Author: Mohamed Reehaan
Three Soneva resorts in the Maldives have secured placed on Forbes Travel Guide’s 2026 Edge List, adding another international recognition for the country’s luxury tourism sector. Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva Secret were all selected for this year’s list, which highlights luxury travel experiences that encourage guests to explore destinations beyond conventional itineraries. Now in its second year, the Edge List carries the theme “Curated Journeys” for 2026. Forbes Travel Guide said this year’s selection focuses on hotels and cruises that create distinctive journeys around the culture, natural environment and character of their destinations. Soneva Fushi, located in the…
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has nominated Jameela Ali Khalid as the Maldives’ Ambassador to the United Kingdom and submitted her name to Parliament for approval. The President forwarded the nomination in line with the Maldives Foreign Service Act, which requires parliamentary approval for the appointment of ambassadors and non-resident ambassadors. Parliament has now sent Jameela’s nomination to the Foreign Relations Committee for review. Once the committee completes its assessment, lawmakers will vote on whether to approve her appointment. The position became vacant after President Muizzu appointed the former Ambassador to the UK, Iruthisham Adam, as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Jameela…
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has identified the relocation of the Malé and Commercial Harbour to Thilafushi as the government’s largest and highest-priority development project, describing the initiative as a major investment expected to significantly strengthen the Maldivian economy. Speaking on The Pulse podcast series, President Muizzu said work on the project is progressing with the involvement of relevant stakeholders, with the government targeting November 11 next year for the opening of the new facility. The relocation of the country’s main commercial port is one of the administration’s key economic commitments and is expected to address the longstanding capacity and space…
More than 50 youth-led businesses and food ventures participated in the Youth Expo held at Hulhumalé Central Park this week. The expo provided young entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase their products, promote their businesses and connect with potential customers. Organized by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness, the three-day expo ran from August 12 to 14 as part of activities marking International Youth Day. The event was open daily from 16:00hrs to 23:00hrs. Maldivians between the ages of 18 and 35 were offered stalls at the venue free of charge, lowering the cost of participation for young…
The government has cautioned against imposing broad restrictions on online education, warning that such measures could limit access to higher education and undermine opportunities for Maldivians living outside major population centers. State Minister for Education, Higher Education and Skills Development Ahmed Shafeeu made the remarks during a meeting with Parliamentary Secondary Legislation Committee, where the regulation and future of online and blended learning were discussed. Shafeeu said completely restricting online learning would be counterproductive, particularly given the geographical realities of the Maldives. With communities dispersed across numerous islands and physical higher education institutions concentrated in a limited number of locations,…
The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has announced plans to amend the Foreign Exchange Rules, requiring resorts to exchange 20 percent of their US dollar revenue and removing the existing option to exchange a fixed amount based on tourist arrivals. Under the current framework, resorts classified as Category A businesses can choose between exchanging USD 500 for each tourist staying at the property or exchanging 20 percent of their total foreign currency revenue. The proposed amendment will remove the USD 500-per-tourist option, making the 20 percent revenue-based requirement mandatory for all resorts. The move will standardize the foreign currency exchange obligation…
More than USD 194,000 has been channeled into the Waqf Fund since the beginning of the year, as online contribution mechanisms expand access for individuals and businesses seeking to make cash Waqf and charitable donations. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments said the funds were collected through dedicated online links established on the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) website for cash Waqf and other charitable contributions. Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said all funds collected are being managed and utilized in accordance with the Waqf Fund’s Trust Statement and governing regulations. The cash…
China continues to lead as the primary source market for Maldivian tourism this year, with arrivals from the country reaching 232,148 according to the latest figures released by the Ministry of Tourism. As of August 8, 2026, Chinese tourists accounted for 18.1% of all total arrivals to the Maldives. Russia sits in second place, contributing 188,543 tourists and representing a 14.7% market share. The United Kingdom follows in third with 101,391 arrivals, making up 7.9% of the market. Other key markets rounding out the top ten include Italy (82,748 arrivals), Germany (79,531 arrivals), and India (73,978 arrivals). Surge in Cruise…
The children’s park developed by Fenaka Corporation under the government’s Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) in N. Kudafari has been officially opened. A special ceremony was held in Kendhikulhudhoo to open the park. The park was inaugurated at the ceremony by the Managing Director of the corporation, Mohamed Afeef Hussain, the Member of Parliament for the Kendhikulhudhoo constituency, Mohamed Afoo Hamid, and the State Minister of the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development, Ahmed Salim. This project was carried out as a part of initiatives led by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to enhance community well-being in the islands and…
According to Maldives Industries Fisheries Company (MIFCO), it has disbursed a total of MVR 1,138,340 to 24 fishing vessels. MIFCO informed that this payment is for the fish landed on 06 August 2026, last Thursday. A total of MVR 1,113,015 was deposited to 23 vessels that landed skipjack tuna on 08 August 2026, Saturday. Additionally, MIFCO said that MVR 25,325 was deposited to a vessel that landed yellowfin tuna weighing above 15 kilograms. Ensuring payment for local fishers within 48 hours for fish they catch is a presidential pledge of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. In line with this pledge, the…