Author: Mohamed Reehaan

The Maldives nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to exceed MVR100 billion for the first time ever, said the Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer. The minister tweeted, stating that this was a “testament to the sound macroeconomic policies adopted by the government to achieve steady growth despite the multiple crises” the Maldives faced. He also noted that despite the challenges posed by the Russia-Ukraine war and the outbound travel restrictions by China due to the Covid-19 pandemic, tourist arrivals increased 26.7% in 2022 compared to 2021. Moreover, this represents a recovery of 98.4% of the pre-pandemic levels observed in…

Tourist arrivals to the Maldives has exceeded over 700,000 as of 10th May, according to the Ministry of Tourism. As per the latest updates from the ministry, total tourist arrivals in annual terms reached 731,783 indicating the arrivals were less than 300,000 shy from reaching 1 million. The Maldives government earlier announced an annual arrival target of 1.8 million for the year. Meanwhile, the Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom said that this figure was likely to increase by 10% with the resumption of the Chinese tourist market. Chinese tourist market resumed arrivals earlier in January 2023, and is currently…

Regional Airports Company Limited (RACL) has announced that the first night landing test flight has successfully landed in Kulhudhuffushi Airport. According to RACL, it had installed a night landing system before the test flight. The company added that with the system, the airport will now transition into a 24-hours operational venue. The company further said that this new service introduction was part of RACL’s objectives to expand the services of Kulhudhuffushi Airport. RACL further highlighted that with the introduction of night landing in Kulhudhuffushi Airport, the locals of the island and surrounding islands will greatly benefit from it. The company…

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) reported an annual income of MVR2.47 billion in 2022. With a 26% increment compared to the annual income of MVR1.97 billion in 2021, MTCC reported that this is the highest-ever it had generated. MTCC further said that construction and dredging segment recorded a significant revenue boost with the increase in the number of construction projects carried during the year. Core Business Activities Contracting and Dredging: 82.54% | MVR2.04 billion Trading: 12.04% | MVR297 million Transport: 4.43% | MVR110 million Other: 0.99% | MVR24 million Operating Profit MTCC reported a 1.5% increment in their operating…

The Maldives government has signed key agreements with Serbian government. The agreements signed between the two countries include; Agreement on Trade, Investment, and Economic Cooperation Air Services Agreement MoU on cooperation in the field Diplomatic Education MoU in the field of sports The conclusion of the agreement today will boost cooperation between the Maldives and Serbia in the areas such as sports, trade, and people to people connection.

EyeCare Opticals has announced a special promotion commemorating International Children’s Day, that falls on 10th May. As part of the promotion, EyeCare will be offering up to 25% discount on spectacle frames and sunglasses for children below the age of 18. The promotion is available in all EyeCare outlets. EyeCare said that this one-day event is aimed to allow parents to purchase gifts for their children on International Children’s day. EyeCare is also regarded as one of the major optical service providers in the Maldives, and provides a wide array of frames, sunglasses and other accessories to customers of all…

Marriott International Maldives held an inauguration ceremony on 08th May 2023, to mark the start of its apprenticeship program this year. With this program, Marriott International Maldives has commenced 100 new apprenticeship opportunities under the National Apprenticeship Program. The launching event was held at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, and was graced by the presence of Maldives Vice President Faisal Naseem along with Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof, and the Area Director of Human Resources Singapore, Malaysia and Maldives, Marriott International Emma Jones. Speaking at the function, Vice President Naseem reiterated the administration’s commitment…

Bank of Maldives (BML) introduces two-factor authentication (2FA) feature for mobile banking logins. The new security update adds an extra layer of verification, to ensure that the login is by the registered customer, and will be available to all registered internet banking customers. Following the update, customers are required to enter a one-time password (OTP) as the second step to the log-in process, which will be generated from the authenticator app or sent directly to the customer’s registered mobile number. BML has requested all registered internet banking customers to update the app to access the new feature. With the added…

Dr. Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital in Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo has introduced chemotherapy services on Sunday, May 07. Chemotherapy services in the hospital was officially introduced during a ceremony held for the occasion by Deputy CEO Abdul Azeez Rifaau. The services commenced in the hospital with a two-bed ward specialized for cancer treatment. According to Rifaau, when the services launched the hospital had three cancer patients already registered with them. Meanwhile, Dr. Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital has opened registration for chemotherapy services. The hospital also said it provided relevant training to its doctors and nurses with the help of Hulhumale’ Hospital…

Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has inaugurated the first-ever international art festival in the Maldives; “Faruma – International Youth Art Festival 2023”. The festival was launched by Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment in collaboration with Maldivian Artist Community. The festival will bring together talented local artists from across the country to showcase their work. The seven-day event is aimed at all age categories. At the launching ceremony, Minister of Youth Ahmed Mahloof affirmed the ministry’s commitment to create various platforms for local artists to showcase their talents. “Today, we have proved the ministry’s only mandate is not football…