Falling Birth Rates Aren’t a Mystery. They’re a Mirror
The 2025 edition of the United Nations Population Fund’s State of World Population report marks a shift in how the world is being urged to think about fertility, demographic change and the politics of population. At a time when headlines veer between warnings of overpopulation and fears of demographic collapse, the report argues that what the world...
Dhiraagu Launches Netflix Giveaway with New Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Dhiraagu has unveiled a limited-time promotion offering customers a three-month Netflix subscription free of charge with the purchase of the newly released Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
According to the company, the offer applies to the first 30 customers who purchase the device through Dhiraagu’s website. Eligible customers will receive their Netflix US credit vouchers...
Talks Held with JIRCAS to Introduce High-Nutrition Crops in Maldives
Maldives has entered discussions with the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) to explore avenues for strengthening the island nation’s food security through the introduction of resilient and high-nutrition crops.
A delegation from JIRCAS held talks with officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare in Malé, focusing on enhancing vegetable...
Tax Revenue Rises Despite Decline in Business and Import Duties
The Maldives recorded MVR 15.35 billion in tax revenue by 10 July 2025, showing continued recovery and strength in key revenue streams despite uneven performance across tax categories. This represents a notable increase from the MVR 14.53 billion collected over the same period in 2024.
Tax revenues now account for 76 percent of the...
Maldivian Adds Extra Flights for School Holidays to Domestic Islands and India
National carrier Maldivian has announced a significant expansion of its domestic and international flight schedule to meet the seasonal surge in demand during the school holiday period.
The airline will operate additional flights to 16 domestic destinations across the Maldives and to two cities in India between 22 June and 9 August. The move...
President Meets UK Leaders to Deepen Bilateral Cooperation
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu continued his official visit to the United Kingdom with a series of high-level meetings yesterday, reaffirming the Maldives’ commitment to deepening its diplomatic ties with the UK, as both nations mark 60 years of formal relations.
The visit is aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas such as climate adaptation, sustainable...
Maldives’ Capital Expenditure Declines 63% Year-on-Year
Capital expenditure by the Maldivian government has sharply decreased as of 10 July 2025, highlighting a significant slowdown in major infrastructure investments compared to the same period last year.
Data from the latest Weekly Fiscal Developments report released by the Ministry of Finance and Planning indicates that total capital expenditure fell from MVR 5.83...
Dhiraagu and Women in Tech Maldives Launch Girls to Code Malé Edition
Dhiraagu, in partnership with Women in Tech Maldives, has officially kicked off the Malé Edition of its flagship Girls to Code programme, aimed at equipping young women with essential coding skills and supporting their entry into the tech industry.
Since its launch in 2019, Girls to Code has expanded across the Maldives with previous editions held in Fuvahmulah,...
President Muizzu in London for High-Level Talks and Business Forum
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu departed for the United Kingdom on Tuesday evening to undertake a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. He is accompanied by a senior delegation.
The official visit comes at a significant moment, as 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and the United...
President’s Office Discloses 922 Political Appointees
The President’s Office has publicly disclosed that 922 individuals are currently appointed to political positions under Article 115(f) of the Constitution. This is the first official release of such figures during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s term and comes more than 18 months into his administration.
The breakdown includes 20 ministers, 14 individuals with ministerial...
Maldives Launches AEO Programme with Innahura as First Certified Member
Innahura Maldives Resort has been recognised as the Maldives’ first certified Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), marking a new chapter in the country’s efforts to modernise trade facilitation and reward regulatory compliance.
The certificate was formally presented on 15 July at a ceremony held at the Maldives Customs Service headquarters. State Minister for Economic Development...
First National Real Estate Fund Distributes Its Second Round of Quarterly Returns
First National Real Estate and Hospitality Fund Plc (“Real Estate Fund”) has distributed its second round of payouts following continued strong performance. Equity holders received dividends amounting to MVR 34.94 per share, whereas bondholders received a total payout of MVR 478,284, supported by stable cash flows and disciplined debt servicing.
The Fund continues to...
