Author: Mohamed Reehaan

The national carrier, Maldivian, has announced its decision to increase flights to Noonu atoll Maafaru and Lhaviyani atoll Madivaru. According Island Aviation Services (IAS), the operator of Maldivian Airlines, flights to the routes will increase from July 20 onwards. IAS said that flights to the routes are increasing owing to growing demands to the locations. Direct flights from Male’ to Maafaru and Madivaru and return flights to Male’ are scheduled everyday, added IAS. Maldivian currently operates one direct flight per day to these destinations. Maldivian increases its direct flights to various domestic airports based on the demand, which is the…

The Maldives Ministry of Tourism reports that the island nation will be welcoming its one millionth tourist arrival on Sunday, July 16. According to the ministry, the Maldives is expected to welcome the country’s millionth tourist arrival for the year sometime during Sunday early noon. As is the custom for the Maldives government and the premier tourist board, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) to celebrate such significant arrival milestones, the arrival of the one millionth tourist to the Maldives this year is expected to be celebrated in similar fashion. The Ministry of Tourism reported that the ministry along…

The Raajje-Transport Link (RTL) ferry services began operating in Zone 5 of the second phase of the “Integrated National Public Ferry Network Project”. Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), the operator of the RTL service, confirmed commencing the trial period of ferry services in Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu atolls on July 13, 2023. MTCC said that the ferry service will be provided free of charge until Wednesday, July 19. This initiative aims to familiarize customers with the ferry schedule and give them opportunity to experience the service. MTCC hoped that this free-trial period will encourage customers to utilize the…

The Maldives government has awarded the contract of land reclamation in three local islands to Capital Marine and Construction Private Limited; an Indian contractor, for regional airport development projects. Under the agreement, Capital Marine and Construction Private Limited will execute land reclamation projects in Sh. Bilehfahi, B. Thulhaadhoo, and Th. Vilufushi; with a combined project total of MVR 654 million. The Director General of Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (MNPHI) Fathimath Shana Farooq signed the agreement on behalf of the government while Capital Marine’s Managing Director Sivaraj Manivannan signed on behalf of the contractor. Capital Marine was registered…

Hard Rock Cafe’ Maldives, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and Hard Rock International have teamed up with its global brand ambassador, football legend Lionel Messi to launch the new “Made For You by Leo Messi” chicken sandwich. The new ‘Milanese Style’ chicken sandwich which bears the football star’s name, is inspired by one of his favorite dishes growing up. Hard Rock Cafe’ Maldives reports the new sandwich’s announcement is perfectly timed with Messi’s historic entrance into Major League Soccer in South Florida, home to the iconic Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. “I’m thrilled to bring the…

Tami superstar Rajinikanth has arrived in the Maldives for what seems to a mini-vacation ahead of his 2023 outing’s release. The thespian is now gearing up to release his flick for 2023, ‘Jailer’ which will release in theaters on August 10. Shooting for the movie wrapped up last month, and is currently in post-production. Endearingly called “Thalaivar” (translation: Leader), the South Indian acting juggernaut was spotted in front of the plane as he was donned in a grey pant, blue t-shirt, and carried a black bag. The iconic Tamil actor, who arrived on SriLankan Airlines was announced with anticipation while…

Maldives Vice President Faisal Naseem emphasized on the vital contribution of women to social development, and urged for extra efforts to create opportunities for women in various sectors. Vice President made these remarks at the Islamic Center during the function commemorating this year’s World Population Day. Speaking at the function, Naseem highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment and its impact on social stability and community development. He also noted the current administration’s efforts to support women, and called for more efforts to enhance opportunities for women. At the function, the Maldives VP launched the ‘State of the World Population Report’…

The year-to-date total of state expenditures reached a total of MVR 22.8 billion as of July 06, 2023, reports the Ministry of Finance. According to the ministry, the year-to-date total of revenues inclusive of foreign grants reached MVR 16.8 billion as of the review date. With this, the overall balance for the period is a deficit of MVR5.95 billion. State’s revenues, both tax and non-tax saw improvement by the review date as compared with the corresponding period last year. As such, the cumulative total of tax earnings by July 06 stood at MVR 12.7 billion compared to MVR 10.7 billion…

Tourist arrivals to the Maldives has reached a year-to-date total of 952,608 as of July 5, indicating a 14.2% annual increment. Meanwhile, the total tourist arrivals from July 1 to 5 is at 23,001, indicating a 9.7% increment from the same period last year during which arrivals stood at 20,967. While the arrivals in June observed an 8.5% increment, arrivals in May fell -3.6% compared to the same month last year. Top 10 Markets (as of July 5) India: 112,771 Russia: 111,519 UK: 81,707 China: 67,822 Germany: 67,064 Italy: 65,095 USA: 39,773 France: 30,581 Switzerland: 20,185 South Korea: 17,687 Meanwhile,…

Thailand’s hospitality and lifestyle conglomerate Minor International Public Company (MINT) and its financial partner, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) have acquired the Amari Havodda Maldives for USD 60 million. This is the first hotel transaction in the Maldives for 2023, according to JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group, which advised the vendor, Crystal Plaza Resorts on the sale. The 120-villa Amari Havodda Maldives features one of the largest infinity pools in the Maldives, and was designed by famous French interior designer Isabelle Miaja. “The long-term confidence in the Maldives hotels space has again been reinforced through this groundbreaking transaction, which…