Chinese Team to Conduct Feasibility Study for Major Road Project in Male’ and Villimale’
A team of Chinese technical experts has arrived in the Maldives to conduct a feasibility study for a road construction initiative in Male' and Villimale'. The Maldives Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure announced the team’s arrival on Monday in a post on X, confirming the technical assistance from the Chinese government.
The experts have...
DAMAC Properties Launches DAMAC Air, Redefining Luxury Travel with Curated Tropical Escapes
DAMAC Properties has unveiled DAMAC Air, a groundbreaking travel service designed to offer unparalleled luxury holidays in some of the world’s most exclusive tropical destinations. This new venture allows travellers to experience bespoke getaways that combine world-class comfort with the unique allure of exotic locations, marking DAMAC’s expansion from luxury real estate into the premium travel sector.
Ooredoo Maldives Offers Mogoo Bolt Hybrid Bike as November’s Atholhu Dhuvun Prize
Ooredoo Maldives is offering an exciting prize this November for players of its popular game “Atholhu Dhuvun.” The top scorer on the game’s leaderboard at the end of the month will win a Mogoo Bolt 700C Hybrid Road Bike, courtesy of Ell Mobile, Ooredoo’s partner for the month.
“Atholhu Dhuvun,” the first casual runner...
Mohamed Solah Appointed CEO of Crown & Champa Resorts
Crown & Champa Resorts (CCR) has announced the promotion of Mohamed Solah to Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant milestone in his career. Solah’s journey from an entry-level position in hospitality to leading one of the Maldives’ premier resort portfolios reflects dedication, skill, and CCR’s commitment to fostering Maldivian talent. With over two decades of experience in...
Government Launches ‘Hiyaavahi’ Finance Scheme for Affordable Home Construction
Government has officially launched the ‘Hiyaavahi’ finance scheme on Tuesday, a programme designed to offer affordable home construction loans at a 5 percent interest rate. The scheme aims to address housing needs by providing accessible financing for home-building projects across the Maldives.
In collaboration with Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC), Bank of Maldives (BML),...
Dhiraagu Reports Financial Growth and Expands Connectivity in Q3 2024
Dhiraagu reported steady growth in the third quarter of 2024, with notable increases in revenue, profit, and market capitalisation. The company’s quarterly report highlights key achievements, including advancements in digital infrastructure, product launches, and several initiatives supporting local communities.
Financial Highlights
The company’s revenue rose by 1% compared to the...
MATI Hosts Strategy Masterclass Led by Mark Pollard for Tourism Professionals
The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has announced the upcoming second edition of MATI Insight, set to be a specialised masterclass in strategy by renowned strategist Mark Pollard. Scheduled for 17 November 2024, the session will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Crossroads Maldives.
Titled "Sweathead Masterclass: Strategy is your Words," the...
Trans Maldivian Airways Hosts Educational Visit for Ghiyasuddin International School Students
On 28 October 2024, Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) welcomed 40 students from Ghiyasuddin International School for a hands-on educational visit at its facilities within Velana International Airport. The experience provided students with an in-depth look into the operations of the world’s largest seaplane operator.
During their tour of TMA’s advanced Noovilu Seaplane Terminal, students...
Maldives and Türkiye Sign Preferential Trade Agreement to Strengthen Economic Ties
The Maldivian government has signed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Türkiye, marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral trade relations between the two countries. The agreement, signed on behalf of the Maldives by Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Saeed, and by Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat on behalf of Türkiye, aims to reduce trade barriers...
New Budget Procedure Policy Introduced for State-Owned Enterprises to Enhance Transparency
The Privatisation and Corporatisation Board (PCB) has introduced a new Budget Procedure Policy for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and consistency in the budget processes of all government-owned and government-participating entities. The policy is expected to establish clearer standards in budget formulation and submission, providing a structured approach for SOEs to follow.
Tourist Arrivals in October Signal Progress but Raise Questions Over 2 Million Goal
The Maldives continues to make strides toward its target of welcoming 2 million tourists in 2024, yet the latest arrival figures for October suggest the country may need to sustain higher growth rates in the final months of the year to meet this ambitious goal. According to the Ministry of Tourism's report, tourist arrivals in October reached...
Gov’t Proposes Amendment to Address Unjust Enrichment Among Public Officials
The Maldivian government has introduced a proposed amendment to the Penal Code aimed at tackling unjust enrichment among public officials. Announced by President Mohamed Muizzu, the amendment seeks to streamline the prosecution of former public servants who may have amassed wealth beyond what would be consistent with their official earnings. This amendment, introduced in Parliament by Progressive...