MMPRC Convenes AGM, Reviews Year in Tourism Promotion
The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) held its Annual General Meeting on 15 July 2025, marking a significant shift in the corporation’s financial and operational outlook. For the first time in four years, MMPRC reported a net profit, alongside a series of reforms aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline and operational efficiency.
According...
Proposed Maldives IP Office Faces Pushback Over Ministerial Control
The government’s proposal to establish a Maldives Intellectual Property Office has drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers, who argue that the office should function as an independent institution rather than a government body, in order to safeguard it from political influence.
The bill presented by Kudahuvadhoo MP Hussain Hameed of the ruling People’s National Congress...
DhiraaguPay Offers Customers a Chance to Win an iPhone 16
Dhiraagu Fintech has launched a promotional campaign offering users of its new DhiraaguPay platform the opportunity to win an iPhone 16. The promotion, which runs from 30 June to 30 July 2025, is open to all customers who download and register for the platform during the promotional period.
Both newly registered and existing users...
Coral Restoration Meets Climate Reality in the Maldives’ Southern Atoll
As the Maldives faced one of its most severe coral bleaching events in recent history, 2024 became a defining year for what localised climate adaptation can look like. At the centre of this was the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI), whose work in Laamu Atoll reflected the dual realities of climate breakdown and the urgent search for reef...
New Arts Support and Cinema Development Announced at Ahaa Forum
The government is preparing to issue financial assistance to artists under a new support scheme set to launch next month. The initiative was revealed during the sixth session of the ‘Ahaa’ forum, a public engagement platform jointly organised by the President’s Office and state media, PSM.
Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, Ibrahim...
Zakat House Opens Bidding for Islamic Insurance to Cover Uninsured Treatments
The Maldives Zakat House has announced plans to partner with an Islamic insurance provider to offer coverage for individuals on the Zakat register who require medical treatment not covered by the national Aasandha insurance scheme.
According to a notice published in the Government Gazette, bids are being invited from Islamic health insurance providers licensed...
Parliament Reviews Trademark Bill Proposing Fines Up to MVR 2 Million for Infringement
A government-backed bill proposing fines ranging from MVR 1 million to MVR 2 million for trademark infringement has been submitted to the People’s Majlis. The proposed legislation aims to establish a clear legal framework for trademark registration and enforcement in the Maldives.
The bill was introduced by Maduvvari MP Ahmed Zahir of the ruling...
Villa College Hosts Oath-Taking and White Coat Ceremony for Aspiring Healthcare Professionals
Villa College's Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) held its annual Oath-Taking and White Coat Ceremony on 13 July 2025, marking a significant milestone for its nursing and pharmacy students as they formally step into the healthcare profession. The event celebrated academic achievement and symbolised the students’ commitment to uphold the ethical and professional responsibilities required in their...
Transport Ministry Revives Vehicle Import Permits with Stricter Criteria
The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has announced that four-wheeled vehicles can now only be imported into the Maldives with a special permit, effective from 13 July. This change follows the amendment and implementation of updated regulations governing vehicle imports.
According to the ministry, the permit system has resumed after a five-year suspension,...
MMPRC Renamed to Visit Maldives Corporation Ltd in Official Rebranding Effort
The Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation Ltd (MMPRC) has been officially renamed as Visit Maldives Corporation Ltd, following a presidential decree issued today. The move marks a formal shift to align the organisation’s name with its internationally recognised tourism branding.
The decree also mandates changes to the company’s statutes and operational framework, signalling a...
Travel Agencies Given Final Deadline to Submit Annual Reports or Face Licence Revocation
The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has issued a final extension for registered travel agencies in the Maldives to submit their annual reports, granting a grace period until 2:00 p.m. on 31 July.
This comes after a significant number of agencies failed to meet the original 30 June deadline required under the country’s travel...
Ooredoo Maldives Announces Fourth Winner of Live Unlimited Campaign
Ooredoo Maldives has named Easa Alifulhu of Lh. Hinnavaru as the fourth winner in its ongoing Live Unlimited Anniversary Campaign. As part of his prize, Easa will receive a fully sponsored Umrah pilgrimage, continuing the telecom provider’s promise to deliver meaningful and transformative experiences to its customers. The prize was collected on his behalf by Aminath Shafa...