Trump’s Climate Exit: A Blow to Vulnerable Nations Like the Maldives
On 20 January 2025, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders, including the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. This marks the second time the Trump administration has opted out of the historic climate accord, a decision that Mohamed Nasheed, former President of the Maldives and Secretary-General of the Climate Vulnerable...
Gov’t Focuses on Healthcare Expansion and Primary Care Reforms
Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has announced the government’s comprehensive strategy to enhance healthcare services nationwide, including new developments in Malé City and the outer atolls. Speaking during a visit to Raa Atoll alongside President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the Minister highlighted a series of reforms aimed at improving access to quality healthcare.
Among...
Digitalisation vs Corruption: Can Technology Alone Deliver Change?
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has presented an ambitious plan to eliminate corruption in the Maldives through the digitalisation of public services. Speaking to residents of Ungoofaaru in Raa Atoll, the President cited Estonia as a model for success, noting its efficient digital governance and low levels of corruption. He expressed confidence that adopting a similar system would...
Fiscal Snapshot: Maldives Ends 2024 with MVR 15.3 Billion Deficit
The Ministry of Finance has revealed in its latest Weekly Fiscal Developments report that the Maldives concluded 2024 with a significant budget deficit of MVR 15.3 billion. The report highlights increased revenue, particularly from tourism-related taxes, but notes that government expenditure continues to surpass income.
Revenue and Grants
The total...
Former HDC Managing Director Accused of Disposing Official Documents
The former Managing Director of Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed, is facing accusations of disposing of official company documents, according to a statement released by the police yesterday.
Fazul is currently under investigation for his alleged involvement in the wrongful allocation of land plots under the Binveriya scheme. As part of the...
MP Raises Concerns Over Limited Use of OneGov Platform
A parliamentary committee is set to summon senior officials from Tradenet Maldives to address concerns about the limited adoption of the OneGov platform by government institutions. The platform, developed as a national single window initiative, was launched in 2023 to centralise and digitise government services.
The issue was raised by North Galolhu MP Mohamed...
Maldives-China Free Trade Agreement Sees MVR 1.9 Million in Initial Trade
The Maldives and China have reported steady progress in bilateral trade following the implementation of their Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with goods worth MVR 1.9 million imported into the Maldives so far. The agreement, which officially came into effect on 1 January, aims to strengthen economic ties between the two nations by reducing trade barriers and encouraging...
Ooredoo Maldives Offers Exclusive Prizes at Golden Futsal Challenge
Ooredoo Maldives has unveiled an exclusive promotion, “Golden Futsal Ranuge Furusathu,” at the ongoing Golden Futsal Challenge held at Rehendhi Turf in Hulhumalé. The promotion, designed to add excitement to the event, offers customers the chance to win exclusive prizes while enjoying the thrilling matches.
Visitors to the Ooredoo tent at the event can...
IMF Recommends Climate-Sensitive Reforms for Maldives’ Public Financial Management
The Maldives faces a critical juncture in addressing the dual pressures of climate vulnerability and limited fiscal space, according to a high-level summary report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The report, titled "Mainstreaming Climate Change into Public Financial and Investment Management," highlights the need for robust reforms to integrate climate considerations into the country’s public financial management (PFM)...
Maldives Marine Expo 2025 Gears Up with Sponsors and Partners
The Maldives Marine Expo, the premier exhibition of the National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM), is set to celebrate its 10th edition from 6th to 9th February 2025 at Central Park, Hulhumalé. Organised by MEDIUM Events Pvt Ltd, the expo continues to serve as a vital platform for showcasing cutting-edge marine innovations and sustainable solutions, bringing together...
President Muizzu Stresses Maldives-USA Cooperation in Congratulatory Letter to President Trump
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended his congratulations to President Donald J. Trump on assuming office as the 47th President of the United States of America. In a letter addressed to President Trump, President Dr Muizzu underscored the enduring diplomatic relationship between the Maldives and the United States, marking 60 years of formal ties.
New aFAD Designs to Revolutionise Sustainable Fishing in the Maldives
The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has launched a project to modernise Anchored Fish Aggregating Devices (aFADs) in the Maldives, aiming to enhance their efficiency and durability.
Fish Aggregating Devices, or FADs, are man-made objects placed in the ocean to attract fish, making them easier to catch. Anchored FADs (aFADs) are a specific...
Maldives to Expand Energy Efficient Hakathari Programme
The Ministry of Climate Change, Energy and Environment has announced plans to expand the Hakathari programme, an energy efficiency labelling initiative, to include equipment used in government projects. The programme aligns with national goals to promote sustainable practices and reduce energy consumption.
Hakathari is designed to provide consumers with a clear understanding of the...
