Report: From Volume to Value, Rethinking Success in Maldives Tourism
The Maldives has achieved a significant milestone in its tourism sector, reaching 2 million tourist arrivals in 2024, a record that illustrates the nation’s appeal as a top-tier destination. However, as the tourism industry celebrates this achievement, critical questions arise about whether arrival numbers alone should define success. With an average occupancy rate of just 58.9% for...
Dhiraagu Partners with Villa College for ‘VIgnite’ Business Incubator Programme
Dhiraagu has partnered with Villa College to support the launch of the Maldives’ first business incubator programme for students, ‘VIgnite’. The initiative, led by Villa College’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED), aims to foster early-stage startups and provide entrepreneurs with mentorship, business development support, and access to resources.
As part of this...
Maldives Breaks Tourism Record, Reaches 2 Millionth Arrival in 2024
The Maldives has a new record in the tourism industry with the arrival of the two millionth tourist of 2024. Astrid Dirnegger, an Austrian national, arrived in the Maldives this morning, 26th December 2024, officially achieving the target set for this year. This is her third visit to the Maldives, and she is here on vacation with...
Veligaa Hardware Launches “HOMEY” Brand Products in the Maldives
Veligaa Hardware, a leading hardware retailer in the Maldives since 2008, has expanded its product range by introducing the "HOMEY" brand to the local market. The Homey product line includes silicone sealants, polyurethane foam, and spray paints, catering to both professional builders and DIY enthusiasts.
These products are available for purchase at Veligaa Hardware's...
President Reshuffles Cabinet and Merges Ministerial Portfolios
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has made adjustments to his ministerial cabinet, merging several portfolios and appointing ministers to key positions. The reshuffle was announced on Thursday and formalised during a ceremony at the President’s Office.
At the ceremony, the new appointees were presented with their letters of appointment and took their oaths of office,...
ADFD Provides Additional USD 40 Million for Velana International Airport Development
The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development has extended a USD 40 million (MVR 616 million) loan to the Maldives to support the ongoing development of Velana International Airport (VIA). The agreement, signed by Minister of Finance Moosa Zameer on behalf of the Maldives, marks a key step in the government’s plans to complete the new terminal by...
Maldives Reflects on 2004 Tsunami: Rebuilding and Preparing for the Future
On 26 December 2004, the Indian Ocean tsunami, triggered by a massive undersea earthquake near Sumatra, swept across multiple countries, leaving devastation in its wake. Among the affected nations, the Maldives suffered significant losses as towering waves up to 14 feet submerged islands, displacing thousands and crippling critical infrastructure. The disaster caused widespread damage, highlighting the vulnerability...
Police Seize Electronic Devices in Expanding HDC Land Scandal Inquiry
The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) land allocation scandal has taken new turns as investigations by the Maldives Police Service and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) continue to unravel alleged irregularities in land and flat distribution under the Binveriya and Gedhoruveriya housing schemes. The controversy, which surfaced recently, has triggered a leadership shake-up at HDC and intensified public scrutiny...
Maldives Inflation Rises to 1.3% in Q3 2024 as Electricity and Food Costs Increase
The Maldives saw its annual inflation rate accelerate to 1.3% during the third quarter of 2024, compared to just 0.3% in the previous quarter. This notable rise, reported in the Maldives Monetary Authority’s Quarterly Economic Bulletin, highlights the growing influence of sector-specific price pressures on the nation's cost of living.
Key Drivers of...
Trans Maldivian Airways Transfers Over 5,500 Passengers in a Single Day
Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) has marked the festive season with an impressive achievement, transferring over 5,500 passengers in a single day. This milestone highlights the airline’s capacity to handle peak travel demand, ensuring seamless operations for thousands of visitors arriving in the Maldives for the holidays.
This figure represents a significant increase compared to...
Ooredoo Maldives Unveils Exclusive New Year Offers
Ooredoo Maldives has launched a range of special offers to celebrate the arrival of 2025, providing customers with enhanced data plans and connectivity options to brighten the holiday season and beyond. These offers, designed to suit various needs, are available for activation through the Ooredoo SuperApp until 31st January 2025.
Aachaa Long-Term Plans
Government Ensures Timely Payments to Fishermen
The Maldives government has made progress in ensuring timely payments to local fishermen. Upon taking office in November 2023, the administration inherited outstanding payments amounting to USD 15 million owed to fishermen. Since then, efforts have been underway to clear these unsettled debts and streamline the process.
During Fishermen's Day celebrations on 10 December,...
Maldives Immigration Detains 31 Undocumented Workers in Latest Raids
Maldives Immigration has detained 31 individuals in a series of coordinated operations targeting areas with high concentrations of undocumented workers in Malé and Hulhumalé. These actions are part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal labour practices and address the challenges posed by undocumented migrant workers in the country.
Focus on High-Risk Areas
Maldives Endorses Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy
The National Disaster Management Council, chaired by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, has approved the ‘Maldives Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy 2024-2030’, marking a significant step in the nation’s efforts to mitigate disaster risks and enhance resilience. The strategy was ratified during a council meeting held at the President’s Office earlier this week.
