Author: Mohamed Reehaan
The government has cautioned against imposing broad restrictions on online education, warning that such measures could limit access to higher education and undermine opportunities for Maldivians living outside major population centers. State Minister for Education, Higher Education and Skills Development Ahmed Shafeeu made the remarks during a meeting with Parliamentary Secondary Legislation Committee, where the regulation and future of online and blended learning were discussed. Shafeeu said completely restricting online learning would be counterproductive, particularly given the geographical realities of the Maldives. With communities dispersed across numerous islands and physical higher education institutions concentrated in a limited number of locations,…
The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has announced plans to amend the Foreign Exchange Rules, requiring resorts to exchange 20 percent of their US dollar revenue and removing the existing option to exchange a fixed amount based on tourist arrivals. Under the current framework, resorts classified as Category A businesses can choose between exchanging USD 500 for each tourist staying at the property or exchanging 20 percent of their total foreign currency revenue. The proposed amendment will remove the USD 500-per-tourist option, making the 20 percent revenue-based requirement mandatory for all resorts. The move will standardize the foreign currency exchange obligation…
More than USD 194,000 has been channeled into the Waqf Fund since the beginning of the year, as online contribution mechanisms expand access for individuals and businesses seeking to make cash Waqf and charitable donations. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments said the funds were collected through dedicated online links established on the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) website for cash Waqf and other charitable contributions. Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said all funds collected are being managed and utilized in accordance with the Waqf Fund’s Trust Statement and governing regulations. The cash…
China continues to lead as the primary source market for Maldivian tourism this year, with arrivals from the country reaching 232,148 according to the latest figures released by the Ministry of Tourism. As of August 8, 2026, Chinese tourists accounted for 18.1% of all total arrivals to the Maldives. Russia sits in second place, contributing 188,543 tourists and representing a 14.7% market share. The United Kingdom follows in third with 101,391 arrivals, making up 7.9% of the market. Other key markets rounding out the top ten include Italy (82,748 arrivals), Germany (79,531 arrivals), and India (73,978 arrivals). Surge in Cruise…
The children’s park developed by Fenaka Corporation under the government’s Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) in N. Kudafari has been officially opened. A special ceremony was held in Kendhikulhudhoo to open the park. The park was inaugurated at the ceremony by the Managing Director of the corporation, Mohamed Afeef Hussain, the Member of Parliament for the Kendhikulhudhoo constituency, Mohamed Afoo Hamid, and the State Minister of the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development, Ahmed Salim. This project was carried out as a part of initiatives led by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to enhance community well-being in the islands and…
According to Maldives Industries Fisheries Company (MIFCO), it has disbursed a total of MVR 1,138,340 to 24 fishing vessels. MIFCO informed that this payment is for the fish landed on 06 August 2026, last Thursday. A total of MVR 1,113,015 was deposited to 23 vessels that landed skipjack tuna on 08 August 2026, Saturday. Additionally, MIFCO said that MVR 25,325 was deposited to a vessel that landed yellowfin tuna weighing above 15 kilograms. Ensuring payment for local fishers within 48 hours for fish they catch is a presidential pledge of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. In line with this pledge, the…
The Government has officially gazetted comprehensive regulations governing the allocation, lease, and sale of land for non-residential purposes under the Maldives Land Act (2003), establishing standardized procedures across all State institutions and local councils. The regulatory framework will be implemented by the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development, covering all commercial, industrial, and public service land assignments. Key Objectives and Framework The newly issued regulations establish clear guidelines to streamline real estate administration across the country: Defined Allocation Procedures: Sets uniform processes for land assignments, registration documentation, and recipient legal rights. Binding Agreements: Outlines explicit contractual obligations and responsibilities…
Government revenue from import and export duties reached USD 26.3 million in June, driven by a sharp month-over-month increase in trade volume, according to official figures released by the Maldives Customs Service (MCS). The monthly collection reflects a 25.8% increase in customs duty revenue compared to the USD 20.9 million generated in May. Import Growth and Top Trading Partners Total imports for June expanded to USD 434.5 million, up 21.8% from USD 356.7 million in the previous month. Oman emerged as the Maldives’ top import origin during the month, accounting for USD 103.8 million in goods. India was the second-largest…
The Manhattan Grand Hotel in Hulhumale’ has opened for event bookings ahead of its official unveiling. The hotel is now open for bookings for conferences, exhibitions and other events starting next month. World Business was awarded the contract to build and operate the five-star property featuring 162 rooms, a banquet hall, multi-purpose and conference hall, a swimming pool. The hotel will also feature four international food and beverage brands, a gym and spa. According to the property’s Chief Operations Officer, the Manhattan Grand Hotel aims to provide a venue for large-scale conferences, exhibitions and events for government institutions, state-owned companies,…
Infrastructure development in the Maldivian sports sector reached a key milestone in Alifu Alifu atoll Ukulhas, following the formal launch of a multi-sport complex and the completion of a modern outdoor volleyball facility. The initiative aligns with this administration’s broader economic and social policy to decentralize sports infrastructure and boost regional development across the atolls. Foundation Laid for Ukulhas Sports Complex It was reported on Wednesday, that work has now officially begun on the Ukulhas Sports Complex. This was marked by a foundation stone-laying ceremony. High-ranking government officials along with the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports, and Fitness Abdulla Rafiu…