Maldives Bets Big on VIA, Will It Be Enough?
The World Bank has projected a slight improvement in the Maldives' medium-term economic outlook, driven by expectations surrounding the upcoming completion of the new terminal at Velana International Airport by mid-2025. However, the optimism is tempered by persistent concerns over rising debt, external vulnerabilities, and fiscal pressures.
According to the Maldives Development...
Authorities Investigating Over 2,400 Foreign Worker Cases Amid Wider Crackdown
The Labour Relations Authority (LRA) has confirmed it is currently investigating 2,457 cases involving foreign workers, as part of a wider government effort to address systemic challenges surrounding migrant labour in the Maldives.
Speaking during a programme on state media, LRA Director General Mizhathu Naeem stated that the authority, now operating under...
Ooredoo Nation and Dragon Zone Wrap Up GT7 Legends Circuit Season 1, Eyes on Grand Finale
Ooredoo Nation, in collaboration with Dragon Zone, has concluded the first season of the GT7 Legends Circuit, setting the stage for an even bigger showdown ahead. The tournament, held on the popular racing simulator Gran Turismo 7, brought together 15 of the Maldives' top sim racers for an intense competition.
Season 1...
Maldives Participates in PATA Annual Summit to Strengthen Tourism Development
The Maldives took part in the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Annual General Meeting and Annual Summit held from 21 to 23 April in Istanbul, Turkey. Represented by officials from the Ministry of Tourism, the Maldives joined global tourism experts to explore strategies aimed at enhancing sustainability, innovation, and inclusion within the sector.
World Bank: Maldives’ Growth Resilient, But Debt and Deficit Risks Loom Large
The World Bank has published the latest Maldives Development Update (MDU), providing a thorough snapshot of the country's economic landscape as of April 2025. This biannual publication examines recent economic trends, assesses the outlook for the medium term, and offers deeper insights into critical policy challenges.
The newly released MDU highlights that while economic...
Maldives Expo 2025 Registration Deadline Extended to 10 May
The registration deadline for Maldives Expo 2025, the largest national exhibition celebrating culture, creativity, innovation, entertainment, and entrepreneurship, has been extended to 10 May 2025, according to an announcement by the Business Centre Corporation (BCC).
Originally set to close on 24 April, the registration window was extended to allow greater participation from...
Tourism Minister Says No Impact on Arrivals from Israeli Passport Ban as April Figures Show Growth
Tourism and Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim has stated that the Maldives’ ban on Israeli passport holders has had no noticeable impact on the country’s tourism sector. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the Minister explained that authorities have been closely monitoring daily tourist arrivals to identify any potential decline following the ratification of the amendment...
Gov’t Announces Completion of Muli Airport Following Successful Test Flight
The government has announced the successful completion of Muli Airport in Meemu Atoll, with a test flight landing at the new facility on Friday, marking a major milestone for the long-anticipated project.
Constructed by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), the airport features a 1,200-metre-long and 30-metre-wide runway, designed for domestic...
Economic Minister Outlines Plans to Remove Industry Barriers
At the opening ceremony of the Build Expo held in Hulhumalé, Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed announced that the government is working to dismantle regulatory and structural barriers hindering the growth of key industries, with a particular focus on construction.
He highlighted the need for policy changes that would...
Maldives’ Pension Timebomb: Why Reform Is No Longer Optional
Fifteen years ago, the Maldives introduced its landmark Pension Act, a promise of security for the ageing, built around a seemingly sustainable contributory system. Yet today, that very system stands precariously close to collapse. The current pension model, once heralded as a modernising reform, now grapples with inefficiencies, stark inequalities, and ballooning financial obligations that threaten...
Gov’t Disburses MVR 1.6 Billion to Fishermen Since November
The government has issued MVR 1.6 billion in payments to fishermen across the Maldives since mid-November last year, according to Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam. The announcement was made at a public event organised by the People’s National Congress (PNC), where the minister provided an update on efforts to fulfil key presidential pledges to the fishing community.
Dhiraagu Awards Dream Holiday to Switzerland Through Ramadan Campaign
Dhiraagu has awarded a dream holiday to Switzerland to the grand prize winner of its Ramadan-themed campaign, marking the culmination of the company’s ‘Slice a Watermelon and WIN’ promotion. The winner, Mohamed Iuthiman Ali, received the prize at a special ceremony held at Dhiraagu Head Office, attended by members of the company's management and staff.
Climate Risks Prompt New Strategy for Island Water and Sanitation Networks
The Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim, has underscored the importance of proactive measures to protect water and sewerage infrastructure in the Maldives, as the government launched a new emergency response plan aimed at mitigating disruptions caused by climate-induced events.
With 133 islands currently equipped with water supply systems and 144...
