2025 to Mark a Year of Development and Prosperity, Says President Muizzu
In his New Year’s address, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu outlined a bold vision for 2025, describing it as a year of significant progress and prosperity for the Maldives. He pledged to launch numerous development projects, restore economic stability, and ensure that the benefits of development are felt across the nation.
The President highlighted that...
STO Launches New Pharmacy in Maafannu
The State Trading Organisation (STO) has opened a new pharmacy in Maafannu, situated on Majeedhy Road, directly across from Veliga Hardware.
The newly launched store, which opened its doors on 1 January 2025, is strategically located near several clinics, providing customers with easy access to essential pharmacy services.
This modern...
Maldives Celebrates Arrival of First Tourist of 2025
The Maldives kicked off the new year by welcoming its first tourist of 2025, Mr. Luis from Spain, at a small ceremony at Velana International Airport (VIA). Accompanied by his wife and daughter, Mr. Luis described the Maldives as his “second home,” reflecting the deep bond he and his family have developed with the island nation over...
Ministry of Finance Takes Over Loan Approvals for State-Owned Enterprises
A recent change in policy mandates that State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) must obtain approval from the Ministry of Finance before taking on any loans. This decision was formalised in a circular issued by the Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB), which highlighted that the policy shift had been approved during a board meeting held on December 25.
Maldives’ Foreign Currency Act Takes Effect
The Maldives has officially implemented the Foreign Currency Act as of 1 January 2025, marking a significant shift in how foreign currency transactions are managed, particularly within the tourism sector and high-revenue businesses. The new legislation, ratified by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in December 2024, replaces the long-standing Monetary Regulation of 1987 and introduces a streamlined approach...
Maldivian to Unveil Airbus A330 at Air Show
Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, is preparing to host an air show to unveil its first wide-body aircraft, the Airbus A330.
With a capacity to carry 324 passengers, the Airbus A330 will be the largest aircraft in Maldivian’s fleet. Currently stationed in Singapore, the aircraft is scheduled to arrive in the Maldives...
Maldives Immigration Announces New Year Holiday Operating Hours
The Maldives Immigration has announced its operating hours at the Male’ office for 2nd January 2025, in observance of the government holiday.
Passport Application
Available 24 hours via the IMUGA portal for everyone.
In-office applications will be available for senior citizens and emergency cases from...
MATATO Announces 2024/25 Annual General Meeting and Call for Board Nominations
The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has announced its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2024/25, scheduled for 8 January 2025. During the meeting, a new executive board will be elected for a two-year term.
Call for Board Nominations
Elections will be held for 10 positions on...
Maldives and China Set to Implement Free Trade Agreement in January 2025
The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Maldives and China, set to take effect on 1 January 2025, is expected to bring substantial changes to the country’s trade dynamics. Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, speaking at an event on Monday, outlined the potential benefits and addressed concerns surrounding the agreement.
One of the key provisions...
Maldives to Ring in 2025 with Culture and Food Festival in Hulhumale
The Maldives will kick off 2025 with a unique cultural celebration as the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), in collaboration with a range of local partners, presents the inaugural Maldives Culture and Food Festival. This two-day event, taking place at Central Park in Hulhumale’, promises to offer both locals and tourists an immersive experience of...
Ooredoo Launches New Add-Ons with Unlimited Data and Enhanced 5G Speeds for the New Year
Ooredoo Maldives has introduced new data add-ons for both prepaid and postpaid customers as part of its New Year offerings. These add-ons are designed to provide unlimited data, fast speeds, and reliable connectivity on the country's largest 5G network.
PowerSpeed Pro: Enjoy Unlimited Data and Calls at high speed for MVR 125,...
Business Profit Tax Surges to Lead Government Revenue, Outpacing GST
According to the Maldives Monetary Authority’s Quarterly Economic Bulletin for Q3 2024, business profit tax (BPT) has become the leading contributor to government revenue, overtaking long-dominant sources such as general goods and services tax (G-GST) and tourism goods and services tax (T-GST). In Q1 2024, BPT revenue rose by MVR 879.3 million, primarily due to an increase...
Maldives Expo 2025: A Platform for Local Businesses to Attract Foreign Investment
The Maldives Expo 2025, set to take place in May next year, will be the country’s largest exhibition. Sharing the details of the event with state media, Ibrahim Ziyau Mohamed, Managing Director of the Business Centre Corporation (BCC), explained that the expo, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, will showcase a variety...
