Author: Mohamed Reehaan

Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 extended felicitations to the President of Portuguese Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and the country’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro on the occasion of Portugal Day. In his message to President de Sousa, President Muizzu conveyed heartfelt congratulations on the occasion, and extended warm greetings from the Maldivian people to the Portuguese people. In his message, President Muizzu also included personal wishes for President de Sousa’s continued good health and happiness, and hoped for the sustained progress and prosperity of Portugal. In a separate message addressed to the Portuguese Prime Minister…

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) on Tuesday announced that Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif, a renowned lifestyle and fitness icon, has been appointed as the Global Brand Ambassador for the Maldives. This collaboration comes hot in the heels of Visit Maldives’ special Summer Sale Campaign, designed to entice more travelers to discover the breathtaking natural beauty of the Maldives. Katrina Kaif, one of the most recognizable faces from the Indian movie industry, is a globally recognized celebrity, a distinguished performer and an award-winning entrepreneur whose influence spans industries and continents. With an acclaimed portfolio of blockbuster…

The latest fiscal development report from the Ministry of Finance reveals a decline of over MVR 2 billion in Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) spending compared to the previous year. The PSIP spending has dropped by 60% raising concerns over the lack of developmental projects in the Maldives. Despite the budget allocation of MVR 12.38 billion for PSIP projects in 2025, the latest fiscal development report shows that spending has reached only MVR 1.45 billion as of May 29, 2025 – down from MVR 3.63 billion during the same period last year. The largest share of PSIP spending so far…

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is enhancing its wellness offerings with the introduction of Pilates Reformer, a full-body workout designed to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Set against the stunning backdrop of turquoise waters and tropical vegetation, this new addition gives guests an exclusive opportunity to experience a rejuvenating fitness practice as part of a carefully curated wellness journey. Certified instructors will offer personalized sessions, helping guests achieve goals like posture improvement, muscle toning, rehabilitation, and stress relief, as part of the resort’s growing focus on integrative wellness. At the resort’s Iridium Spa, guests can access Ayurvedic consultations, guided…

The Japanese government and the Maldivian government have signed the Exchange of Notes to provide a grant aid ¥194 million (approximately $1.3 million) to the Maldives for the continuation of scholarship opportunities offered by the Japanese government. The scholarship opportunities will be offered by the Japanese government for the current 2025 fiscal year under the Japanese Program for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS). The Exchange of Notes were signed by the Maldives Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sheryna Abdul Samad and the Japanese Ambassador to the Maldives Ishigami Rumiko during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs…

The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), operator of the Velana International Airport (VIA) has reported a net profit of MVR 1.1 billion from the previous year’s earnings. The airport operator confirmed its current outstanding debt is at MVR 13 billion. In a report, shared by the Auditor General’s Office, it has been confirmed MACL earned a total revenue of MVR 8.6 billion last year, which is a jump of MVR 1 billion from 2023 earnings. MACL generated a gross profit of MVR 4 billion after deducting MVR 4.7 billion for expenditure, and the retained net profit is an increase by…

Villa Resorts Maldives has reportedly earned a 9.1 rating across its properties – Villa Nautica, Villa Park, and Royal Island – at HalalBooking Guest Review Award. The HalalBooking Guest Review Award is a notable event acknowledging properties that consistently provide high-quality guest experiences that meet halal-specific needs. With over 500,000 properties listed on HalalBooking.com, Villa Resorts’ 9.1 guest review score places the hotelier brand among the top-rated halal-friendly brands. Villa Resorts is popular for catering to Muslim families with tailored experiences, and offer halal dining options, private and spacious accommodations, and activities aligned with Muslim traditions.

The Maldives has welcomed a little shy of one million tourists as of May 25, 2025, reports the Ministry of Tourism. According to the ministry’s statistics, Maldives has welcomed a total of 942,427 tourists as of the review date, which is an 8.0% increase compared to the same period last year. Total arrivals last year by the same date reached 872,228. Last year, the country welcomed a total of 2,046,615 tourists; marking it the highest annual arrival recorded for the country ever. This year, the government aims to surpass this figure. As for tourist arrivals from the top source markets,…

The State Trading Organization (STO), at its Annual General Meeting 2024 held on Saturday evening, announced a dividend payout of MVR 80 per share; maintaining the same payout as the year before. STO held its Annual General Meeting 2024 at Barcelo Nasandhura on Saturday evening, which was attended by 229 shareholders; 162 shareholders and 67 proxies. The company reported a gross profit of MVR 583 million in the first quarter this year, which is a decline from the MVR 617 million in the corresponding quarter last year. STO said this decline is strongly attributed to the drop in fuel retail…

The cumulative state expenditure has observed notable decline in the first four months of 2025, reports the Ministry of Finance. In its Weekly Fiscal Developments, dated May 1, 2025, the most noticeable element was the comparative decline in the state’s expenditure – which key local outlets had analyzed to varying effects as well. The most significant change in terms of how the Maldives government has concentrated its funds so far this year is the meticulous resource allocation for capital expenses; due to which the total spending in cumulative terms under the category has observed significant decline; dropping to MVR 908.0…