Author: Mohamed Reehaan

The rate of inflation, as measured by the annual percentage change in the national Consumer Price Index (CPI), decelerated to 2.5% in July 2022. Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) reports that the rate of inflation went down to its current level from 5.2% in June 2022. Largest contributors to the annual rate of inflation in July 2022 came from fish, petrol, meat, medicine, passenger transport, oil and fats. The monthly percentage change in the national CPI dropped to 0.15% in July 2022 from 0.45% in June.

State earned a total of MVR1.32 billion revenue in August 2022, reports Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA). The revenue earned for the review month was a 3.6% increase from the same month in 2021. This increment comes largely from the surge in the collection of TGST, airport development fee and airport service charge. Tourist arrivals in July 2022 saw a 31.2% increment compared to corresponding month last year, which led to favorable outcome in tourism-related receipts (carried forward to August). Moreover, the revenue earned in August 2022 is a 5.9% increment from initial projection as well. This increment comes due…

Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Saturday afternoon, 10th September 2022, arrived in Laamu atoll Gan to hold the third ‘Viavathi Raajje’ conference. The conference is hosted by the President to strengthen the decentralization system in light of the previous year’s experience of collaborating with relevant stakeholders. The third conference of ‘Viavathi Raajje’ will reportedly include council mayors, island council presidents, and presidents of Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) from southern atolls of the Maldives. The president is accompanied by government ministers, parliament members of southern atolls, policy executives from the President’s Office. Additionally, the delegation also includes technical experts from…

Tourist arrivals to the Maldives exceed 1.1 million by the end of September first week, reports Ministry of Tourism. According to the state body responsible for tourism growth, total tourist arrivals as of 07th September stood at 1,104,488. In annual terms, tourist arrivals is currently at a 40.7% increment against corresponding period in 2021. However, arrival total is still 4.7% below in annual terms compared to the same period in 2019. By the corresponding period in 2019, tourist arrivals had reached 1,159,280. For the first week of September (01st to 07th) tourist arrivals was recorded at 25,854. This marks an…

State expenditure reached MVR24.6 billion as of 01st September 2022, reports Ministry of Finance. Meanwhile, the state revenue inclusive of foreign grants reached MVR18.7 billion. So far, 73% of the budget was spent on recurrent needs while the remaining 27% was spent on capital expenditure. On the other hand, 74% of the earnings came from tax sources while 26% came from non-tax sources. The overall balance for the period is a deficit of MVR5.85 billion. The cumulative total tax revenue is currently at MVR13.8 billion, while non-tax cumulative total is at MVR4.8 billion. Capital receipts are currently at just MVR11.8…

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is offering a special suite package for newly-wed couples and families to indulge in their grand suites. The limited-time offer, valid until 31st March 2023, includes exclusive surprises and benefits – inclusive of breakfast, complementary speedboat transfers from the airport, complimentary 45-minute spa treatment for two adults, once during the stay. Guests can also enjoy 25% on their savings on the best available rates during their holiday. Other amenities range from butler service, welcome drinks, free use of gymnasium, complimentary snorkeling gear, free Wi-Fi up to four devices per villa, and a range of water…

JOALI Maldives opens a reading park and Special Education Needs (SEN) classroom in Raa atoll Ungoofaaru School. The resort donated USD20,000 to finance the educational facilities of the school. Through the funding, the school engaged in developing one of the largest reading parks in the Maldives, inclusive of a ‘Brain Gym.’ The ‘Brain Gym’ is a dedicated space to teaching students games that require challenging the mind; such as puzzle, chess, scrabble and Rubik’s Cube. The games are perfect for stimulating the brains of young minds. Under the project, a new SEN classroom was developed with the aim of enhancing…

Marriott international Maldives in collaboration with Maldives National University (MNU) launches an activate to become employer of choice in the Maldives; dubbed “live fully”. The objective of the collaboration is to nurture and create the future “talent pipeline for leadership roles” within Marriott International Maldives, with a focus on local talents. The key aim of the event is to highlight the growth opportunities and career “adventure” for the young minds within Marriott International. The aim is to inspire students and reflect on their career journeys, and “what it means to fully live with Marriott International”. The “Live Fully” initiative is…

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security protocols in regional airports, four of these ports have installed and begun operation of new x-ray machines. The initiative comes under the Directorate of Aviation Security Administration (DASA) run by Ministry of Defense, with exclusively oversight by the Minister of Defense Ustada Mariya Ahmed Didi. Moreover, the initiative comes as part of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s policies on strengthening airport security parameters. Four regional airports where the new x-rays mission, listed under “Maldives Aviation Security Screening Technology” inlucde; HDh. Kulhudhuffushi Airport Sh. Funadhoo Airport Gn. Fuvahmulah Airport GDh. Maavarulu Airport The machines…

The deep sea expedition to explore the depths of Indian Ocean, dubbed “The Maldives Knowledge Exchange Expedition” commenced on Wednesday, 7th September. The expedition will gather vital data which will better inform governments and the science community worldwide in their combat against climate change. The expedition is part of a wider five-week mission under the joint auspices of the Maldives Government and the UK marine research institute, Nekton. A total of 10 locals, forming the knowledge exchange team will join scientists on the mission. The expedition will undertake the first systematic discovery and documentation of ocean life in Maldives from…