How Parliament Has Lost Its Voice: No Debate, Only Deals
Parliament is supposed to be the nation’s forum for ideas and debate. At its best, it is the space where competing visions meet, where ideas are tested by fire before becoming law. In the Maldives today, that space has narrowed to the point of irrelevance. Debate is discouraged, dissent is a liability, and legislative work is too...
Maldives-China FTA: Online Certificate of Origin Process Begins for Exporters
Maldives Customs Service has announced that exporters can now apply online for the Certificate of Origin required for goods exported to China under the Maldives-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Starting 15 August, applications will be available through the Customs portal, where exporters can submit the necessary documents and payments. Approval notifications will also be...
VIA’s New International Terminal Welcomes First Foreign Airline
Velana International Airport’s (VIA) new international passenger terminal welcomed its first foreign carrier on Tuesday, marking the start of phased operations for the 72,000 square metre facility. Air Arabia became the first international airline to operate from the new Terminal 1, following a ceremonial ribbon-cutting that signalled the milestone in the airport’s development.
Initially...
US Embassy Announces Initiative to Launch American Chamber of Commerce in the Maldives
Plans to establish an American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in the Maldives were announced during the United States Embassy’s Independence Day reception in Malé on 13 August. The initiative, being advanced by an initial working group, aims to strengthen business links between the Maldives and the United States.
The reception was attended by diplomats,...
Maamaduvvaree Handover, Land Reclamation, and Airport Upgrade Announced in Baa Atoll
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s tour of Baa Atoll’s inhabited islands has seen a series of announcements and agreements focused on infrastructure, public services, and economic development.
In Hithaadhoo, the President confirmed that the island of Maamaduvvaree, long under a stalled tourism lease, will be handed over to the community following the resolution of legal...
Dhiraagu’s ‘Enrol & WIN 2 Speedboats’ Promo Boosts Winning Odds Fourfold
Dhiraagu customers now have four times the chance to win a brand-new sports speedboat by enrolling in the company’s ‘Enrol & WIN 2 Speedboats’ promotion before 30 September 2025.
The promotion is open to all Dhiraagu Prepaid, Postpaid, and Fibre Broadband customers, as well as new subscribers, offering the chance to win an Al...
Bayfancy Residence Lobby Blends Nature, Art and Modern Living
In the realm of high-end living, the residential lobby has long transcended its purely functional role, evolving into a “second living room” that reflects the lifestyle and sense of belonging of homeowners. The design of Bayfancy Residence’s lobby takes the clean lines of modern minimalism as its framework, skillfully infused with the vibrant essence of nature. Through...
Changes to Environmental Agency Raise Questions Over Autonomy and EIA Process
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s decision to dissolve the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and reconstitute it as the Environmental Regulatory Authority (ERA) under the direct control of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment has triggered a national debate over environmental governance and institutional independence.
The change, enacted through Presidential Directive No. 14/2025, ends the EPA’s...
DhiraaguPay Users Stand a Chance to Win MVR 50,000 in New Promotion
Dhiraagu Fintech has launched a promotion offering customers the chance to win MVR 50,000 by downloading and registering for DhiraaguPay.
Running until 31 December 2025, the promotion is open to both new and existing DhiraaguPay users. All eligible customers will be automatically entered into a lucky draw, with one winner selected at the end...
Gov’t Plans Legal and Operational Reforms to Strengthen MIRA
Minister of Finance and Planning, Moosa Zameer, has announced that the Government will take steps to strengthen the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) and address longstanding operational challenges.
Speaking at MIRA’s 15th Anniversary Celebration and “RanFanara” Awards Ceremony, the Minister noted that the authority is responsible for collecting over 83 percent of state revenue....
Economic Growth in Focus as President Continues Baa Atoll Tour
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s second day on tour in Baa Atoll saw a series of announcements centred on infrastructure upgrades, tourism development, and community-focused investments expected to stimulate local economies.
In B. Fulhadhoo, the President confirmed that a long-awaited water and sewerage system will break ground this month, with completion to be fast-tracked. Plans...
Ooredoo Maldives Announces Sixth Winner of #LiveUnlimited Anniversary Campaign
Ooredoo Maldives has named Mohamed Ifaz as the sixth recipient in its #LiveUnlimited Anniversary Campaign, awarding him a fully sponsored Umrah pilgrimage. The prize was collected on his behalf by Raushan Ismail.
The campaign, launched to mark Ooredoo Maldives’ anniversary, will see 19 customers each win an Umrah trip every 20 days, with a...
Maldives Hosts Regional Forum on Emerging Telecommunications Technologies
Senior telecommunications regulators and industry experts from across South Asia have gathered in the Maldives for a strategic forum focused on accelerating the adoption and integration of emerging technologies in the region’s communications infrastructure.
Organised by the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators Council (SATRC) under the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT), the three-day event runs from 12...
