoo, F. Nilandhoo, Dh. Kudahuvadhoo, and L. Fonadhoo.
The announcement was...
Maldives Signs Agreement to Strengthen Climate Data Collection for Greenhouse Gas Inventory
The government has signed an agreement to improve data collection for its National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory. The agreement, signed between the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, the Utility Regulatory Authority (URA), and the Maldives Bureau of Statistics (MBS), aims to bolster the accuracy of data related to energy use and emissions reporting.
New Resort and Hotel Training School to Be Developed in Laamu Atoll
The government has formalised plans to develop a 5-star resort and a hotel training school on Hulhimendhoo Island, near Maamendhoo in Laamu Atoll, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement was signed by Minister of Tourism, Ibrahim Faisal, during a ceremony held in Malé.
At the ceremony, Minister Faisal highlighted...
COMO Hotels Appoints Peter Nilsson as Managing Director for Maldives Properties
COMO Hotels and Resorts has announced the appointment of Peter Nilsson as the new Managing Director for its Maldivian properties, COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi. With over 30 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Nilsson brings a wealth of expertise to his new role, where he will oversee operations to ensure a seamless guest experience across...
Tourists Limited to 200 Cigarettes Under New Maldives Customs Rules
In a recent update issued by the Maldives Customs Service, new regulations on the importation of tobacco products by travellers on tourist visas have come into effect as of 9th November 2024. These revisions, aligned with the latest amendment to the "Regulation on Packaging and Labelling of Tobacco Products," specify the allowable quantities for duty-exempt tobacco imports.
Azerbaijan Airlines Launches Direct Flights Between Baku and Maldives
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has introduced a new direct flight service between Baku and the Maldives, with the inaugural flight arriving at Velana International Airport this morning at 9:45 a.m. The launch was marked with a welcoming ceremony attended by key officials, including Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Managing Director and CEO, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed.
STELCO Launches Wave Monitoring Project to Enhance Renewable Energy Efforts
STELCO has recently initiated a wave monitoring project, marking a significant step forward in the Maldives’ pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. This initiative aims to explore the potential of harnessing wave energy, expanding beyond the country’s current reliance on solar power to diversify its renewable energy sources.
The project involves the deployment of advanced...
MIDFZ Signs Framework Agreement with CAI to Advance Maldives Economic Gateway Project
The Maldives Industrial Development Free Zone PLC (MIDFZ) has signed a significant framework agreement with Capital Asia Investments (CAI) to advance the Maldives Economic Gateway (MEG) Project. This strategic partnership aligns with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision of diversifying the Maldivian economy and strengthening economic security.
The agreement, formalised by Mr Shimad Ibrahim, Managing...
Gov’t Targets 2.2 Million Tourist Arrivals for 2025 with New Airport Terminal in Focus
The Maldivian government is optimistic about welcoming at least 2.2 million tourists in 2025, as outlined in its proposed state budget. This ambitious target aligns with the government's ongoing efforts to boost tourism, which remains the lifeline of the nation's economy. For 2024, the goal remains set at 2 million tourist arrivals, indicating a steady push towards...
Minister Saeed: Maldives-Türkiye Trade Deal to Expand Access to European Markets
Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, has highlighted the significance of the recently signed trade agreement between the Maldives and Türkiye in expanding market access for local businesses. Speaking at a ceremony held at the President's Office to celebrate the nationwide expansion of Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) services, Minister Saeed emphasised the government's dedication to...
Gov’t Commits to Empowering Fishermen with Competitive Pricing in Global Markets
The government has reiterated its commitment to revitalising the fishing industry, with a focus on enabling local fishermen to set competitive prices for their products in international markets. Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam made this announcement during a ceremony celebrating the award of a government loan scheme for installing Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) systems...
Dhiraagu Extends Offer: Free 5G Router with 5G Turbo 749 Plan and Above
Dhiraagu has announced the extension of its current offer, allowing customers who subscribe to 5G Turbo plans priced at MVR 749 and above to receive a free 5G router. This extended promotion will now be available until 31 December 2024.
