Author: Mohamed Reehaan

Grant assistance the Maldives government received so far in 2025 has observed a staggering 63% decline, reports the Ministry of Finance. The ministry reported this decline in its latest statistics related to the cumulative state revenues and expenditure, published on Wednesday accounting for the period January 1, 2025 to May 1, 2025. The statistics showed that the state has earned MVR 13.5 billion in revenues inclusive of grants for the review period, which is a 3.47% increment compared to the same period last year during which the revenues (inclusive of grants) stood at MVR 13.1 billion. The Maldives government is…

The Minister of Higher Education Dr. Ali Haidar has met with Maldivian student pilots in Spain under the government loan scheme. The minister, via a post on X on Thursday, May 8, said that he listened thoroughly to the concerns and requests the students made during an online meeting held on Wednesday. Haidar said that he assured the students that the ministry will undertake efforts to provide an acceptable solution to some of the major concerns the students raised. Earlier on February 22, student pilots in Spain had sent a letter addressed to the Ministry of Higher Education, addressing their…

Kaani Hotels & Resorts on Sunday, May 4, 2025 announced that two of its properties – Kaani Palm Beach and Kaani Grand Seaview – have been conferred with TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025 accolades. This recognition places both properties among the top 10% of the accommodations worldwide that go on to achieve the coveted Travellers’ Choice Awards of the globally renowned travel-rating agency. While Kaani Grand Seaview – staying true to its title provide an unrivalled view of the Indian Ocean vista – offers guests the perfect blend of Maldivian hospitality and modern comfort, the Kaani Palm Beach is suitable…

The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) on Monday announced it introduced a new bus route, specifically aimed at enhancing accessibility for thalassaemia patients. The new bus route, ‘R15’, which is a modification of the ‘R5′ bus route traveling between Male’, Hulhumale’ Phase I and Phase II. While the ‘R5′ was specific in lifting passengers between the two Hulhumale’ phases and Male’ City in its designated route, the bus had not designated stop at ‘Orange Hiyaa’ where thalassaemia patients go to acquire services. The new ‘R15’ adds a stop near Orange Hiyaa ensuring thalassaemia patients can easily reach the facility…

Siyam World Maldives, a luxury high-end tourist property in the Maldives, under the hotelier portfolio of locally-owned hospitality brand Sun Siyam Resorts, has been ranked 4th in a global rankings list by popular travel-rating website TripAdvisor. Siyam World Maldives, that officially opened its shores for travelers, affluent and adventure-seeking alike, in 2021 is a top-tier property known for several high-profile facilities including the country’s very first electric go-cart track and the largest floating water park in the Indian Ocean. TripAdvisor, one of the most renowned and recognized travel review sites globally, publishes an annual list of globally sought-after properties that…

The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has reported completing 80% of land reclamation of K. Gulhi under 28 days. MTCC commenced physical operations of reclaiming land under the project earlier on April 4, 2025. The company is aiming to complete its contracted responsibilities ahead of the deadline, said MTCC. The project scope includes reclamation of a 10.15-hectare land to Gulhi to resolve prevalent housing concerns, especially in the Greater Male’ region. A rock-boulder revetment spanning 10,962 meters would be installed as shore protection measures, and another 362-meter geo-bag revetment and 88 meters of groynes. The project is valued at…

The first-ever 5-star city hotel in the Maldives, “Barcelo Nasandhura Male'” officially opens its doors to welcome travelers and guests. Previously known as Nasandhura Palace Hotel, the venue closed down in 2015 for a complete overhaul which involved demolition of the old property for a modern and bigger replacement. The new Nasandhura hotel, the first-ever 5-star property of this kind in the Maldives, now bears Spanish hotelier brand ‘Barcelo’ name in its formal identity. Barcelo Nasandhura Male’ in its official Facebook page adds the new property is the latest and among the most significant landmarks of the capital city. The…

The Chairman of Road Development Corporation (RDC), Mohamed Shamy Adam has been formally discharged from his responsibilities. The Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) – the watchdog authority of the state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in the Maldives – announced Shamy Adam’s formal discharge on Monday, April 28. “We are deeply grateful for your contributions to Road Development Corporation during your tenure. Thank you, Mr. Mohamed Shamy Adam, for your dedicated service as Chairman. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors”, a post from RDC on X read. While his discharge has been confirmed by both the PCB and the…

The Maldives Customs Service on Sunday confiscated MVR 13 million worth of cigarettes being smuggled into the island nation as contraband. The cigarette consignment had been hidden within a plywood shipment that had already landed in the Maldives. A special operation, following an intel report, was conducted on April 26th by the Customs authority at Maldives Ports Limited’s (MPL) Hulhumale’ sea cargo terminal. Authorities discovered 1,360 cases of cigarettes hidden inside two 40-foot containers at the site, which have a total value of MVR 13,600,000. The brands of cigarettes discovered hidden in these containers consist of brands which are subject…

Visit Maldives announces the “Maldivian Evening 2025”, a prestigious event set to take place at the Theatre of Digital Art (TODA) in Dubai on April 28 from 19:00hrs to 23:00hrs at the sidelines of the ATM Dubai 2025. This event, designed to showcase the Maldives as a “multifaceted luxury destination” will offer a curated experience blending theatre, music, gastronomy, fashion, and storytelling all aimed at highlighting the depth the Maldives’ tourism and hospitality experiences. Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) which operates the official destination promotion brand “Visit Maldives” said the event will invite a distinguished audience of travel…