Author: Mohamed Reehaan

Maldives government has established a special council for tourism development, which will be chaired by the President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The “Visitor Economy Council” was formed at the first cabinet meeting of the newly inaugurated government. At the press conference held by the President’s Office on Sunday, November 19, the Under-Secretary of Public Policy of the office Mohamed Firzul Abdulla Khaleel said that the tourism industry is one of the key and most dependable economic sectors in the Maldives, warranting special consideration and focus by the President. Firzul said that President Muizzu pledged prioritization of the industry’s growth and progress.…

While 77% of the works need to be completed in the Thilamale’ Bridge development project, only 27% of the works have been completed as per the new government. President’s Office Under-Secretary for Public Policey Mohamed Firzul Abdulla Khaleel said the reports compiled by the transitional committee showed that just 27% of the project completed, which has constituted the need for an investigation into the delay. “The foremost thing we need to do is assess the progress and condition of the work, and identify the hindrances, to understand what challenges have posed against the progress of the project,” Firzul said. He…

The newly appointed Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed announced plans to launch tertiary academic opportunities for local Imams to seek Philosophy of Doctorate (PhD) degrees. Minister Shaheem via X said that Imams who have read for, and completed Masters Degree in a relevant Islamic field will be entitled for the PhD academic courses from international universities. The minister said that these opportunities will be available for Imams from Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. Minister Shaheem’s first decision after assuming office was to transfer the mandate of Gaafu Dhaalu atoll Thinadhoo Islamic Center under the Islamic…

The Pay Commission has submitted the new pay structure for Maldives Police Service and Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) personnel to the respective agencies last Thursday, fulfilling the outgoing President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s pledge. The former spokesperson of the President’s Office Miuvaan Mohamed announced the implementation of the revised structure for the two agencies, with salary increments for police and military personnel effective January 2024. Former President Solih pledged a pay rise for security personnel during his presidential campaign, and despite the tight timeline, the Pay Commission completed its work a day before his presidential term concluded. Though specific details…

Maldives Police Service has raided the local residence of one of the directors of Hanbo Company, Hassan Mamdhooh (Mandey) as part of an ongoing investigation into potential graft, misappropriation of funds and embezzlement. Mamdhooh has faced allegations of possible misappropriation of the company funds and siphoning off its monies to personal accounts, all of which relate to Hanbo Tech’s real-estate venture in Hulhumale’; K-Park Resdencies. Police confirmed entering his residence under a court order, and was later reported that the authority had confiscated his apartment and assets under the same order. The law enforcement authority took under their custody, several…

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has successfully launched the Visit Maldives members portal. The portal is specifically designed in efforts to streamline the membership and registration process for industry professionals who are interested in becoming members. Under the initiative, the target is to simplify membership registration process and enhance the overall experience for the industry professionals. The portal also serves as an effective option to facilitate participation at events such as fairs and roadshows, meeting space bookings and similar other initiatives.

Newly sworn-in President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assured cooperation with the respective countries of the foreign delegations attending his inauguration on Friday afternoon, November 17. President Dr. Muizzu via a post on X said that a total of 190 representatives and envoys from 49 countries and international organizations attended the presidential inauguration. “I am heartened by the immense support shown by the international community towards the new government. We are committed to a policy of engagement,” President Muizzu said. He also emphasized on his government’s prioritization to enhance bilateral ties and increase cooperation with allies in areas of mutual interest and…

Former sports physician Abdulla Rafiu has been appointed as the new Minister of Sprots, Fitness and Recreation under the new government led by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. This is the first time in years, that a designated ministry for sports has been established in the Maldives. Previously, sports sector was incorporated with youth activities, which were overseen by one government body. Rafiu, who began his career in sports as the physician of VB Sports Club, had been an active member of the Maldives Sports Council until his recent ministerial appointment. This is also the first time political responsibilities have fallen…

The Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) announced on Saturday, November 18, said that the new administration can commence appointment of managing directors to state-owned enterprises (SOEs) only after a sufficient number of members have been appointed to the board to meet the quorum. According to the Constitution, managing directors of SOEs can be appointed after PCB approves the names recommended by the President. The approval of names are executed during PCB meetings, while the government independently cannot appoint managing directors to the companies. Vice President of PCB Ahmed Firaaz said that though the law states board should have five members…

The Regional Airports Company Limited (RACL) has celebrated its third anniversary on November 18, 2023, with various achievements and initiatives that showcase its progress and vision. RACL has successfully completed the first phase of the Hanimaadhoo Airport expansion project, which includes the construction of a new runway, a new terminal building, an apron, and a taxiway. The new runway, which is 2,200 meters long and 45 meters wide, is capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A330 and the Boeing 777. The new terminal building, which has a floor area of 9,000 square meters, can handle up to…