Author: Mohamed Reehaan

The Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said the National Disability Registry (NDR) was instrumental in the administration’s efforts to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities. The President made the statement last Thursday, 05th January 2023, while addressing a function in R. Alifushi to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Additionally, Maldives First Lady Fazna Ahmed officially launched the NDR digital portal at the function, held in Alifushi School. The function was attended by senior government officials, community leaders, and residents of the island. While addressing the attendees, President Solih underlined the efforts made under…

Oaga Art Resort opened its doors, officially welcoming travelers from around the globe, this new year. The newly opened tourist getaway, a contemporary brand driven by a wholly Maldivian team focuses the main concept of the resort around the philosophy of organic community growth. The art resort focuses on “elevating the collective story of the Maldive islands with a platform especially made to cater to local artists and craftsmen” while embracing the surrounding sun, sand, and beaches. The resort opened with the 2023 new year celebrations, showcasing a transition from the traditional ways of the forefathers to the contemporary street…

According to the Maldives Ministry of Finance, the government used 99.8% of the approved expenditure budget by 29th December 2022. The approved state expenditure total for last year was MVR39.95 billion after the inclusion of an MVR5.8 billion supplementary budget. As of 29th December, the cumulative total expenditure stood at MVR39.89 billion. On the other hand, the state revenues inclusive of grants were observed at an excess of MVR3.3 billion by the review date. The projected total of revenues inclusive of grants for last year stood at MVR24.3 billion, however, by the review date the state had earned MVR27.6 billion.…

The most recent statistics from the Ministry of Tourism confirmed that tourist arrivals so far in were3 were up by 7.0% compared to the same duration in 2022. Arrival Differences 2021: 13,008 arrivals 2022: 20,842 arrivals 2023: 22,297 arrivals * arrival count as of 04th January 2023 With a cumulative arrival total of 22,297 by 04th January, the daily arrival average of tourists to the Maldives stood at 5,574. The current average duration of stay for guests is 8.1 days. Meanwhile, there are notable differences in the top ten source markets to the Maldives so far in 2023; though this…

This year’s top source market is a surprise entry; Italy. According to the most recent statistics from the Ministry of Tourism, total arrivals from Italy are at 3,437 as of 04th January 2023. This is 19.8% of the total tourist arrivals so far this year. Top 10 Markets (so far in 2023) Italy: 3,437 Russia: 2,974 India: 1,155 UK: 959 Germany: 945 USA: 794 Kazakhstan: 501 France: 415 Switzerland: 411 Sweden: 362 Daily Tourist Arrivals 01st January: 4,625 02nd January: 6,487 03rd January: 6,232 According to the ministry, total tourist arrivals so far in 2023 have reached 17,344 (as of…

Fuel Supplies Maldives (FSM) signed with Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) to supply fuel from MIFCO sites to local fishing vessels. MIFCO Chief Executive Officer Ismail Fauzee signed on behalf of the fisheries corporation while FSM Managing Director Mohamed Gasam signed on behalf of the supplier. Under the agreement, FSM will facilitate refueling services at both Kooddoo and Addu Fisheries complexes. FSM is also expected to commence fuel supply operations in Felivaru Fisheries complex on 03rd February. Earlier in November 2022, FSM began selling diesel from Hulhumale’ at standard rate as MIFCO for local fishing vessels. With this partnership, MIFCO…

The national carrier of Maldives confirmed acquiring two new ATR 72-600s and one ATR 42-600 series turboprop aircraft in January 2022. From the total acquisition, two of the ATR 72-600s are scheduled to arrive at Velana International Airport (VIA) sometime on Wednesday, 04th January from Toulouse. The three aircraft were initially set to join the Maldivian Airlines fleet earlier in October 2022. However, manufacturing mishaps delayed the process. Total acquisition cost of the three aircraft is reportedly USD60 million (MVR925 million). Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Maldivian Mohamed Mihad said the airline expects to add three more by the end…

The Maldives begins its membership at the United Nations Human Rights Council for the term 2023 to 2025 effective on Sunday, 01st January. The country won its seat on the Human Rights Council following the elections held earlier on 11th October 2022, in New York. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the membership will be “guided by the principles of human rights, democracy, good governance and climate action”. The ministry also said that during its three-year membership, Maldives will put efforts to advance key areas of human rights “in the true spirit of multilateralism”. The Maldives will also contribute…

At least three Chinese airlines have confirmed they will resume their flights to the Maldives route in 2023. Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) claimed that Hong Kong Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Beijing Capital are expected to resume their respective operations. Hong Kong Airlines has already booked slots from 01st January through the end of March 2023. The airline will make three weekly trips to the Maldives. Beijing Capital is scheduled to operate four charter flights between 18th January and 22nd February. There have been no schedule details from China Eastern Airlines at the time being. Before the Covid-19 pandemic,…

The Ministry of Finance revealed that the state revenues inclusive of grants increased by 2.7% in November 2022 when compared with the same month in 2021. The ministry further confirmed that the government collected MVR1.85 billion in revenues, including grants. The total expenditure for the review month decreased by 14.2% when compared with November 2021. Compared to the same month in 2021, capital expenditure decreased by 43.2% while recurrent expenditure dropped only by 0.9%. The fiscal balance for the review month is an overall deficit of MVR759.9 million. Expenditure Approved Total: MVR40.7 billion Cumulative: MVR34.3 billion Recurrent: MVR2.1 billion Capital:…