Author: Mohamed Reehaan
The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives partners with Middle East-based wellness center, SEVA Experience, to bring its yoga, meditation, and holistic program to the Maldives from 07th to 11th March 2023. SEVA is one of the leading yoga, meditation, and holistic wellness centers in the Middle East. It was founded to encourage deep reflection and acknowledge life’s journey through a range of multifaceted practices. The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives located in Raa atoll, with its white sand beaches and crystal-clear lagoon offers the perfect backdrop to facilitate a wellness journey, and immerse into self-rediscovery. The new program, hosted by SEVA founder Eda, SEVA…
Marriott International Maldives and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT) have collaborated to launch the Maldives’ first Laundry Certification Program. The program was launched with the approval of the Maldives National Skills Development Authority (MNSDA). The program was initiated to train and upskill local talent in hospitality laundry operations. Moreover, the program aimed to maintain the highest hygiene standards with a priority on guest safety and brand standards. The program is also extended to local talents pursuing career opportunities in hospitality laundry operations from the islands of K. Maafushi and K. Gulhi. The course enrolled 21 local associates from Marriott…
State Trading Organization (STO) has confirmed that it is currently working to open an outlet in Hulhumale’ Phase II ahead of the Islamic sacred month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims all across the globe as the month of fasting. It is also the month when consumer activities observe a noticeable surge; especially with perishable goods and staple foods. STO said that it has been receiving complaints from residents of Hulhumale’ over the lack of its outlet on the island. STO’s Hulhumale’ outlet in Phase I was closed down earlier…
State Electric Company (STELCO) has launched water supply services in Alif Dhaal atoll Hangnaameedhoo. The service was launched on Monday, 20th February, by the Deputy Managing Director of STELCO Mohamed Latheef, and the island council’s President Moosa Nazim. STELCO added that the service was now provided to a total of 170 ‘connections’ or residences; private and businesses included. The utility provider also claimed that customers who have already lodged official requests and customers who make requests before the end of February will receive one ton of water free of charge. The utility provider will be charging the residences for the…
Hithadhoo Port Limited (HPL) lost MVR85 million by 2020, a recent audit report has revealed. According to the financial audit report of HPL, the company has suffered losses consecutively for the past 11 years since inception. The report also noted that on average, the company suffered a loss of MVR6 million each year. Despite the continued losses, the audit report said that the company had not made necessary assessments to reevaluate its expenditure and finances. This has created a difficulty in assessing the company’s current and prospective financial position. HPL is operated by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL); which acts as…
Island Aviation Services (IAS) has announced that it will increase the basic pay of its employees. The news was confirmed by the company’s Managing Director Mohamed Mihad. Mihad made the confirmation at the annual staff night, noting that the pay increase will take effect from March onwards. The changes also include an increment in pension savings. IAS Managing Director also said that though the company stopped providing certain allowances amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the company will once again resume them. Mihad also said that the IAS loan scheme will provide employees with loans between MVR 25,000 and MVR 50,000. Additionally,…
The Maldives welcomed a total of 267,507 tourists so far in 2023, reported the Ministry of Tourism. This is a 29.7% increase compared to the same period last year during which arrivals stood at 206,181. Meanwhile, tourist arrivals from 01st to 15th February 2023 stood at 95,008 which is a 27.7% increment compared to the same period in 2022, during which arrivals stood at 74,416. Top 10 Markets Russia: 34,128 India: 29,513 UK: 25,396 Italy: 24,199 Germany: 17,215 France: 11,905 USA: 10,978 China: 8,015 Switzerland: 6,166 Poland: 5,329 Tourist Accommodation (Operational) Resorts: 168 | 41,049 beds Hotels: 13 | 1,640…
State Electric Company (STELCO) hosted a customer service training program last week targeting its staff in Alif Dhaal atoll. The program was carried out to provide technical knowledge, support, awareness, and information to STELCO employees about customer service best practices and industry standards. The utility provider said the program was crafted to ensure its participants learned about good customer service approaches, and techniques, and to build a strong rapport with customers. Service excellence, customers’ trust, and improved customer experience are key objectives of the current STELCO management. STELCO Managing Director Ahmed Shareef envisions achieving President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s aspiration of…
The Ministry of Finance announced a list of companies exempt from paying income taxes. The companies, all Indian-based, are contractors of various infrastructural development projects in the Maldives. Under Article 7 of the tax exemption act and Articles 1 to 12 of the Maldives Tax Act; the Maldives President has discretionary power to give exemptions to companies from paying income tax. Moreover, the ministry said that the companies are excluded from paying taxes based on the agreement made between the Maldives government and India’s EXIM Bank for the line of credit. The bank provided the credit line with the condition…
The Maldives government has spent 90% of the compensation budget allocated from the 2023 state budget. According to the Ministry of Finance, the government has spent MVR 92.6 million as compensation already this year, while the allocated total for the year is MVR 101 million. The government has paid out MVR 1.6 billion in compensation over the last four years for previous breach of contract. Moreover, the Maldives government has exceeded its compensation budget each year for the last four years. Meanwhile, the government formed a settlement committee, which dissolved in September 2021. The committee was formed to seek compensation…