Restaurant and Hotel Prices Surge Nearly 30 Percent Year-on-Year in Maldives
Prices in the restaurant and accommodation sector have risen by nearly 30 per cent over the past year, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report published by the Maldives Bureau of Statistics.
While the month-on-month increase for February stood at a modest 0.17 per cent, the year-on-year rise reached a...
Gov’t Eyes Fast-Paced Rollout of 550 Development Projects
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that physical work on more than 550 development projects—including both new and previously stalled initiatives—will begin across the Maldives within March and April. The commitment was shared during the first episode of Rayyithunnaa Eku, a podcast launched by the President’s Office.
The announcement comes amid public concern...
Bayfancy Residence: Smart Living with a Personal Touch
Start your day with the warmth of natural light filtering in as your bedroom adjusts to a comfortable 22°C, a thoughtful touch that makes mornings feel effortless at Bayfancy Residence, where smart design meets everyday comfort.
A Space Designed for You
The floor plan at Bayfancy Residence is crafted with...
President Hails Rise in Dollar Remittances, Says USD 150M Sent to Banks Since January
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has revealed that USD 150 million has been remitted to local banks since January under the new foreign exchange regulations—representing a 40 per cent increase compared to previous figures.
The update came during the first episode of Rayyithunnaa Eku, a new podcast hosted by the President’s Office. Speaking on...
Last Chance to Tap and Win: Ooredoo’s Karaa Felhun Game Ends Soon with Grand Prize Up for Grabs
Gaming fans across the Maldives are being reminded that time is nearly up to join Ooredoo Maldives’ popular Ramadan mobile game, Karaa Felhun. With the game ending on the final day of Ramadan, this marks the last chance to tap, smash virtual watermelons, and potentially walk away with a 10-prize tech bundle.
Available...
Can Cricket Heal the Maldives’ India Tourism Crisis?
The Maldives’ tourism industry has been thriving with record visitor numbers, yet one notable weak spot has emerged: tourist arrivals from India are in decline. Once the largest source of tourists to the Maldives, the Indian market has seen a sharp drop in the past year.
This trend continued into early 2025,...
Blackstone Eyes TMA in Deal Valued Under USD 500M, Deutsche Bank Seeks Financing Partners
Deutsche Bank is in discussions with lenders and private credit funds to arrange a USD 200 million loan to support Blackstone's potential acquisition of Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), according to reports by Bloomberg and Private Equity Insights.
The financing package, which remains under negotiation, could carry an interest rate of 10% or...
Nikita Sharma to Speak at Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives on Cultivating a Positive Mindset
Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives is set to host a motivational session for its staff featuring Indian influencer and speaker Nikita Sharma on 9 April 2025. The event, part of the resort’s ongoing Sun Siyam Cares initiative, aims to foster positivity, resilience, and personal growth among employees.
Recognised as one of India’s most...
CPI Rises 0.27% in February as Utilities and Telecoms See Price Hikes
The Maldives’ Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.27% in February 2025 compared to the previous month, showing a slight easing from January’s 0.33% increase, according to figures released by the Maldives Bureau of Statistics.
Price growth excluding fish was more pronounced, registering a 0.43% increase compared to just 0.08% in January,...
Gov’t Seeks Contractors for Council Buildings Across Six Atolls
The government is moving ahead with plans to construct council secretariat buildings on islands across six atolls, with Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar, urging local councils to initiate contractor searches for the projects.
According to Minister Adam Shareef, councils in Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, Noonu,...
Maldivian Expands Baa Atoll Access with Seaplane Flights to Fulhadhoo
Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, has introduced a new seaplane service connecting the capital to Baa Atoll’s Fulhadhoo, significantly cutting down travel time for visitors and residents heading to B. Fulhadhoo, B. Fehendhoo and B. Goidhoo.
The new route, which launches on 31st March 2025, will operate twice weekly on...
Travel Ban Lifted in Controversial Binveriyaa Land Allocation Case
Authorities have lifted the travel restrictions imposed on individuals implicated in the controversial allocation of land under the Binveriyaa housing scheme, including former Housing Development Corporation (HDC) Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed and his brother, Ibrahim Fazeel Rasheed, Deputy Managing Director of MWSC.
The pair, along with 20 others — including officials...
Senior Officials Inspect Immigration Area of New Velana Terminal
Senior officials from Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL) and the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology visited the New Passenger Terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) yesterday as part of preparations for the terminal’s much-anticipated opening.
MACL’s Deputy Managing Directors, Mohamed Lamaan and Mujthaba Latheef, accompanied the Controller General of Immigration, Commissioner...
MIRA Clarifies Tax Obligations on Directors’ Account Balances
The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has issued detailed guidance on how directors' financial transactions with their companies should be treated under the Income Tax Act, emphasising that various forms of compensation and benefits can constitute taxable remuneration.
