Author: hyvemedia

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — Brazil opened the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro this week, gathering leaders from the world’s largest emerging economies. However, the absence of two of the bloc’s most powerful leaders—Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping—highlighted growing internal divisions within the group. President Putin, facing an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Ukraine, opted to participate virtually, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov representing Russia in person. Meanwhile, China’s President Xi Jinping, who has consistently attended BRICS summits since 2013, unexpectedly skipped the trip, citing scheduling conflicts. Premier…

A week-long workshop series aimed at advancing the creative economy and expanding entrepreneurial opportunities in the Maldives tourism sector has successfully concluded. The sessions, held from July 1 to 6 at Barcelo Nasandhura in Malé City, brought together government officials, industry experts, and business leaders to foster dialogue, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration. The workshops were organised by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, with technical support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the British Council. According to the Economic Ministry, around 50 participants — including technical experts from government ministries, agencies, institutions,…

Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL) has inaugurated its first dedicated engineering service building, marking a major milestone in the company’s development. The facility, named the “Ali Firaq Engineering Service Building,” honours the late Ali Firaq, a long-serving and respected member of IASL’s engineering department, who first proposed the idea for the building in 2015. The new building was officially opened on Sunday at Velana International Airport (VIA) by the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ameen, and IASL Managing Director, Ibrahim Iyas, during a special ceremony attended by company officials and staff. Speaking at the event, IASL Managing Director…

The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has announced the introduction of a state-of-the-art three-dimensional baggage screening system at the new passenger terminal of Velana International Airport (VIA), marking the first time such technology is being used in the Maldives. According to MACL, the new baggage handling system mirrors the advanced screening technology used at major airports like Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Singapore’s Changi Airport. The system is designed to handle up to 1,200 pieces of luggage per hour — equivalent to 20 bags per minute — and will feature a three-tier screening process, with 80 to 90 percent of…

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has amended the administrative boundary of Maafaru in Noonu Atoll, removing Farumuli from its jurisdiction through a new Presidential Decree. Previously, Farumuli and Kan’dinmahuraa were brought under Maafaru’s administration through a decree issued on 15 April 2024. However, the latest decree, announced on Sunday, redefines the administrative area, placing Farumuli outside of Maafaru’s jurisdiction. The amendment was made under the authority vested in the President by the Decentralization Act. Following the boundary adjustment, Farumuli has been designated for tourism development in accordance with the Maldives Tourism Act. The annex of the Decree on Establishing Inhabited Islands…

Kulhudhuffushi City, Maldives — First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed has underscored the vital importance of a nation’s health — encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being — as the cornerstone of its development. She made the remarks during the 43rd anniversary celebrations of Haa Dhaalu Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, held this evening at Kulhudhuffushi Ports Limited. Addressing the gathering, the First Lady stressed the significance of providing accessible and high-quality healthcare services to the Kulhudhuffushi region. She also highlighted the transformative impact of technological advancements in the healthcare sector, describing President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s “Maldives 2.0” initiative as a pivotal step in…

Minister of Finance and Planning, Moosa Zameer, has met with senior officials of the China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation (SINOSURE) to explore greater collaboration on insurance coverage for development projects in the Maldives. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the 10th Annual Meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), currently underway in Beijing. According to the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Minister Zameer met with SINOSURE’s president and senior leadership to discuss ongoing fiscal reforms in the Maldives and to enhance cooperation in insuring development initiatives. SINOSURE is a Chinese state-funded, policy-oriented insurance institution that plays…

President of the Maldives, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu, held a high-level meeting today with His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at Al-Mina Palace. During the meeting, President Muizzu expressed his deep appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Government of Saudi Arabia for their warm hospitality and continuous support. He also extended sincere gratitude for the exemplary services provided to pilgrims during this year’s Hajj, including the…

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has officially inaugurated the upgraded facility of the Maldivian Blood Services and the Thalassaemia and Other Haemoglobinopathies Centre at Orange Hiyaa in Hulhumalé, marking a major step forward in enhancing care for patients with blood disorders in the Maldives. After unveiling the new centre, the President toured the facility, meeting with patients and staff to personally assess the quality and accessibility of services. Underscoring the Administration’s commitment to improving care for thalassaemia patients, President Muizzu—also serving as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces—directed the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to fast-track the relocation of the Blood Services…

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act (Act No. 7/2025), a sweeping piece of legislation aimed at curbing gang-related violence and organized crime across the Maldives. The new law sets out comprehensive definitions of gang activity and serious organised offences, significantly bolstering the powers of law enforcement agencies. It also introduces specific protections for children vulnerable to gang recruitment and establishes systems to track and rehabilitate high-risk individuals. The Act is seen as a critical overhaul of outdated measures that have proven ineffective since anti-gang legislation was first introduced in 2010. Key…