Author: Mohamed Reehaan

SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC) has announced a waiver on the Covid-19 business aid loan’s interest. The decision follows Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s earlier promise for the same. According to SDFC, in the week immediately after the Eid holidays, it would share the changes brought to the loans of customers regarding the interest exemption. The information would be shared via the SDFC customer portal. Additionally, the corporation said that the interest amount paid by customers so far will be deducted from the loan’s principal amount. Following the deduction, any amount from the paid total exceeding the principal would be…

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the UK has toppled Russia to become the second strongest tourist market to the Maldives. As per the latest updates from the Ministry, total arrivals from UK has reached 66,999 while Russia is following closely behind with 66,803. China continues to dominate the list with over 71,000 arrivals. Top 10 Markets China – 71,995 UK – 66,999 Russia – 66,803 Italy – 61,379 Germany – 52,256 India – 37,417 France – 25,098 USA – 22,983 Switzerland – 16,452 Poland – 14,490 The total tourist arrivals to the Maldives has reached 663,269 as of April…

The Maldives government on Thursday, April 11, 2024, announced the preliminary works to launch the projects to install ice plants in 11 islands have concluded, and is now up for commencement. According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, the government will be installing new ice plants in the following islands; HA. Dhidhdhoo, HA. Ihavandhoo, HDh. Kulhudhuffushi City, Sh. Funadhoo, Sh. Komandoo, Lh. Naifaru, AA. Rasdhoo, Dh. Bandidhoo, Dh. Meedhoo, and GDh. Rathafandhoo. From these 11 projects, five of them will be financed by the Saudi Fund for Development with the Maldives government set to finance the remaining six.…

The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has engaged in a productive meeting with the Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives, Munu Mahawar to explore collaborative efforts in tourism promotion. At the meeting held at the Indian High Commission in the Maldives, MATATO seniors and Mr. Mahawar discussed on the mutual interests in enhancing travel and tourism between India and the Maldives. MATATO said it intends to collaborate with the Indian High Commission closely to “bolster tourism initiatives”. The association also noted that plans are underway to launch a comprehensive roadshow in key cities in India, and…

Maldives Government has earned over MVR 99 million in Green Tax for the month of January 2024, reports the Ministry of Finance. According to the ministry’s Green Fund Report, the government collected MVR 99.6 million in total for the review month. Green Tax by Tourism Segments Resorts – MVR 89.1 million Hotels – MVR 1.79 million Guesthouses – MVR 6.17 million Liveaboards/Vessels – MVR 2.53 million Homestay – MVR 11,832.60 For now, only small scale projects have been carried out from the Green Fund revenue. The total expenditure for said projects stood at MVR 138,907.80.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs on Monday, April 08, 2024, announced this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr falls on April 10, 2024, the coming Wednesday. Eid-ul-Fitr is the festive Islamic holidays in the month of Islamic calendar month Shawwal, which follows immediately after the holy month of Ramadan. The ministry said the moon was not visible during Monday’s eve to declare Eid-ul-Fitr for Tuesday, and therefore, Ramadan will have 30 days this year. The Islamic Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar which is based on the monthly cycles of the moon’s phases. Meanwhile, Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has called for a grander…

Maldivian, the national carrier of the island nation, reports additional flights to popular domestic routes owing to demand. According to the carrier, it has upgraded GAN flight to the airline’s A320 aircraft to accommodate the travel needs. The flight is scheduled on April 12, 2024 departing from Male’ to Gan at 19:30hrs and return flight on 21:40hrs. Besides this, Maldivian has added an additional flight for Ifuru for the same date as well, with departure from Male’ at 18:20hrs and arrival at 19:30hrs. Maldivian also added one more flight for Male’-Madivaru route on April 12, with departure from Male’ on…

Patina Maldives, the only Maldivian property to make it to The Luxury Travel Advisor’s annual contest, has made it to the final round. The contest now has only two properties vying for the coveted ‘Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World’. Patina Maldives is the southern hemisphere rounds’ winner and will be facing off against Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets in Mexico, the western hemisphere rounds’ winner. The luxury hotel in North Male’ Atoll was the only Maldivian property picked as one of the 64 hotels across the world in the bracket-style tournament.

Ministry of Defense has announced multiple vacancies for Aviation Security Command. The ministry announced seeking 55 security officers under Aviation Security, with eligible applicants required to submit their job forms by April 18, 2024. Remuneration Details Basic Salary: MVR 5,920 Service Allowance: MVR 1,500 Food Allowance: MVR 60 (based on duty attendance) Special Duty Allowance: 35% of Basic Salary Phone Allowance: MVR 150 Academic and Professional Qualifications Minimum of two C grades in GCE O’Level; and Minimum of C pass in Dhivehi in SSC Examination; or Completion of a relevant MNQF Level 3 certificate Other Prerequisites Applicants should be aged…

Bank of Maldives (BML) reports best-ever performance in 2023 with a Profit After Tax (PAT) of MVR 2.07 billion. The bank’s Board of Directors has recommended the highest-ever dividend payout of MVR 50 per share, which would be approved at the next Annual General Meeting (AGM). BML CEO and Managing Director, Karl Stumke said, “I am pleased to report this record performance for the Bank, which also marks the first time the Bank has crossed MVR 2 billion. As a result of our performance, the Board has proposed a total dividend payout of MVR 269 million which is the highest…