Author: hyvemedia

The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has officially initiated the final countdown to the grand opening of the new state-of-the-art passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA). Scheduled to open on July 26, coinciding with the 60th Independence Day of the Maldives, the project marks one of the most transformative infrastructure milestones in the nation’s aviation and economic history. A New Era for Maldivian Aviation The launch of the new terminal is more than just an operational upgrade  it is a strategic investment in the Maldives’ long-term growth as a global tourism and trade hub. Designed to handle 7.5 million…

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Yahya Hassan Alqahtani, paid a courtesy call on Vice President His Excellency Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef at the President’s Office earlier today. During the meeting, both dignitaries reaffirmed the enduring friendship and close bilateral relations between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia. Discussions focused on the strength of the longstanding brotherly ties and the shared commitment to further enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Vice President Latheef expressed sincere appreciation for the Kingdom’s continuous support to the Maldives across various sectors. He noted the valuable…

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that a dedicated seaplane platform will be established in N. Velidhoo, with operations expected to commence by January next year. The announcement came during his official visit to the island as part of his ongoing tour of the inhabited islands in South Miladhunmadulu Atoll. In his address to the residents of Velidhoo, President Muizzu highlighted that while a domestic airport is being planned for Vihafaru, specific arrangements are also underway to ensure seaplane connectivity to Velidhoo. He further revealed that sea ambulance services will also begin operating from January, with vessels to be stationed…

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has underscored the need to prioritise national unity and development over political divisions, declaring that patriotism must take precedence over political currents. Speaking to the residents of Velidhoo as part of his official visit to the inhabited islands of South Miladhunmadulu Atoll, the President delivered a strong message urging elected officials and local leaders to set aside political differences for the greater good of the nation. “Political affiliations must not hinder the responsibilities of elected office,” President Muizzu stated. “The success of our developmental agenda depends on the united support of Parliament Members and Councillors across…

The Bank of Maldives (BML) has announced that the SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC) will be converted into a fully Shariah-compliant Islamic financial institution following its acquisition by the bank. The decision follows the government’s approval on Sunday to sell its stake in SDFC to BML. The move came after a comprehensive review conducted by the Ministry of Finance and Planning, based on a proposal submitted by BML. According to the government, the ownership transfer aims to ensure continuous and reliable loan services for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by leveraging BML’s financial strength. BML welcomed the decision, stating it…

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with members of the N. Landhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s most pressing developmental needs. The meeting took place at the Secretariat of the Landhoo Island Council. During the session, Council members highlighted several critical concerns, including significant delays in the construction of the new Landhoo School building. They cited growing space constraints and the urgent need for additional classrooms to accommodate students. Concerns were also raised about the long-pending construction of the island’s ice plant and the absence of proper sports facilities for…

International tourist arrivals to the Maldives have surged in 2025, reaching 1,202,262 visitors as of 16 July, marking a 9.6% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Tourism and Environment. The data, published in the Ministry’s Tourism Update Report, highlight the sector’s continued recovery and reaffirm tourism’s pivotal role in the national economy. Tourist traffic gained further momentum in July. From 1 to 16 July alone, the Maldives welcomed 94,132 visitors, representing a 15.3% year-on-year increase for the first half of the month. This translates to an average of 5,883…

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu returned to Malé on Saturday following a five-day official visit to the United Kingdom, which celebrated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and the UK. The visit, held from 15 to 19 July, highlighted shared priorities in climate resilience, economic development, and justice reform, reflecting a forward-looking partnership rooted in decades of cooperation. President Muizzu was formally received upon his arrival in London by a special envoy of King Charles III, alongside senior British officials. Leading a high-level Maldivian delegation, the president participated in a series of strategic meetings focused on deepening bilateral…

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called on Maldivian writers to serve as noble defenders of their religion, nation, and homeland, using their words with responsibility and a shared sense of commitment to national progress. In his message marking National Writers’ Day, observed annually on July 8, the President underscored the critical role writers play in shaping society. He highlighted their influence across all areas of life—including personal and civic relations, religious and educational development, as well as economic and political spheres. “Writers hold a profound responsibility in national service, as the sensitivity and reach of their words can either build…

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has officially launched its initiative to plant 100,000 trees as part of the government’s nationwide 5 Million Trees Programme, one of the largest reforestation efforts in the country’s history. The tree planting campaign was inaugurated at a special ceremony held near the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA). The event was officiated by Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim and attended by MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed along with other company officials. The Five Million Trees Programme, introduced last year, aims to reforest islands and urban areas across the Maldives, improve…