Author: Mohamed Reehaan

Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) reports tourist bed nights increased by 6% and arrivals declined by 8% in August 2022, in comparison with the same month in 2021. Similarly, bed nights rose by 18% and arrivals declined by 5% when compared with pre-pandemic levels of August 2019. Tourist arrivals in August 2022 stood at 131,862. According to central bank, tourist arrivals “mainly reflected the robustness in arrivals from the main source markets of Europe and India.” During the month, top source markets included Russia, India, UK, Italy and Germany. Moreover, for the review month Russia remained the top source market, while…

Bank of Maldives (BML) announces new promotion for customers opening Kids’ Saver account. According to the national bank, during the promotion period from 16th October until 16th November, the first 1,500 customers will receive MVR200 credited to their account. Moreover, BML will issue free reloadable card for all new accounts, with 50 lucky winners standing to win MVR2,500 each. Customers in Male’ City, opening BML and BML Islamic Kids’ Saver accounts will have dedicated counters at Hulhumale’ and Vilimale’ branches. Additionally, BML Account Opening Center and BML Islamic Branch will facilitate new account openings. As part of the promotion, BML…

Ooredoo Maldives has signed on as the title coverage partner with MediaNet for the upcoming FIFA World Cup – Qatar 2022. The telecommunication provider’s CEO and Managing Director Khalid Al-Hamadi and CCEO Hussain Niyaz signed the agreement on behalf of Ooredoo, while MediaNet’s CEO and Managing Director Ahmed Shafeeu and COO Ahmed Nabah signed on behalf of the rebroadcaster. Local broadcasters Raajje TV and ICE Plus had signed partnership agreement with Ooredoo Maldives as well. MediaNet, which acquired rebroadcasting license for the most coveted football event in the world, confirms providing rebroadcasting licenses to both Raajje TV and ICE Plus.…

Bank of Maldives (BML) on Saturday, 15th October, supported the annual ‘Pink Ribbon Run-Walk.’ The event is organized by the Cancer Society of Maldives (CSM) to raise public awareness on breast cancer. The ‘Pink Ribbon Run-Walk’ was held on Saturday late afternoon in Hulhumale’, along with 33 residential islands. BML donated MVR150,000 to CSM in support of the initiatives to increase breast cancer awareness. Additionally the donation will be used to provide psychosocial support to cancer patients and their families. The national bank will also be supporting CSM’s cancer screening program in Faafu atoll.

Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) assures second phase of Maafaru International Airport will commence soon. ADFD made the assurance to Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Abdulla Shahid. The minister is currently visiting United Arab Emirates (UAE), and met with ADFD Director General Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi. The parties discussed on various development projects carried in the Maldives right now, which includes Maafaru airport’s development. At the meeting, minister Shahid had thanked ADFD for their continued support towards infrastructural development of the island nation. Maafaru Airport opened in 2019, and a year later it transitioned into Maafaru International Airport.…

More than 35,800 applications for housing have been received to Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (MNPHI). The applications for housing flats and land plots, through the “Gedhoruverin” portal registered a total of 35,861 before deadline. The deadline for application submission initially was opened until 26th September, which commenced earlier in 26th June. However, the deadline was later extended until 15th October, 00:00hrs. Under the scheme, state is issuing 3,000 plots out of the total 5,000 plots for registered Male’ citizens, and another 4,000 housing flats. The ministry provided details of the applications, which included; ‘Binveriya’ (land plots) -…

Maldives President, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih departs on Sunday, 16th October, for K. Kaashidhoo. The Maldivian head of state is traveling to the island to attend activities held to mark the National Farmers’ Day and World Food Day. President Solih declared National Farmers’ Day on 15th October 2020. President Solih will attend the official reception and special banquet to mark the occasion. The reception will be held at Kaafu Atoll Education Center. He is also expected to visit an exhibition held at the center, as part of the activities and meet with local farmers. Moreover, he will hold meetings with members…

Singapore Airlines has announced its plan to upgrade flight capacity to the Maldives route. Following the hiatus of flight operations owing to Covid-19 outbreak. Singapore Airlines resumed their operations late in 2021. Singapore Airlines is currently operating their Boeing 787s to Velana International Airport (VIA). In a bid to increase the airline’s passenger capacity to Maldives, Singapore Airlines will add Airbus A350s to the route effective from 30th October. The Airbus flights will operate once on every Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday each week. The Boeing 787s hold a passenger capacity between 240-300, whereas their Airbus counterparts hold between 300 to…

British flagship carrier, British Airways launched their direct flight operations to Maldives. The airline has started their direct flights to the island nation, ahead of Maldives tourism peak season. British arrivals mainly reach Maldives through partner airline Qatar Airways during off-peak tourism season. The airline will be operating four flights per week. The airline confirms daily flights will start from 30th October 2022. British Airways began their direct flight operations in 2015 coinciding with the peak season. The island nation is a favorite among British tourists, testament from annual arrival count. According to the most recent update from Ministry of…

Bank of Maldives (BML) has awarded its top performing employees, at the Staff Awards 2022 on 14th October. The event was held at Social Center on Friday evening. The bank recognized the performances of its best employees, who were awarded for their previous year’s performance. Accolades include; Hassan Aqleem (North Cluster Manager) and Mohamed Ashraf (Head of People Development) – Employee of the Year Award Fathimath Farihath Waheed (Head of Cards and Payment Governance), Abdulla Sobah (Senior Manager, Premium Banking) and BML Mobile App Team – CEO’s Award for Outstanding Achievement Mohamed (Public Relations Manager) – Best Leader Award Ali…