Maldives Expands Sea-to-Air Cargo Network with First Shipment from India
The Maldives’ Sea-to-Air Cargo Transshipment service has reached a new milestone with its first shipment originating from India, marking an exciting expansion of the nation’s cargo capabilities. Velana International Airport announced the development in a post on X, confirming that Condor flight DE2320 uplifted the cargo, which is now en route to Germany.
This...
Maldives Amends Tobacco Regulations to Impose Destruction Costs on Importers
The Maldivian government has introduced a new regulation mandating that importers bear the costs of destroying any tobacco products that fail to meet established import standards. The change, introduced through the third amendment to the Health Ministry’s Regulation on Tobacco Packaging and Labelling, aims to strengthen control over tobacco imports and ensure sustainable disposal practices for non-compliant...
Maldives Government Clarifies Stance on High Commissioner’s Meeting with Afghan Representative
The Government of Maldives has clarified that a recent meeting between its High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mohamed Thoha, and a representative of Afghanistan in Islamabad was not authorised by the Maldivian government. This statement, issued on Sunday, comes after photos emerged of the High Commissioner meeting with Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, the Taliban’s envoy to Pakistan.
Allied Insurance Resumes Cashless Service for Outpatient Care
Allied Insurance Company has announced the resumption of its cashless service for outpatient healthcare following a temporary suspension due to recent changes in the government’s Aasandha policy. This announcement brings relief to patients who rely on cashless transactions for medical services, allowing them to access care without the need to pay out of pocket.
Rethinking Corporate Social Responsibility in the Maldives
As companies around the world embrace Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to enhance community connections and build sustainable business models, the Maldives is witnessing a similar shift. Here, businesses are increasingly integrating CSR into their strategies, focusing on activities that not only improve brand loyalty but also address critical social and environmental needs.
In recent...
Bangladesh Redirects Textile Exports via Maldives, Boosting Sea-to-Air Transshipment Operations
Bangladesh, the world’s second-largest garment producer, has opted to reroute its textile exports through the Maldives instead of India, significantly boosting the Maldives’ role in regional logistics. This shift leverages the Maldives' sea-to-air transshipment services, facilitated by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), enhancing the nation’s potential as a key transit hub in South Asia.
Previously,...
NSPA Confirms Continued Aasandha Support Amid Private Insurance Cashless Service Suspension
The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has confirmed that Aasandha services will remain available for individuals who are required to pay out of pocket due to recent changes in cashless services by private insurance providers. This announcement follows adjustments that affected the delivery of Aasandha benefits to patients with private insurance coverage, raising concerns among policyholders.
BCC Launches Nationwide Initiative to Profile Economic Development Projects
The Business Centre Corporation (BCC) has launched "Dhivehi Raajjeyge Iqthisaadhee Furamala 2025," a new initiative aimed at gathering comprehensive data on economic development projects across the Maldives. The initiative, inaugurated by Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed, will focus on profiling projects by collecting information on gender representation within contracted workforces and documenting the status...
Maldives Customs Implements Stricter Regulations on Tobacco Storage and Vessel Tracking
The Maldives Customs Service has introduced amendments to the Customs General Regulation, banning the storage of tobacco and tobacco-related products in bonded warehouses. This change follows recent updates to the Export-Import Act, as part of the country’s ongoing efforts to control tobacco use and implement stricter monitoring measures on imported goods.
Under the newly...
MMA Tightens Currency Exchange Rules
The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has announced that, under the Regulation on Money Changing Business, a specialized company must be established for the exchange of foreign currency when interested parties apply for a license.
During a recent programme on state media PSM, MMA’s Assistant Executive Director, Aishath Asnaa, revealed that approximately 200 parties currently...
Global Biodiversity Conference Ends with New Roles for Maldives in Conservation Leadership
The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) concluded successfully in Cali, Colombia, marking a significant step forward for global biodiversity conservation. Representing the Maldives, Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim participated in discussions aimed at accelerating biodiversity protection efforts, which included high-level commitments to Indigenous inclusion, African-descent...
Maldives and China Reflect on Decade of Growing Bilateral Ties at Anniversary Symposium
The Ambassador of China to the Maldives, Wang Lixin, highlighted the growth of Maldives-China relations during the "China and Maldives: A Decade of Friendship Towards One Shared Future" symposium held on October 31. Hosted jointly by the Chinese Embassy in the Maldives and the Maldives China Trade and Cultural Organisation, the event brought together key officials and...