The newly published Income Tax Guide: Directors’ Current Account Debit Balances, lays out how company...
Level Up: How Gamified Training Could Reshape Employee Development in the Maldives
Human resource departments face mounting pressure to attract, engage, and retain top talent. Traditional training methods—often seen as dull and unengaging—can lead to high turnover rates and low employee satisfaction. Enter gamified training, an innovative approach that blends work and play to reinvigorate how employees learn, develop skills, and stay motivated.
Gamification takes elements...
Customs Investigates Suspected Cigarette Smuggling at VIA
Maldives Customs Service has launched an investigation following the discovery of cartons of cigarettes being removed from the departure terminal of Velana International Airport (VIA).
In a post on X, Customs confirmed that the cigarettes were found packed inside dustbin bags that were being taken out of the terminal. While Customs acknowledged...
Villa College Expands Curriculum with Tech, Healthcare, and Culinary Programmes
Villa College has announced the launch of six new academic programmes, marking what the institution calls a major step towards meeting the country’s growing demand for specialised professionals in technology, healthcare, psychology, and culinary arts.
Unveiled at a press conference held on Tuesday, the new programmes include three Bachelor of Science degrees,...
Maldives’ Construction Waste Disposal System Set for Completion by July
The Maldives' long-awaited construction waste disposal system is expected to be completed by July this year, according to Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim.
The need for a dedicated system to manage construction waste has grown significantly as construction activity continues to increase. While waste management has been a focus for...
Voting Opens for Hotelier Maldives Awards 2025
Public voting has commenced for the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2025, presented by Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), giving the public a chance to recognise outstanding professionals in the Maldives’ tourism and hospitality industry. The voting period runs from 25 March to 25 April.
The awards, scheduled to take place in May 2025, celebrate excellence...
UK-Maldives Event Showcases Renewable Energy Opportunities and Climate Collaboration
The British High Commission in Malé, in partnership with UNDP and Villa College, recently hosted GREAT Conversations on Climate Change Mitigation & Clean Energy, a two-day event designed to foster trade and investment opportunities in renewable energy between the UK and the Maldives. The event brought together experts, policymakers, and business leaders to explore sustainable solutions for...
Digital Finance Quietly Expands Across the Maldives with Mobile Banking and Fintech Growth
The Maldives is witnessing a financial transformation as mobile banking, digital wallets, and fintech startups reshape the country’s financial landscape. With cashless transactions becoming increasingly common, digital payment solutions are improving financial access across the island nation’s scattered atolls.
By the end of 2023, over 80% of the country’s 410,000 bank account...
Budget Surplus Hides Growing Debt Strain and Investment Cuts
The Maldives’ latest fiscal report shows an encouraging trend in government finances, with revenue exceeding expenditure, resulting in a budget surplus of MVR 1,346.8 million as of 13 March 2025. While this surplus reflects prudent fiscal management, a deeper analysis suggests areas of concern that may influence future financial stability.
The government’s...
Minister Calls for Expanded Local Tourism to Support Hanimaadhoo Airport Development
Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim has highlighted the need to expand local tourism in the northern Maldives to ensure the successful development of Hanimaadhoo International Airport.
Speaking at a ceremony in Filladhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, the Minister addressed the introduction of the Bank of Maldives (BML)'s Guesthouse Financing scheme, which...
Rising Cruise Tourism Brings MS Crystal Symphony Back to the Maldives
The Maldives is witnessing a growing influx of cruise tourists, with the recent arrival of MS Crystal Symphony highlighting the country's increasing appeal as a stopover for luxury liners. The ship, operated by Crystal Cruises, docked in Male on 23rd March during its 10-day voyage from Mumbai to Mahe Island in Seychelles.
LATEST ARTICLES
Restaurant and Hotel Prices Surge Nearly 30 Percent Year-on-Year in Maldives
Prices in the restaurant and accommodation sector have risen by nearly 30 per cent over the past year, according to the...
Gov’t Eyes Fast-Paced Rollout of 550 Development Projects
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that physical work on more than 550 development projects—including both new and previously stalled initiatives—will...
Bayfancy Residence: Smart Living with a Personal Touch
Start your day with the warmth of natural light filtering in as your bedroom adjusts to a comfortable 22°C, a thoughtful touch...
President Hails Rise in Dollar Remittances, Says USD 150M Sent to Banks Since January
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has revealed that USD 150 million has been remitted to local banks since January under the new...
Last Chance to Tap and Win: Ooredoo’s Karaa Felhun Game Ends Soon with Grand...
Gaming fans across the Maldives are being reminded that time is nearly up to join Ooredoo Maldives’ popular Ramadan mobile game, Karaa...
