SIFCO Triumphs at Ooredoo Masrace 2024 in K. Himmafushi
Team SIFCO has emerged victorious at the Ooredoo Masrace 2024, securing the championship title with an impressive 999.35 points. The event, held in K. Himmafushi, marks the first segment of this annual fishing tournament, which has become a highly anticipated fixture in the Maldivian calendar.
The 2024 edition of the Ooredoo Masrace forms part...
Report: The Permanent Address Dilemma, Inequality and Economic Challenges in Maldives Residency Rights
The issue of permanent address and residency rights in the Maldives has long been a topic of contention, revealing underlying inequalities and economic challenges that contradict the nation’s constitutional principles. While the Constitution of the Maldives guarantees freedom of movement and residency rights for all citizens, the practical application of these rights often falls short, leading to...
Oman Air Resumes Seasonal Flights to the Maldives for Winter 2024
Oman Air has announced the resumption of its seasonal flights between Muscat and Malé, set to commence on 27th October 2024. This development comes as part of the airline’s strategy to enhance travel options for passengers during the peak winter season, particularly those looking to explore the tropical paradise of the Maldives.
With the...
Tourism Ministry, MMPRC, and MATATO Share Updates from ‘Welcome India’ Roadshow
The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) hosted a press conference at its headquarters to announce the latest updates on the tourism industry and highlight the achievements of the recently concluded “Welcome India” Roadshow series. The event was attended by key figures in the tourism sector, including Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal, Advisor to the President...
National Registry of Fishermen Hits 200 Vessel Milestone
The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has announced the registration of 200 fishing vessels in the newly established National Registry of Fishermen. The registry aims to ensure that fishermen and those engaged in the fisheries sector receive governmental recognition similar to other professions.
In an interview with state media PSM, Dr Hussain Sinan,...
President Reassigns LRA to Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has reassigned the Labour Relations Authority (LRA) to the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, effective from 6 August 2024. This decision was made at the President’s discretion, as permitted by Section 116 of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives, following a recommendation from the Cabinet. The move aims to address issues...
Gov’t Prioritises Investor Opportunities at AHICE Maldives Summit
In a keynote speech at the “AHICE Maldives Hotel Investment Summit,” Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal emphasised the government’s unwavering commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment. The event, organised by the Australian Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE), drew significant attention from the tourism sector, with 140 industry professionals in attendance.
Minister Faisal highlighted the...
Maldives Financial Position Falls by 7.6% Over One Month
The Maldives financial position has contracted by 7.6%, driven by substantial decreases in foreign and local currency financial assets. According to the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), total assets fell from MVR 23.49 billion to MVR 21.71 billion between June 30, 2024, and July 31, 2024.
Decline in Total Assets
The MMA's...
MIRA to Reinstate Action Policy for Tax Defaulters
The Commissioner General of Taxation, Hassan Zareer, has announced that the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) is in discussions to withhold services from individuals and businesses that fail to pay their taxes. This move comes as part of efforts to address significant delays in tax payments.
According to Commissioner Zareer, the suspension of MIRA’s...
South Asia Regional Energy Partnership Launched in Maldives
The South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) Maldives was inaugurated yesterday in Malé, marking an important development in the region’s pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. This initiative, led by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), aims to enhance clean energy practices throughout South Asia.
The launch event began with a welcome address...
Ooredoo Nation Global Faceoff: Maldives vs. Qatar in Rocket League Showdown
The gaming world is abuzz as the Ooredoo Nation Global Faceoff kicks off tomorrow, featuring a thrilling Rocket League tournament between the Maldives and Qatar. The event promises to showcase top-tier talent, strategic gameplay, and a spirit of friendly competition.
The tournament, which celebrates Ooredoo Maldives’ 19th anniversary, features intense 3v3 matches with a...
BML Digital Banking Outages Cause Customer Frustration
The Bank of Maldives (BML) has recently faced significant challenges with its digital banking applications, causing widespread frustration among its customers. Early on Wednesday morning, the bank announced through social media that a technical issue was disrupting its Mobile App and Internet Banking services. Customers, however, reported that these interruptions began much earlier, from dawn.
