Author: Mohamed Reehaan
State Electric Company (STELCO) Managing Director Ahmed Shareef assured a 30-50% reduction on electricity bills once power band is changed to a flat rate. The utility provider’s move is a result of Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s pledge to place a flat rate on electricity bills regardless of consumption. The change will be effective nationwide. Speaking about this, Shareef said the most common customer complaint was the surge in electricity bills during the hot season. He added that the issue would be resolved with the flat-rate pricing decision. The STELCO MD also said that seven bands were allocated for residences…
Vakkaru Maldives expands its luxury accommodation offerings by adding a new flexible-type Beach Pool Residence to its villas. The new villas are now available to book for stays from December 1, 2023 onwards, while the adjoining three- and four-bedroom Beach Pool Residence can be adapted to guest preferences. The new villas also offer flexibility for parties that “require privacy whilst having a communal gathering space.” Vakkaru Maldives further added that when booked as a three-bedroom residence, the whole space extends over 450 square-meters and accommodate up to six adults and three children; perfect for traveler-families and larger paxes. The main…
Maldives national carrier, Maldivian (Airline) has signed a firm order for two more ATR 42-600 aircraft. The airline first introduced ATRs in January 2023 and currently operates two ATR 72-600s and one ATR 42,600. The modern plans are powered by extra efficient PW127XT engines and feature spacious cabins. Maldivian aims to provide more reliable and affordable connectivity to the island nation’s businesses and communities. “Passengers flying with Maldivian will benefit from state-of-the-art aircraft that provide responsible and affordable connectivity for many years to come,” said Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer of ATR. Maldivian aims to phase out the aging…
The Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (MNPHI) has publicized the land-use plan for Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF). The plan illustrates the government’s plan for social housing projects in the zone. The state plans to issue and allocate housing units and land plots from UTF to citizens residing in Male’ City for a duration of 20 years and more, or for individuals on Male’ registry for the same duration. The plan comes under the government-initiated Binveriya Scheme’s second phase. Recipients of the first phase are already receiving their designated plots. State Minister of MNPHI Akram Kamaluddin said a total…
Land reclamation for Hulhumale’ Phase 3 officially commenced earlier on September 22, Friday. Urbanco, which manages Hulhumale’, confirmed reclamation of 63 hectares of land under the Phase 3 initiative. Land reclamation for Phase 3 would commence from the north-west end the bridge tunnel between Phase 1 and Phase 2, and extend to the entire lagoon up to the northern-tip of Phase 2; meaning the semi-reclaimed Farukolhufushi would be part of the new phase. Urbanco said that Phase 3 would solve prevailing housing difficulties of Male’ citizens and residents. According to Urbanco, the new phase is designated for various social housing…
Dhiraagu introduces two different packages for its fiber home internet service. The packages were introduced to allow customers at home to browse, stream and download games at faster speed. The two new packages include the 50M unlimited package available at MVR 1,490 and and the 100M unlimited package, available at MVR 2,800. Existing Dhiraagu broadband internet subscribers can easily upgrade their plan using the Dhiraagu App or Dhiraagu MyAccount. Interested customers in obtaining the new Dhiraagu Fiber Internet connection can apply through Dhiraagu website.
Bank of Maldives (BML) introduces a device management feature aimed at strengthening the security of the bank’s digital banking suite (internet and mobile banking services). The feature actively monitors ongoing sessions and automatically logs out devices that have access to internet and mobile banking. Customers will now be able to use this feature to review and log out from specific devices or all the devices as they see fit. The feature allows customers to closely track the most recent device access and login locations. “This feature is designed to thwart potential scams,” BML said. Speaking about the new feature introduction…
The Maldives’ most well-kept surprise opening, Ifuru Island Maldives, celebrated its official debut on September 23, 2023 with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the properties owners, the All-Star team and the first batch of guests. The independent new premium all-inclusive resort is also home to the first and only permanent skydiving dropzone in the Maldives. Speaking about the grand unveiling was Rochelle Kilgariff, the ‘Island Vibe Boss’ who said, “Surprise! We’re absolutely thrilled to celebrate the resort’s opening and start sharing the fun and magic experiences of our island with guests.” “We are all-beach, all-sunset and all-inclusive, and everything…
Chinese tourist market which resumed to the Maldives earlier in 2023 after a near three-year hiatus is the fastest growing market so far this year. After China reopened its borders for outbound travel earlier this year, tourists from the country began arriving in the Maldives marking the first time Chinese tourists visited the island nation following the 2020 border closure. While China debuted at the 10th spot of the Top 10 Markets of 2023, it quickly rose through the ranks and is currently the third strongest market with 133,962 annual arrivals as of September 20. The market is gaining momentum…
Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (MNPHI) has announced a new social housing initiative. The initiative consists of issuing 4,500 new land plots and 6,000 housing flats for eligible recipients. The flats would be issued from Hulhumale’, said State Minister of MNPHI Akram Kamaluddin. “We will announce very soon, where we would be giving these lands from. According to the pledge made by the president, housing opportunities will be made available for many people,” Akram said. According to Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who announced last week that the housing scheme will be announced soon and will be catered…