“We are always working to bring exciting, new offers to our customers, to keep them...
Report: What a Second Trump Term Would Mean for Climate Diplomacy and the Maldives
A second Trump administration could bring considerable challenges for climate diplomacy, climate finance, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like the Maldives, which are among the most vulnerable nations to climate change. With his previous administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, favouring domestic energy independence over global climate commitments, and scepticism towards multilateral climate frameworks, a renewed...
Gov’t Launches Nationwide Fuel Storage Project for the Maldives
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has initiated a nationwide project to establish fuel storage facilities across all atolls in the Maldives, a move aimed at enhancing fuel accessibility for fishermen and the general public. The project, managed by the State Trading Organisation (STO), sets a target to complete installations in each atoll by February 2026.
Dhiraagu Maldives Road Race 2024 Raises MVR 680,850 to Support Child Protection Initiatives
The Dhiraagu Maldives Road Race (DMRR) 2024, the nation’s largest annual running event, has successfully raised MVR 680,850 to support NGOs focused on protecting and promoting the welfare of children. Continuing its tradition of dedicating the race to child protection, this year’s DMRR partnered with 12 local NGOs to boost fundraising and increase awareness around child welfare...
Maldives Launches ILO Decent Work Programme to Enhance Labour Conditions and Social Justice
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has launched the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) in the Maldives, a strategic initiative that aims to support national employment policies, improve labour standards, and foster fair working conditions across the nation. The launch event, attended by Minister of Higher Education, Labour, and Skills Development, Dr. Maryam Maria, highlighted the programme's alignment...
Maldives, Romania Commit to Strengthening Tourism Links in First Bilateral Talks
The inaugural round of political-bilateral consultations between the Maldives and Romania took place today, marking a step forward in diplomatic relations between the two countries. The discussions, co-chaired by Ambassador Dr. Hala Hameed, Secretary Bilateral at the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Traian Laurențiu Hristea, Secretary of State at the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs,...
President Muizzu Initiates Public Consultation for Maldives’ 20-Year Development Plan
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu formally launched the public consultation phase for the Maldives’ 20-Year National Development Plan on Wednesday at the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE). Highlighting the role of public input in shaping the plan, the President addressed the need for collaboration across society to ensure its successful implementation.
In his speech,...
CA Maldives Joins Prestigious International Accountancy Federation
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Maldives (CA Maldives) has officially joined the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). This recognition was granted during the IFAC Council Meeting in Paris, France, on 6 November 2024, symbolising a new chapter for CA Maldives and the nation’s accounting community.
The ceremony saw CA Maldives' President, Mr....
Ooredoo’s Motorcycle Giveaway Rolls On with More Prizes in 5G Libey Campaign
Ooredoo Maldives continues to offer customers the chance to win a brand-new motorcycle every three days as part of its ongoing “Win a Motorcycle Every 3 Days” promotion. Launched on 23 September 2024, this initiative has already awarded 12 motorcycles, with 18 more set to be claimed before the promotion concludes on 31 December.
Maldives Showcases Tourism Offerings at World Travel Market London 2024
The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) is participating in the prestigious World Travel Market (WTM) London 2024, held from 5 to 7 November at Excel London. Recognised as one of the world’s most influential travel trade events, WTM offers a dynamic platform for global tourism professionals to network and foster business partnerships. Representing the Maldives...
Dhiraagu Awards Winners of Maldives Road Race 2024 and Supports Child Protection Initiatives
Dhiraagu celebrated the achievements of participants in the 2024 Dhiraagu Maldives Road Race (DMRR) with a prize-giving ceremony recognising top performers across multiple race categories. The event, held at Central Park Hulhumale’ on 25 October, brought together over 4,400 runners from 41 countries, including students from 28 schools, marking the 15th edition of the country’s largest annual...
Gov’t to Secure Jet Handling Revenue for Maldivian Companies
The Maldivian government has announced new measures to ensure that revenue from the country’s jet handling sector remains within national borders, benefitting local companies rather than foreign entities. Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen addressed the issue during a recent press conference at the President’s Office, where he highlighted the existing structure of the jet...