Maldives Welcomes Thousands Aboard MS Norwegian Sky and MS Riviera This Holiday Season
As the New Year approaches, the Maldives is experiencing a boost in tourist arrivals, with two major cruise liners bringing thousands of visitors to the islands. The MS Norwegian Sky and MS Riviera have added to the holiday excitement, offering passengers a taste of paradise as they explore the Maldives.
The MS Norwegian Sky,...
Maldives Experiences Inflation Rise in November 2024
The Maldives Bureau of Statistics has released the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) for November 2024, showing a significant increase in inflation. Compared to October 2024, the CPI for all groups rose by +2.47%, a sharp jump from the previous month’s slight decrease of -0.16%. This increase means that the cost of living is rising more quickly,...
MIRA Sets Strategic Priorities in New Operational Plan 2025
The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has unveiled its 2025 Operational Plan, detailing a set of initiatives designed to support the organisation’s strategic objectives through to 2028. The plan is structured around four core perspectives: financial sustainability, stakeholder engagement, operational efficiency, and workforce development. Each of these areas contains specific objectives aimed at improving the authority's operations...
December Sees Increased Private Jet Movements in the Maldives
The Maldives has seen an increase in private jet arrivals this December, continuing a long-standing trend of heightened aviation activity during the festive season. Following Christmas, private jet arrivals traditionally rise as the New Year approaches, driven by the Maldives' status as a high-demand destination during the holiday period. This seasonal uptick in travel typically leads to...
FENAKA’s Solar Project Set to Cut Diesel Consumption and Save Millions
FENAKA Corporation Limited is advancing its solar energy programme to enhance energy production and reduce reliance on diesel across the Maldives. The initiative is expected to save MVR 19.9 million annually by installing solar panels on the rooftops of FENAKA’s power stations and office buildings.
Over the past year, FENAKA installed 2,298 kilowatts of...
Vendors Invited to Apply for the Maldives Culture & Food Festival
The Business Center Corporation (BCC) invites vendors to be part of the Maldives Culture & Food Festival, taking place at Central Park, Hulhumale. Organised by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), the festival aims to celebrate Maldivian culture through a range of activities, performances, and entertainment.
Government Expenditure Reaches MVR 48 Billion Amidst Fiscal Pressures
The government has spent a total of MVR 48.3 billion for state expenditure and loan repayments so far this year, according to the Ministry of Finance's latest data, released on 19 December. This marks an increase of MVR 1.9 billion from the MVR 46.4 billion spent during the same period in 2023.
Although overall...
Tourist Yacht Cleared to Enter Maldives via ISPS Gate in Ihavandhippolhu
A tourist yacht has been cleared to enter the Maldives via the ISPS gate in Ihavandhippolhu Atoll, the northernmost region, as confirmed by Mohamed Wajeeh, CEO of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL).
In a social media update, Wajeeh noted that the ISPS gate in Ihavandhippolhu facilitated the entry of the yacht, which was carrying tourists....
Male’ and Villimale’ Roads Set for Comprehensive Overhaul with Assistance from China
The Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Infrastructure has unveiled plans to upgrade Male's roads, addressing long-standing infrastructure issues, including poor road conditions and recurring flooding. The project follows an agreement signed during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to China in January 2024 and aims to modernise key urban infrastructure in the capital.
The initiative...
November 2024 GST, Green Tax, and Airport Tax Returns and Payments Due Today
The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has issued a final reminder to all taxpayers that today, 29th December 2024, is the last day for submitting returns and making payments for GST, Green Tax and Airport Tax & Fees.
⏰TODAY IS THE DEADLINE⏰- Submission of GST Return and Payment for November 2024- Submission of Green...
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...
LATEST ARTICLES
2025 to Mark a Year of Development and Prosperity, Says President Muizzu
In his New Year’s address, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu outlined a bold vision for 2025, describing it as a year of significant...
STO Launches New Pharmacy in Maafannu
The State Trading Organisation (STO) has opened a new pharmacy in Maafannu, situated on Majeedhy Road, directly across from Veliga Hardware.
Maldives Celebrates Arrival of First Tourist of 2025
The Maldives kicked off the new year by welcoming its first tourist of 2025, Mr. Luis from Spain, at a small ceremony...
Ministry of Finance Takes Over Loan Approvals for State-Owned Enterprises
A recent change in policy mandates that State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) must obtain approval from the Ministry of Finance before taking on any...
Maldives’ Foreign Currency Act Takes Effect
The Maldives has officially implemented the Foreign Currency Act as of 1 January 2025, marking a significant shift in how foreign currency...
