Author: Mohamed Reehaan

Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said all outstanding dues to local fishers have been settled as of Friday, March 08, 2024. The new administration led by President Muizzu claimed it inherited a backlog of MVR 250 million in outstanding dues to local fishers when it took office in November 2023. Delays in disbursement of the outstanding dues sparked protests in February 2024. Dr. Muizzu promised this administration would clear the backlog before Ramadan. In a post on X on Sunday, President Muizzu said the backlog has been cleared as promised. He said, “With the disbursement today, fishermen have been paid…

Zakat House, run under the purview of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, has commenced accepting Zakat for the year. A statement from Zakat House said it began accepting Zakat, or the mandatory charity, extended by financially-able citizens effective from Monday, March 11, 2024 onward. To ensure ease for older citizens and those not familiar with technological applications, Zakat can be extended by visiting Islamic Center hall. For this year, the ministry has facilitated several online payment options for Zakat, which include; Dhiraagu App/ Dhiraagu Pay and SMS Ooredoo m-Faisaa and SMS Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB)’s Faisa app and FaisaNet Bank…

Maldives Customs Service reports clearing 78 tons of vegetables and fruits in one day. Customs reported that it had cleared the perishables shipment brought for Ramadan, under the direct instructions of the Commissioner General of Customs Yoosuf Maniu. The authority had facilitated clearance of these items on Friday, March 08, 2024 between 15:30hrs and 20:00hrs. High-demand vegetables and fruits including potato, banana, watermelon, tomato, papaya, cucumber, and mango among other items were cleared.

State Trading Organization (STO) announced it will begin distributing free staple foods to all local residences; part of the government’s promise for Ramadan this year. The largest state-owned enterprise (SOE) has already imported, stored and stocked sufficient staple foods towards the distribution plan under the government’s initiative. According to STO, it will be assisted by relevant government ministries, councils and other local organizations and associations in this endeavor. Male’ City Council will be monitoring and supervising the distribution of staple foods in Greater Male’ region. The distribution that began on Saturday, March 09, 2024 will continue until March 16, 2024…

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) carried out a massive clean-up initiative dubbed “Salhi Hulhule'” at Velana International Airport (VIA) on Saturday, March 09, 2024. MACL Managing Director and CEO Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed inaugurated the efforts at 08:00hrs on Saturday morning. Shareef emphasized the importance maintaining the main airport’s cleanliness by everyone. He further requested support from all stakeholders and others to keep the main air gateway of the Maldives clean. A total of nine main areas of the airport were cleaned by splitting the teams. MACL was assisted by Road Development Corporation (RDC) and Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC)…

While the budget surplus has been maintained during the current fiscal year, it’s gap has constrained significantly as of February 29, 2024. According to the Ministry of Finance, the cumulative state expenditure as of the review date is MVR 6.49 billion while the cumulative total of revenues, inclusive of grants, is at MVR 6.5 billion. The overall balance for the period is a surplus of MVR 15.7 million only. The cumulative total of tax revenues is now MVR 5.66 billion, while the non-tax revenue total is MVR 817.7 million. State has received MVR 26.3 million in foreign grants. On the…

Minister of Tourism, Ibrahim Faisal, said the Maldives’ commitment to diversification of the tourism sector “towards a more enjoyable travel experience” and sustainable tourism future. Minister Faisal said this while speaking as the Guest of Honor at the Maldives Media Meet conference held at the sidelines of the ITB Berlin 2024. Speaking to the German and international media, the minister said Maldives remains committed in offering a “richer and more diverse visitor experience” which it will achieve through responsible tourism practices, technology integration, community-based tourism, and expanded tourism products and markets. “While Europe remains a significant contributor, we are seeing…

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), on Wednesday, said it was now working towards rectifying the errors of previous management. MTCC Chief Executive Officer Abdulla Ziyad said the company’s fiscal conditions were dire while its projects have muddied. He also bemoaned the lack of vehicles to adequately render Raajje-Transport Link (RTL) integrated ferry network services. Despite this, Ziyad however said the ongoing projects will proceed according to their original scope. He further said the corporation will increase trading activities to boost revenue to minimize reliance on developmental projects. According to MTCC’s Chief Project Management Officer Ahmed Latheef, the corporation was…

Maldives’ national airline, Maldivian, has announced the resumption of its direct flight services between Hanimaadhoo International Airport and Trivandrum, India, starting from April 12, 2024. This resumption signifies Maldivian’s commitment to connecting the country’s northern territory with key regional destinations and enhancing travel options for passengers. Commenting of Maldivian’s resumption of direct flights, the Managing Director of Maldivian, Ibrahim Iyas said, “This route greatly benefits our customers and the economy of the northern area of the Maldives.” “It reflects our commitment to improve air connectivity in the north region which will boost to the travel trade and support the socioeconomic…

Canareef Resort Maldives has announced the installation of 720 solar panels in the resort, to reduce its carbon footprint. The project is aligned with the core value of Canareef towards environmental stewardship and responsible tourism practices. The project will be completed within one month, and will change the resort’s energy landscape. Reportedly, the solar panels will generate 400 kilowatts of power. The power generated via the panels will be distributed to both staff and guest areas of the resort. This project will reportedly reduce 10% of fuel consumption by the resort, while Canareef also announced that plans are already underway…