New Regulation in Maldives Mandates Propeller Guards for Excursion Vessels
The Maldivian government has announced a new regulation requiring excursion vessels to install propeller guards, aiming to enhance the conservation of whale sharks and ensure sustainable tourism practices. This initiative underscores the country's commitment to preserving its marine biodiversity and providing safe interactions between tourists and these gentle giants.
The regulation, which will take...
Foreign Minister Welcomes Indian High Commissioner to Discuss Partnership Expansion
The High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, His Excellency G. Balasubramaniam, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, earlier today. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focused on strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two neighbouring nations.
During the meeting, Minister Dr. Khaleel extended...
Thelu Veliga Retreat Leasehold Rights Offered for Tender
The Bank of Ceylon has announced the tender sale of the leasehold rights to Thelu Veliga Retreat, a five-star, 30-villa luxury island resort located in South Ari Atoll, Maldives. The property, currently held by Theluveliga Retreat Private Limited, has a lease agreement valid until April 2064, with an option for the successful bidder to extend the lease...
How the Maldives-China FTA Modernises Trade for Local Businesses
The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Maldives and China offers significant opportunities for Maldivian businesses to enhance their trade with China through the integration of information technology. The agreement includes a range of provisions aimed at simplifying and modernising trade processes, reducing costs, and improving transparency, which can collectively strengthen the Maldives’ trade competitiveness in the...
Maldives Launches Major Promotional Drive in Germany Ahead of ITB Berlin
The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), under its Visit Maldives brand, has announced a major promotional initiative in Germany ahead of ITB Berlin 2025. The campaign features the branding of 200 taxis in Berlin with breathtaking imagery of the Maldives, alongside billboards at the Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival), to enhance visibility in one of...
Legal Battle Looms Over Bereavement Policy for Mothers in the Maldives
The Public Interest Law Centre (PILC) is preparing to contest a government policy that requires bereaved mothers to return to work as early as the day after the death of their infant during maternity leave. According to local media, two government agencies have been implicated in enforcing this directive, which PILC has described as deeply insensitive to...
Majority of Maldives’ 2024 Loans Directed to VIA Project as Debt Soars
The Maldivian government secured nine loans totalling USD 334 million (MVR 5.2 billion) in 2024, according to statistics released by the Ministry of Finance. The loans, predominantly aimed at financing the Velana International Airport project, have contributed to the country’s rising debt, now projected to reach MVR 150 billion by the end of 2024, equivalent to 124...
Russia Tops Maldives Tourism Market as 2025 Arrivals Hit 117,532
The Maldives continues to see a steady rise in tourist arrivals in 2025, with a 9.7% increase recorded during the first 18 days of January compared to the same period last year. According to the Ministry of Tourism, 117,532 tourists arrived in the Maldives as of 18th January 2025, up from 107,119 during the same timeframe in...
Development Bank of Maldives Rollout Progressing on Schedule, Says Economic Minister
Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has reaffirmed that the rollout of the Development Bank of Maldives (DBM) is progressing on schedule, despite criticism of delays. Speaking on Sunday, the minister highlighted the structured, phased approach to the bank’s establishment, which prioritises institutional investors and large-scale infrastructure projects.
The creation of DBM was one of President...
Atmosphere Foundation Celebrates Three Years of Transformative Initiatives
Atmosphere Foundation hosted a celebratory event on 16th January 2025 at the Meermuaa Event and Conference Centre, bringing together donors, project partners, and stakeholders to reflect on its remarkable journey over the past three years. The evening highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to sustainability and inclusivity through a range of impactful initiatives tackling social, environmental, and educational challenges...
Tourism Collaboration Between Maldives and China: Unlocking New Opportunities Under the FTA
The Maldives-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) offers detailed provisions aimed at fostering tourism collaboration, with a strong emphasis on creating joint ventures, easing regulatory hurdles, and opening access to the Chinese tourism market. These elements position the Maldives to capitalise on China’s vast outbound tourism industry while deepening economic ties between the two nations.
LATEST ARTICLES
Trump’s Climate Exit: A Blow to Vulnerable Nations Like the Maldives
On 20 January 2025, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders, including the withdrawal of the United States from the...
Gov’t Focuses on Healthcare Expansion and Primary Care Reforms
Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has announced the government’s comprehensive strategy to enhance healthcare services nationwide, including new developments in Malé...
Digitalisation vs Corruption: Can Technology Alone Deliver Change?
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has presented an ambitious plan to eliminate corruption in the Maldives through the digitalisation of public services. Speaking...
Fiscal Snapshot: Maldives Ends 2024 with MVR 15.3 Billion Deficit
The Ministry of Finance has revealed in its latest Weekly Fiscal Developments report that the Maldives concluded 2024 with a significant budget...
Former HDC Managing Director Accused of Disposing Official Documents
The former Managing Director of Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed, is facing accusations of disposing of official company documents, according...