CANCC Workshop in Maldives Highlights Urgency of Adaptation for Low-Lying Islands
The Maldives is currently hosting representatives from four other atoll nations—Kiribati, Tuvalu, Tokelau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands—for a high-level workshop of the Coalition of Atoll Nations on Climate Change (CANCC). Taking place from 22 to 24 April at Bandos Maldives, the event aims to strengthen national adaptation planning processes and foster collaboration on...
Ooredoo Maldives Launches Raastas Surprise Campaign with Prizes Over MVR 100,000
Ooredoo Maldives has launched its latest promotional campaign, Raastas Surprise, turning everyday transactions into a potential windfall for customers across the country. With prizes exceeding MVR 100,000 in value, the campaign is open to anyone who makes Raastas—digital payments—at any shop in the Maldives, regardless of the transaction amount.
Participants who make...
EOI Open for USD 35M Cargo Handling Facility at Thilafushi
An invitation for Expressions of Interest (EOI) has been announced for the development of a new cargo handling facility on Thilafushi Island, Kaafu Atoll. The USD 35 million project aims to expand the Maldives’ port infrastructure and alleviate congestion at Malé Commercial Harbour.
Issued by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), the call seeks...
Maldives Eyes More Global Franchises Through Local Partnerships
The Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, has stated that the Maldivian government is committed to supporting local businesses in attracting and establishing international brands in the country, according to state media.
His remarks were made following the opening of the first outlet in Malé of Havaianas, the globally recognised...
President Aims to Phase Out Black Market as Maldives Targets Official Dollar Rate by 2027
The Maldivian government has set a target to eliminate the black market for US dollars and restore access to foreign currency at the official bank rate by the end of 2027. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu outlined the administration’s approach in two recently launched government podcasts, where he discussed the progress and impact of ongoing foreign exchange...
Gov’t Surplus Masks Deeper Woes in Infrastructure Rollout
The Maldivian government recorded a fiscal surplus of MVR 2.2 billion as of 17 April 2025, buoyed by higher-than-expected revenue collections. Yet, behind the numbers lies a mounting concern: sluggish capital spending, driven in part by delays in implementing key infrastructure projects.
According to the Ministry of Finance’s latest Weekly Fiscal Developments...
Cabinet Reviews Progress of Key Infrastructure Projects in Working Session
The Cabinet convened a working session at the President’s Office on Tuesday to assess the progress of the government’s priority infrastructure initiatives. The meeting brought together Cabinet Ministers and the Managing Directors of key State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), including the State Trading Organization (STO), Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO), Fenaka Corporation Limited, Road Development Corporation (RDC), Maldives...
Ooredoo Maldives Launches First Apple Watch Cellular Service in the Maldives
Ooredoo Maldives has rolled out the country’s first Apple Watch Cellular Service, marking a milestone in wearable tech connectivity in the Maldives. Powered by Ooredoo’s eSIM technology, the service enables users to stay connected through their Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra without needing their iPhone nearby.
This development positions...
Marriott International Celebrates Second Cohort of Hospitality Apprentices in the Maldives
Marriott International marked the graduation of 31 apprentices from its Maldives Apprenticeship Program on 19 April with a ceremony at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. The initiative, launched in 2023 in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT), is aimed at building local...
Visit Maldives to Host Multi-Sensory “Maldivian Evening 2025” in Dubai
Visit Maldives is set to host “Maldivian Evening 2025” in Dubai on 28 April, presenting an immersive showcase designed to capture the Maldives' richness in culture, gastronomy, and storytelling. The event, scheduled to take place at the Theatre of Digital Art (TODA) during the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, aims to reposition the Maldives...
SIMDI to Host MONIN Day 2025 at Kurumba Maldives
SIMDI Beverages, the exclusive distributor of MONIN in the Maldives, is set to host MONIN Day 2025 on 23 April at Kurumba Maldives. The event will bring together beverage professionals, resort teams, café owners, and mixology enthusiasts from across the country for a full day of innovation, education, and creative engagement.
Organised...
LATEST ARTICLES
Maldives Bets Big on VIA, Will It Be Enough?
The World Bank has projected a slight improvement in the Maldives' medium-term economic outlook, driven by expectations surrounding the upcoming completion...
Authorities Investigating Over 2,400 Foreign Worker Cases Amid Wider Crackdown
The Labour Relations Authority (LRA) has confirmed it is currently investigating 2,457 cases involving foreign workers, as part of a wider...
Ooredoo Nation and Dragon Zone Wrap Up GT7 Legends Circuit Season 1, Eyes on...
Ooredoo Nation, in collaboration with Dragon Zone, has concluded the first season of the GT7 Legends Circuit, setting the stage for...
Maldives Participates in PATA Annual Summit to Strengthen Tourism Development
The Maldives took part in the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Annual General Meeting and Annual Summit held from 21 to...
World Bank: Maldives’ Growth Resilient, But Debt and Deficit Risks Loom Large
The World Bank has published the latest Maldives Development Update (MDU), providing a thorough snapshot of the country's economic landscape as of April...