Gov’t and IFAD Partner to Build Skills for Greenhouse Operations
The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has launched a training initiative to identify and prepare lead farmers for islands where greenhouses are being developed. The programme is part of the Maldives Agribusiness Program (MAP), a joint effort between the Ministry and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
MAP is currently being implemented...
Gov’t Signs MVR 570M Deal for Thulhaadhoo Airport Works
A new agreement has been signed for the land reclamation, coastal protection, and infrastructure development required for the proposed domestic airport in B. Thulhaadhoo. The project has been awarded to the state-owned Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), following the cancellation of a previous contract signed in 2023 with Sri Lankan firm Capital Marine and Civil Construction...
Dhiraagu Awards Winners of ‘Win a Dream Holiday’ Promotion
Dhiraagu has announced the winners of its ‘Win a Dream Holiday’ promotion, rewarding three customers with all-expenses-paid trips to international destinations.
The prizes included a scenic getaway for two to Switzerland, a family trip to Disneyland Shanghai for two adults and two children, and a holiday for two to Malaysia. The winners are Shamrooh...
President’s Baa Atoll Tour Focuses on Connectivity, Housing and Public Services
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s four-day tour of Baa Atoll has focused on outlining planned infrastructure projects and discussing economic priorities with island councils, Women’s Development Committees, and residents. The President is visiting 13 inhabited islands, accompanied by Cabinet ministers and senior officials from state-owned enterprises, to gather feedback and provide updates on ongoing and proposed initiatives.
Maldives’ July Revenue Beats Projections on Strong Corporate and Tourism Earnings
State revenue in July 2025 reached MVR 3.39 billion, up 15.4% compared to the same month last year, according to the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA). The growth was driven mainly by higher collections of Corporate Income Tax, Goods and Services Tax (GST) from the tourism sector, Green Tax, and airport-related fees.
USD revenue...
Parliament Passes Bill to Establish Maldives Intellectual Property Office
Parliament has approved legislation to establish the Maldives Intellectual Property Office, a dedicated government body tasked with overseeing and protecting intellectual property rights in the country. The bill, backed by the government and sponsored by ruling PNC’s Kudahuvadhoo MP Hussain Hameed, was passed unanimously on Monday with all 68 lawmakers present voting in favour.
Transport and Communication Sector Sees Q2 Slowdown, but Optimism Builds for Q3
The Maldives’ transport and communication sector saw a notable slowdown in the second quarter of 2025, according to the Maldives Monetary Authority’s Quarterly Business Survey. The report shows that key measures such as revenue and demand fell sharply, though businesses remain optimistic about the months ahead.
The survey uses an “index” to measure changes...
Mastercard to Play Key Role in Maldives’ Five-Year Digital Development Plan
Mastercard has joined forces with Bank of Maldives (BML) and the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology’s National Centre for Information Technology (NCIT) to launch the Maldives Digital Partnership Program, a five-year initiative aimed at accelerating the country’s digital transformation.
The programme is aligned with the Government’s vision of creating a digitally empowered Maldives,...
MMA Launches Tamweel FinLit Fest 2025 to Boost Financial Literacy and Islamic Finance
The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has inaugurated Tamweel FinLit Fest 2025, a nationwide initiative aimed at raising awareness on financial literacy, responsible money management, and Islamic finance. The festival, launched by Minister of Education Dr Ismail Shafeeu, seeks to build a society well-versed in Islamic finance, with participation from students, youth, and the wider community.
Maldives–Türkiye Preferential Trade Agreement Expected to Take Effect Within Two Months
The Maldives’ Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Türkiye is expected to come into force within the next two months, according to state media, following confirmation from the Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed. The arrangement, signed on 4 November 2024, aims to strengthen bilateral trade ties between the two countries.
The PTA...
eSIM Now Available for Apple and Samsung Watches on Ooredoo
Ooredoo Maldives has introduced eSIM connectivity for Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch, enabling users to stay connected without carrying their phones.
With the new service, smartwatch users can make and receive calls, send messages, stream music, and use apps independently, sharing the same number as their phone. The eSIM works on the Ooredoo...
LATEST ARTICLES
How Parliament Has Lost Its Voice: No Debate, Only Deals
Parliament is supposed to be the nation’s forum for ideas and debate. At its best, it is the space where competing visions...
Maldives-China FTA: Online Certificate of Origin Process Begins for Exporters
Maldives Customs Service has announced that exporters can now apply online for the Certificate of Origin required for goods exported to China...
VIA’s New International Terminal Welcomes First Foreign Airline
Velana International Airport’s (VIA) new international passenger terminal welcomed its first foreign carrier on Tuesday, marking the start of phased operations for...
US Embassy Announces Initiative to Launch American Chamber of Commerce in the Maldives
Plans to establish an American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in the Maldives were announced during the United States Embassy’s Independence Day reception...
Maamaduvvaree Handover, Land Reclamation, and Airport Upgrade Announced in Baa Atoll
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s tour of Baa Atoll’s inhabited islands has seen a series of announcements and agreements focused on infrastructure, public...
