Author: Mohamed Reehaan

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) with 64 industry representatives has promoted the Maldives at this year’s OTM Mumbai travel trade fair. The three-day exclusive fair was held from 2nd to 4th February at the Jio World Convention Center, Mumbai. OTM is an exclusive business-to-business travel market and is considered one of the largest international gatherings of travel trade buyers and professionals in India.

ADK Hospital has opened a new gym facility in partnership with Heat Health and Fitness Gym. Under the partnership, Heat will now operate the newly opened gym under the name “The Wellness Club”. The gym is part of ADK Hospital’s policy of providing comprehensive health services in the Maldives. At the inauguration ceremony, the Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof, who officially opened the facility, said that private institutions were instrumental in providing comprehensive healthcare in the country. The minister also said that discussions with the gym’s management will move forward toward developing the sports sector. The…

The Bank of Maldives (BML) has announced upcoming changes to cheque processing. The national bank said that its cheque processing changes are according to the Maldives Monetary Authority’s (MMA) action plan on reducing the usage of cheques. According to BML, cheques above MVR 50,000 and USD 3,000 will not be processed from 01st April 2023 onwards. However, customers can continue to bank online using internet or mobile banking applications to make transfers to BML and other local bank accounts.

Dhiraagu has signed an agreement with the Athletics Association of Maldives (AAM) to become their exclusive Digital Partner for 2023. AAM is the governing body of track and field, road races, and race walking in the country. Through the partnership, Dhiraagu will support the promotion of different athletics competitions across the country. “We are delighted to be the Digital Partner of the Athletics Association of Maldives for 2023. Dhiraagu places great importance on the development of sports and empowering youth to be actively involved in different sporting activities. Through this partnership, we hope to help create a new generation of…

Island Aviation has announced seeking bidders to develop a passenger terminal at Maafaru International Airport, Noonu atoll Maafaru. The regional airport’s operator has announced seeking local developers. Interested proponents must register for bidding before 12:00 pm on 12th February 2023. While IA announced for bidders to develop and expand the airport’s passenger terminal, it had earlier contracted Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) to expand the runway under the second phase of the airport’s development project. Under the runway expansion initiative, MTCC will expand the current 2.2-kilometer runway by 2.85 kilometers. The project value is MVR 27.1 million. The regional…

The Maldives government is seeking bidders to develop 30 housing units in Shaviyani atoll Komandoo. The Ministry of Finance announced on Sunday, 05th February 2023. According to the ministry, bidding will follow National Competitive Bidding (NCB) policy. Moreover, the construction project has a fixed duration of 300 days. Interested bidders must submit a concept drawing for the bid. Once awarded, the concept will be further developed, said the ministry on its announcement.

Tourist arrivals to the Maldives increased by 30.9% in January 2023 according to the Ministry of Tourism. The ministry has reported a total arrival of 172,536 for January 2023, while arrivals in the same month last year stood at 131,762. Additionally, tourist arrivals in January 2021 stood at just 92,103; owing to the onset of recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Tourist arrivals from 01st to 04th February stood at 5,623 which is a 28.3% increment compared to the same duration in 2022 during which arrivals stood at 4,384. Moreover, arrivals in the same duration in 2021 stood at…

State Electric Company (STELCO) has expressed concerns over Male’ City Council’s non-cooperation. According to the utility provider, it has requested the council to provide them with land to install electricity transformers for three substations. The council, however, has not responded to STELCO’s multiple requests. STELCO is seeking to add transformers to the substations in the empty plot in Sinamale’ 2, the parking zone in front of Majeediya School, and the parking zone in front of the ‘Viyafaariveringe’ Mosque. The utility provider has also claimed the 630 kV transformer at Sinamale’ 2 plot is already malfunctioning with overload issues. STELCO said…

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has provided updates on two urban development projects. According to MTCC, the breakwater and quay wall construction project in B. Hithadhoo is well underway. The contractor has confirmed existing harbor operations and the construction of the concrete jetty is currently ongoing, with 57% and 32% progress respectively. Scope of work for the project includes 14,929 cubic meters of dredging and excavation operations, 4,101 cubic meters of entrance channel dredging, construction of a 22-meter groyne, a 495-meter breakwater, a 90-meter revetment, and a 350-meter quay wall repair. Additionally, the project includes the construction of a…

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives was recognized as one of the Top 100 Global Hotels for 2023 by TUI Group. The luxury hideaway was recognized among the 100 best properties by TUI for its high visitor satisfaction score. TUI Group is one of the world’s leading tourism groups, with the group umbrella consisting of strong tour operators, 1,200 travel agencies, leading online portals, five airlines with around 130 aircraft, over 400 hotels, and 16 cruise liners. “We are delighted and honored to be recognized among TUI Group’s Top 100 list of this year. We take pride in ourselves in offering exceptional…