Author: Mohamed Reehaan
The Maldives Parliament’s Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim on Monday, April 14, has stated that a criminal investigation has been requested against Dubai-based Executors General Trading, over its alleged involvement in a corruption scandal. The company was contracted by the Maldives government in 2020 amid the Covid-19 global pandemic, to procure ventilators to treat Covid-19 patients in critical conditions. The company however, never delivered the ventilators. The Ministry of Health, under the previous state regime, entered into a MVR 34.50 million contract on April 2, 2020. The deal was to procure 75 ventilators during the pandemic. Executors General Trading (EGT) delivered…
According to statistics from the Maldives Monetary Authority, the National Reserves observed a moderate 5% decline at the end of March 2025. The National Reserves dropped to USD 791 million by March end, whereas it stood at USD 832.1 million by the end of the preceding month – indicating a 4.9% decline. This also marks the first time the country’s National Reserves has observed a drop following gradual month-by-month increment since September 2024. National Reserves Growth September 2024: USD 371.2 million October 2024: USD 614.6 million November 2024: USD 616.2 million December 2024: USD 673.2 million January 2025: USD 708.1…
The Maldives government has introduced new flexibilities for citizens aged 60 years and above in operating land vehicles. With this license elderly citizens can operate motorbikes and pickups. According to the 2021 regulation on the provision of driving licenses to operate land vehicles, no provisions cited the requirement for a special license. The regulation had only set out the policies in issuing licenses for persons with disabilities. The amendment to this regulation has introduced the new provisional element that facilitates the requirement of a special license for elderly citizens, which is extended to those who undergo a mandatory four-hour training…
Following the new amendments that were made effective since January 2025, Green Tax revenues collected to the state has almost doubled, reports the Ministry of Finance. According to the Ministry, the state has collected a total of MVR 400 million as of March 20th in Green Tax, compared to the MVR 233 million collected in the corresponding period last year. With the amendments, tourist properties that were previously settling USD 6 per head per stay is now settling Green Tax at the rate of USD 12 per head per stay, which is a 100% increment on the rate. The current…
CROSSROADS Maldives is celebrating Easter this year with flair and panache. At SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, Easter stretches into a full week of island discovery. The Easter week will kick off on April 14th and last until 20th, with various hands-on activities aimed at guests of all ages. Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, the other CROSSROADS Maldives property, invites guests to plug and tune out with a line-up that “balances daytime beats and night-time drama.” While the CROSSROADS Maldives properties are offering their unique activities for this year’s Easter, the celebration will reportedly go beyond just events as…
Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has established the Maldives Transportation Safety Board. The new board will operate under the mandate of the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. In line with Section 116 of the Maldives Constitution, the establishment of this new board was announced by the President’s Office in Directive No. 7/2025. This move also reflects the President’s recognition for the need of a dedicated state agency in investigating incidents and accidents across the land, sea, and other civil aviation sectors.
Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Wednesday, has expressed strong confidence in the effectiveness of the Debt Sustainability Support Service (DSSS) in addressing the urgent climate financing needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), such as the Maldives. The President made these remarks while delivering the opening address as Co-Chair of the Strategic Advisory Group of the SIDS. He said the operationalization of the DSSS will “undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for a new era of sustainable development across SIDS.” Muizzu also highlighted that a significant proportion of SIDS is either already experiencing, or are at the brink of, debt…
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched a probe into the case of missing money from Maldive Gas. The money in question had been an advance payment made out to a gas shipment, ACC noted. The issue came to light after Parliament’s Deputy Speaker and Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim made comments about the matter during a Public Accounts Committee meeting recently, where he noted the missing money had been an advance payment made out to a liquified petroleum gas (LPG) shipment in October last year. Nazim however, did not mention the exact figure. ACC’s media official had confirmed the commission had…
Dhiraagu on Wednesday held the convocation of its most recent Apprenticeship Program, from which a total of 19 apprentices graduated. The convocation was graced by Minister of Education Dr. Ismail Shafeeu as the chief guest, who awarded the certificate of completion to the graduating apprentices. Speaking at the ceremony, the minister said Dhiraagu has continued to champion professional development among Maldivian youths, and highlighted its Apprenticeship Program is another successful feather added to the company’s cap. Dhiraagu CEO and Managing Director Ismail Rasheed had congratulated the graduates and welcomed the participants of the newest Apprenticeship Program.
Ooredoo Maldives has announced to offer 19 Umrah trips and a Hajj trip for two as gifts for customers to commemorate its 12th anniversary. The announcement came during a press conference held at Ooredoo Maldives’ headquarters on Wednesday morning, where the company’s “Live Unlimited” campaign to celebrate its anniversary was launched. Speaking at the presser, Ooredoo’s Chief Commercial Officer Hussain Niyaz said that the “Live Unlimited” campaign reflects Ooredoo’s idea of not imposing technological limitations. Niyaz also spoke regarding the lucky draw announced under the “Live Unlimited” campaign, which features 19 Umrah trips and a Hajj pilgrimage trip. He added…