No Government Backing for Siyam’s USD 165 Million Resort Project Loan
The Maldives government has decided against granting a sovereign guarantee for a USD 165 million (MVR 2.5 billion) loan intended for the development of a resort by renowned businessman and People’s Majlis member for Meedhoo, Ahmed Siyam Mohamed.
Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, leader of the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), had sought government financial assistance...
STO Seeks Expressions of Interest for Landmark Commercial Building Development
The State Trading Organization Plc (STO) has issued a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the ambitious development of a twenty-five-storey multi-purpose commercial building. This project, aimed at transforming Male's commercial infrastructure, is expected to draw interest from leading construction firms.
The proposed development will operate under a contractor finance model with STO...
Maldives to Establish Chinese Bank Branch Amid Strengthening Trade Ties
The Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, has announced that efforts are underway to open a branch of a Chinese bank in the Maldives. This initiative was revealed during the Maldives-Sichuan Trade and Investment Cooperation Conference, aiming to enhance bilateral trade relations and provide new business opportunities for both nations.
Speaking at...
Enhancing Regional Ties: SAARC Secretary-General’s Visit to the Maldives
The Secretary-General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), His Excellency Golam Sarwar, made significant diplomatic engagements today, meeting both President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Minister for Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer.
In a morning visit to the President’s Office, Secretary-General Sarwar expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet with...
Gov’t Seeks Providers for Helicopter Services
The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has announced a call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from parties interested in providing helicopter services in the Maldives. This initiative aims to enhance National Emergency Services and support the tourism sector.
According to the announcement, the Ministry is seeking helicopter service providers to fulfil several key...
Maldives Customs to Introduce ‘Simplified Declaration’ Mechanism for Easier Import Duty Payments
Maldives Customs has announced the upcoming introduction of a ‘simplified declaration’ mechanism aimed at streamlining the payment of import duty. This new system will enable private citizens importing goods for personal use to declare and pay duty via their mobile phones, eliminating the need for a broker.
Speaking to local media on Monday night,...
Maldivian Cancels Flights to Dhaka Amid Emerging Situation in Bangladesh
Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, has announced the cancellation of its flights to and from Dhaka scheduled for 6th August 2024, due to an emerging situation in Bangladesh. The airline has assured passengers that it is closely monitoring the situation and remains committed to providing necessary support during this period of disruption.
Parliament Introduces Stringent Insurance Bill to Tackle Fraud and Unlicensed Operations
Parliament has introduced a comprehensive bill that imposes severe penalties for providing false information in insurance claims and for operating without a licence. The bill was presented by Mahibadhoo MP Ahmed Thariq (PNC) on behalf of the government, with the aim of establishing robust business regulations and ensuring compliance within the industry.
The proposed...
STELCO and MNU Join Forces for Academic Study on Rising Electricity Bills
State Electric Company (STELCO) and Maldives National University (MNU) have inked an agreement to conduct an academic study investigating the surge in electricity bills. The signing ceremony saw STELCO’s Managing Director, Hussain Fahumy, and MNU’s Vice Chancellor, Dr Aishath Shehenaz Adam, formally commit to the collaborative research.
Per the agreement, the study will scrutinise...
Tourist Arrivals in July 2024 Show Significant Growth
The month of July 2024 marked a significant upturn in tourist arrivals to the Maldives, reflecting a robust recovery in the tourism sector. According to the latest statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism, the Maldives welcomed 167,528 tourists in July 2024, representing a 15% increase compared to July 2023, when 145,620 tourists arrived.
Villa College Launches New Degree Programmes
Villa College has launched two new degree programmes, the Bachelor of Quantity Surveying and the Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations.
The programmes were launched by Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla during a special ceremony at the college yesterday.
Head of the School of Computer Science, Udhuma Abdul Latheef,...
Maldives and United States Sign Fourteenth Amendment to Development Objective Grant Agreement
The Maldives and the United States have signed the fourteenth amendment to the Development Objective Grant Agreement (DOAG) today, further solidifying their development cooperation.
The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saw the amendment signed by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sheryna Abdul Samad, representing the Government of the Republic...