Author: Mohamed Reehaan

Domestic airline, Manta Air launches new promotion scheduling special flights to Haa Alif atoll Hoarafushi. Manta Air launched the promotion to operate special flights from 01st to 04th November. The airline, under ‘Boduthiladhunmathi’ promotion offers a one-way ticket at MVR1,300 per person. Moreover, the airline confirms flights will operate twice daily during the promotion. The domestic airline earlier expanded its flight operations within Maldives, and launched chartered flights between Male’ City and Hoarafushi on 04th September. The airline commenced daily charter flights to Hoarafushi under the agreement with JA Manafaru.

Tourism Employees Association of Maldives (TEAM) declares its support to state’s decision to hike Goods and Services Tax (GST) for 2023. The association released a statement, noting that the government’s preposition is an imperative amendment. According to TEAM, this amendment to increase taxes on business will positively impact the tourism industry. It adds the bump in taxes will reflect in a subsequent surge in state revenues, which can be translated to improvement of the country’s economy. Moreover, this decision will work in favor of incrementing salaries of tourist industry employees, TEAM adds. TEAM also identifies that increment in tourism receipt…

Maldives Parliament approves Auditor General’s Office budget of MVR93 million for 2023. The budget was submitted by parliament’s Financial Committee for voting during Wednesday’s sitting, 26th October. At voting, it was passed with 44 votes out of the 77 members present. Initial fiscal budget for 2023 from the office stood at MVR95 million, which went through slicing and dicing by the committee. The committee observed the requirement to deduct from notable expenditures; such as staff training and operational costs. Recurrent and capital expenditure maxed out at MVR62.7 million at first, but since Finance Ministry’s mandated baseline ceiling policy dictates the…

This year’s festive season at Maamunagau Island “is all about culinary heights led by” visiting Michelin star chef Anita Lo, and visiting Flair Bartender Anne-Lise Jouenne. Guests will receive to retreat from their “daily hustle, embrace nature, reconnect with what matters and soak in the serenity that only a tropical, remote island can host”. The US-based Michelin Star Chef Anita Lo, is noted for her love to mix and fuse flavors, “reflecting stories and secrets from her journey and different cultures to become one of the most sought-after chefs in America.” “For me, there is nothing better than discovering a…

State collected a revenue total of MVR5.40 billion in Q3-2022, reports Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA). According to MIRA, this marks a 38.3% increment when compared with Q3-2021. Additionally, this marks a 41.4% increase from initial projections. Moreover, MIRA reports the highest increment in the quarterly revenue, compared to Q3-2021 came from Lease Period Extension Fee, Income Tax, GST and Airport Taxes and Fees. Furthermore, state received MVR13.85 million in Green Tax. Tourist arrivals during June to August 2022 exceeded tourist arrivals for the same period in 2021 by 24.8%. Tax revenue total for Q3-2022 stood at MVR4.02 billion, which…

Dhiraagu introduces new “Salhi Quarterly” add-on package, allows 6GB daily data allowance for three months. The new add-on is priced at MVR1,100, with a 90-day validity period. The package grants a total of 540GB allowance to customers. The Salhi Prepaid plans allow customers to choose the amount and duration of data allowance. Customers can make free calls to all Dhiraagu numbers under the plan as well. Prepaid Customers can activate the new “Salhi Quarterly” add-on by sending “S1GB90” as an SMS to 343.

Following State Electric Company’s (STELCO) decision to cut power to Football Association of Maldives (FAM) on Monday, 24th October, the utility provider has urged the association to settle the outstanding dues in full. STELCO Managing Director Ahmed Shareef, while criticizing FAM’s decision to counter the utility provider’s decision with defiance, urged to settle the dues without politicizing the issue. The association owes a total of MVR6.5 million in outstanding bills, inclusive of fines, an official from STELCO earlier confirmed. FAM criticized STELCO’s Monday decision, calling the utility provider irresponsible in its action. The association is refusing to settle the outstanding…

Avid College and the University of West London have partnered to offer academic courses through the college. Signing between the parties took place on Monday, 24th October. Avid College’s Chairman Abdulla Mushtaq Rashad signed on behalf of the college while the Vice Chancellor of University of West London Professor Peter John signed on behalf of the university. Under the agreement, Avid College is gearing up to launch three academic courses which includes two Bachelor’s Degree courses and one Master’s Degree course. Mr. Rashad confirms having requested Maldivian Qualification Authority (MQA) to authorize the courses. The new courses are in the…

The leaky pipe situated at outer main road of Male’ City, near STELCO power station, has been fixed. The utility provider confirmed this on Monday evening, and notes the road will be opened for public transportation soon. STELCO required to dig through the asphalt to repair the leakage. The pipe, one among several of the outflow pipes used by STELCO as part of its engine cooling mechanism ruptured a few days earlier. The utility provider commenced repairs sometime during previous week. STELCO Managing Director Ahmed Shareef confirmed the pipe was fixed sometime during Monday early morning. He also noted STELCO…

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih conferred the National Award of Honor to 10 recipients, and the National Award of Recognition to 22 recipients. The recipients were presented with the honors at the official ceremony held at Dharubaaru last Thursday, 20th October, to confer this year’s National Awards. The recipients of the National Award of Honor received commemorative shields and badges, while the recipients of the National Award of Recognition received commemorative plaques from Maldives President. The National Awards Committee, constituted by the President to determine the recipients for the prestigious award, selected the recipients. Recipients who received the National Award of…