Author: Mohamed Reehaan

The total tourist arrivals as of March 27, 2024 has reached close to hitting the 600,000 arrival mark. According to the Ministry of Tourism, total tourist arrivals as of the review date reached 576,952, which is 14.2% up from the same period last year; during which arrivals stood at 505,083. China maintains unwavering dominance with over 64,000 arrivals while Russia is inching close to the topper with close to 60,000 arrivals. While Italy started the year as the top source market, it is the third strongest with a little over 54,000 arrivals. Top 10 Markets China: 64,834 Russia: 59,679 Italy:…

Ooredoo Maldives announces its customers can now make Zakat payments via m-Faisaa service. Customers can select m-Faisaa service after downloading Ooredoo’s app, and by pressing on the Zakat tab. Customers will be required to input the amount and type of Zakat they prefer to pay, after which they will have to enter the wallet number in m-Faisaa. According to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the eligible period for this year’s Zakat is from March 11 to April 6, 2024.

The cumulative state expenditure reaches MVR 8.9 billion as of March 21st, 2024, reports the Ministry of Finance. According to the ministry, cumulative revenues, including grants received to the state, reached MVR 7.7 billion in annual terms by the same review period. This indicates the overall balance for the period is a deficit of MVR 1.2 billion. The cumulative total of tax revenues reached MVR 6.5 billion by the review date, and non-tax revenue total in annual terms reached MVR 1.2 billion. While tax revenues increased in the review date compared to the same period last year, during which it…

The Maldives has been nominated for nine different titles in the World Travel Awards (WTA) Indian Ocean category this year. To garner public support, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has organized a special event, scheduled for March 28, 2024 from 09:15hrs to 13:15hrs at Velaanaage, Ground Floor, Male’ City. This voting event at Velaanaage ground floor presents an “exciting opportunity for the Maldivian community and travel enthusiasts to actively participate in this prestigious award.” Visitors can cast their votes and show support for the Maldives, but also enter a raffle draw with an “enticing” free-stay sponsored by ITAW…

Maldives government on Wednesday signed with Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) for Faafu atoll Nilandhoo land reclamation. MTCC CEO Abdulla Ziyad signed the agreement on behalf of the contractor while Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib signed on behalf of the government. Under the agreement, MTCC will reclaim 42.6 hectares of land and install a 2,098-meter rock boulder revetment, with another 1,400-meter geo-bag revetment. MTCC is contractually obligated to deliver the project within 390 days.

Robinson Noonu, a leading all-inclusive resort in the Maldives announced its nomination by World Travel Awards for the 2024 edition. The property announced it has been nominated for the ‘Best Honeymoon Resort Maldives’ and ‘Best Family Resort Maldives’ titles at the WTA 2024. The World Travel Awards is a globally recognized awarding body recognizing excellence in the travel and tourism industry. Robinson Noonu’s nomination underscores the property’s dedication to provide memorable experiences for honeymooners and families. “We are incredibly honored to be nominated for the World Travel Awards as the best family and honeymoon resorts in Maldives,” said JanHendrik Karliczek,…

Bank of Maldives (BML) on Monday, March 25, 2024, announced the appointment of the board’s new Chairperson. The national bank has appointed Hassan Zareer as the new Chairperson of the BML Board of Directors. The appointment was confirmed at the meeting of the Bank’s Board held after its Extraordinary General Meeting on Monday evening. Besides Zareer’s appointment as the new Chairperson, BML also appointed Ali Faris Mohamed as a Board Director at the EGM. With the appointment of these two new directors, the current Board of BML consist of; Karl Stumke (Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director) Aishath Noordeen Hassan…

The Japanese government has signed a grant agreement with the Maldives towards extending support to strengthen the system and capacity of the Maldives Customs Service. The agreement was signed by Takeuchi Midori, the Japanese Ambassador to the Maldives on behalf of Japan, and Moosa Zameer, the Minister of Foreign Affairs on behalf of the Maldives government. Under the terms of Exchange of Notes, Japan is committed to grant approximately USD 1.9 million for the provision of a patrol vessel, and concurrently an additional USD 400,000 for the provision of equipment to support the operations of the support vessel. In line…

State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) has urged the public and stakeholders to practice caution while installing metal frames for campaign or other purposes in Greater Male’ region. According to STELCO, iron stands and other similar materials have been installed or placed over the 132kV cables; which are part of the Greater Male’ Interconnection Grid. The grid originates from STELCO powerhouse in Male’ City and runs from Usfasgandu area in the city, and through Sinamale’ Bridge up to the substation in Hulhumale’ powerhouse. STELCO further said the electricity consumed by Male’ City is distributed from Hulhumale’ via the interconnection grid, and…

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) announces multiple nominations for the island nation at the World Travel Awards 2024, under the Indian Ocean’s category. This year, Maldives has been nominated for nine distinct titles under the Indian Ocean’s category, which include; Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination 2024 Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination 2024 Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination 2024 Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Destination 2024 Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2024 Indian Ocean’s Leading Tourist Board 2024 Indian Ocean’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination 2024 Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Destination 2024 Indian Ocean’s Leading Wedding Destination 2024 Voting for the WTA…