Focusing on both...
Dhiraagu Announces Exciting New Year Offers to Celebrate 2025
Dhiraagu has rolled out a series of special offers to welcome 2025, designed to enhance customers’ digital experiences during the festive season. The promotion includes a range of exclusive deals on data plans, streaming add-ons, and broadband services, catering to both prepaid and postpaid users across the Maldives. These offers are available until 31st January 2025, providing...
Robust Growth in Loans and Capital Strengthens Maldivian Banks
The Maldivian banking sector demonstrated notable resilience in the third quarter of 2024, maintaining strong capital adequacy and profitability ratios despite challenges such as increased expenses and a seasonal dip in deposits. The sector’s performance highlights its importance as a critical pillar of the domestic economy, navigating shifts in global and local conditions with stability and adaptability....
Ooredoo Maldives’ Cycle Libey Promotion Nears Its Conclusion
Ooredoo Maldives has announced the final stretch of its highly anticipated “Win a Motorcycle Every 3 Days” promotion under the 5G Libey Campaign, with only five motorcycles left to be won. As the promotion heads towards its conclusion on 31st December 2024, customers still have a chance to secure one of the final prizes, including the grand...
Tourism Ministry Distances Itself from State Minister’s Controversial Remarks
The Ministry of Tourism has announced the suspension of State Minister Mohamed Nihad following contentious comments made during a People’s National Congress (PNC) rally. The remarks, which accused the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) of planning a terrorist attack targeting resorts, have been met with widespread criticism.
Nihad alleged that the opposition, with support...
Efforts Underway to Redesign Kadhdhoo Airport Expansion Amid Challenges
Efforts to upgrade Kadhdhoo Airport in Laamu Atoll are progressing as authorities work to address design challenges and secure funding, according to Ahmed Mubeen, Managing Director of Regional Airports.
The project, awarded to the Chinese firm CAMC in April, aims to bring the airport to international standards in line with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s...
HDC Board Members Reinstated Amid Ongoing Investigation
The Privatisation and Corporatisation Board (PCB) has lifted the suspension of Housing Development Corporation (HDC) board members who were under investigation for alleged irregularities in the allocation of land plots in Hulhumalé.
The board members had been suspended last Thursday, except for Chairman Ahmed Nasif, to facilitate cooperation with the ongoing police investigation. The...
Maldives Explores Collaborative Opportunities with China in Mariculture and Fisheries
The Maldives is advancing its efforts to develop its fisheries, mariculture, and blue economy sectors through strategic collaborations with international partners. The Ministry of Fisheries recently welcomed a delegation of Chinese investors to explore opportunities in these growing industries. The discussions centred on the government’s plans to develop infrastructure such as sports fishing ports and mariculture facilities,...
MPL Wins Two Honours at South Asian Business Excellence Awards 2024
Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has been recognised for its innovative initiatives, winning two prestigious awards at the South Asian Business Excellence Awards 2024. The awards ceremony, which saw participation from companies across seven South Asian nations, was held on 20th December in New Delhi, India.
MPL received the Innovative Learning and Organisational Development Award and the Innovative...
Maldives Expected to Hit 2 Million Tourist Arrivals by Thursday, Says Minister Faisal
Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal has announced that the Maldives is on course to welcome its 2 millionth tourist of the year by Thursday, a milestone that highlights the resilience and growth of the nation’s tourism sector.
As of Sunday, the country had recorded 1,978,252 arrivals, putting it within reach of its ambitious target for...
Rtd Major Mohamed Najah Appointed Managing Director of FENAKA
The state-owned utility provider FENAKA Corporation has appointed retired Major Mohamed Najah as its new Managing Director. The announcement was made by the Privatisation and Corporatisation Board of Maldives on Monday, shortly after the resignation of former Managing Director Muaz Mohamed Rasheed earlier in the day.
Najah, a veteran military officer with over two...
LATEST ARTICLES
Report: From Volume to Value, Rethinking Success in Maldives Tourism
The Maldives has achieved a significant milestone in its tourism sector, reaching 2 million tourist arrivals in 2024, a record that illustrates...
Dhiraagu Partners with Villa College for ‘VIgnite’ Business Incubator Programme
Dhiraagu has partnered with Villa College to support the launch of the Maldives’ first business incubator programme for students, ‘VIgnite’. The initiative,...
Maldives Breaks Tourism Record, Reaches 2 Millionth Arrival in 2024
The Maldives has a new record in the tourism industry with the arrival of the two millionth tourist of 2024. Astrid Dirnegger,...
Veligaa Hardware Launches “HOMEY” Brand Products in the Maldives
Veligaa Hardware, a leading hardware retailer in the Maldives since 2008, has expanded its product range by introducing the "HOMEY" brand to...
President Reshuffles Cabinet and Merges Ministerial Portfolios
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has made adjustments to his ministerial cabinet, merging several portfolios and appointing ministers to key positions. The reshuffle...
