Author: Mohamed Reehaan

Bank of Maldives (BML) on Monday, 23rd May, announced the launch of its new BML Pay wallet on Mobile Banking app. According to the bank, with the new upgrade, contactless payment services and wallet-to-wallet transfer services are now available through the mobile banking application. The new functionality allows customers to facilitate payments through the BML mobile banking app with a Scan to Pay feature for faster and secure payment experiences. Additionally, the feature allows customers to send money to friends and family using just their mobile numbers. Speaking about this new service upgrade, the bank’s CEO and Managing Director Tim…

State Trading Organization (STO) has supplied first batch of concrete required for the test piling of the Thilamale’ bridge. The large-scale infrastructure development project aims to connect the islands of Vilimale’ and Gulhifalhu with Maldives capital Male’ City. Moreover, this project is currently regarded as the largest urban development project ever executed in the Maldives, previously held by the Sinamale’ Bridge project, which aims to provide easier transportation between the three islands. Additionally, the successful conclusion of the Thilamale’ Bridge project will mean that a total of five islands in the Greater Male’ Region will become interconnected via bridges and…

Tourism arrivals to Maldives has exceeded 650,000 as of 18th May 2022, according to the Ministry of Tourism. In its most recent travel update, the ministry confirmed that the total number of tourist arrivals as of 18th May was recorded at 655,049 indicating an annual increment of 51.1% from the total arrival of 433,608 recorded by the same period in 2021. On the other hand, tourist arrivals from 01st to 18th May were recorded at 78,250 indicating a periodic increment of 78.5% compared to the same period in 2021 during which arrivals were recorded at 43,838. Meanwhile, tourist arrivals in…

One of the most long-standing and prominent names in the energy industry, Wärtsilä has heavily praised the engineers of State Electric Company Limited (STELCO). The Finnish technology group has been enjoyed long sustained professional relationship with STELCO. The companies celebrated 30 years of corporate partnership in 2022, following which Wärtsilä released a press statement addressing its experience. The first recorded acquisition and installation of a Wärtsilä power generator in the Maldives is dated back to 1990 when the manufacturer’s generator was imported and installed at Male’ powerhouse. STELCO noted that the power generators imported from Wärtsilä 32 years ago is…

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has conducted a webinar for travel agents and tour operators from USA under the title “High-end Adventures – the Maldives Awaits.” According to MMPRC, the purpose of the webinar held on Tuesday, 17th May, was to train US travel agents and tour operators to promote the high-end adventures in the Maldives for enthusiastic travelers. The webinar also marks the first such session conducted in 2022 so far to strengthen the Maldivian tourism brand across the North American market. MMPRC was joined in the hour-long session by Yacht Maldives, Movenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives, and…

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) is taking part in the SATTE 2022 in a bid to enhance brand visibility in the Indian market. The travel trade fair which launched on Wednesday, 18th May will run until Friday, 20th May 2022 in Delhi. The premier tourism promoter of the Maldives is taking part in the event alongside 33 industry partners. SATTE, considered South Asia’s leading business-to-business exhibition held for the travel and tourism trade professionals that provide one of the largest platforms for exhibitors and visitors including international and domestic buyers to network, connect and seek prospective investment opportunities.…

According to the latest update from Ministry of Finance the cumulative total of state expenditures as of 12th May 2022 stood at MVR12,325.0 million (MVR12.3 billion). On the other hand, state revenues inclusive of grants are currently at MVR10,294.7 million (MVR10.3 billion). The expenditure composition shows 75% of the total budget has been spent on recurrent expenses and the remaining 25% were spent on capital expenses. Meanwhile, state earned 71% of its revenues from tax sources and the remaining 29% from non tax sources. Meanwhile, the overall balance for the period gives a deficit of MVR2,030.3 million (MVR2.03 billion). So…

The Managing Director of State Electric Company Limited (STELCO), Mr. Ahmed Shareef has disclosed the corporation’s plan to manufacture bottled water in a large-scale capacity. While being interviewed on a broadcast program, the STELCO front man noted that the company will no longer train focus on generating income exclusively from power services. Moreover, Shareef had commented on active business development plans to seek other feasible revenue streams for the utility provider. Shareef further noted that the 50-megaWatt power generator at Hulhumale’ powerhouse was capable to produce distilled water and use for manufacturing purposes. The utility provider MD had noted on…

The Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mr. Mohamed Aslam has affirmed that the planned land reclamation project at Addu City will proceed according to schedule. Moreover, the minister confirmed regarding this while responding to a queries posed by Maradhoo constituency lawmaker Mr. Ibrahim Shareef during Tuesday’s parliament sitting. The minister affirmed that the reclamation project is expected to kick off in June 2022, while project mobilization is currently underway. The state has contracted Netherland’s offshore construction company Van Oord for the project, for which signing took place earlier on 27th March 2022. Meanwhile, reportedly an expenditure of MVR1.3…

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has been contracted to implement access improvement platforms at six islands in zone 1 under the Raajje-Transport Link (RTL) high-speed ferry network. Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure contracted the project to MTCC on Monday, 16th May 2022. The signing took place between Ms. Zeeniya Ahmed Hameed, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry and Mr. Adam Azim of MTCC during a special ceremony held on Monday. Under the project, MTCC will be developing access improvement platforms at three islands of Haa Alif atoll which include Hoarafushi, Dhihdhoo and Kelaa and three islands from…