Author: Mohamed Reehaan

Big Fish has been honored with the National Award for becoming the largest buyer and exporter of yellowfin tuna in the Maldives, once again. Maldives government bestowed the accolade to Big Fish at the ceremony held to commemorate this year’s Fishermen’s Day. This also marks the second time Big Fish has won the National Award. Big Fish previously won the accolade last year. Speaking about the National Award win, CEO of Big Fish Shafin Ahmed highlighted it was an honor for the company to bestowed with the accolade two years in a row. “This award is testament to the hard…

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa has won multiple accolades at the prestigious Haute Grandeur Awards 2023. This year, the top-tier property that has positioned itself as a beacon of luxury in the Maldivian hospitality industry won the following accolades; Best Hideaway Resort (Global) Best Family Resort (Indian Ocean) Best Pool Villa Resort (Indian Ocean) Best Family Villa (Indian Ocean) – Sultan Beach Residence with Sunset Pool The awards recognize the unparalleled excellence and commitment of Hideaway in delivering exceptional guest experiences. Hideaway is known as a top-notch family resort, and is one of the largest, most spacious resorts in the…

The Ministry of Economic Development has urged local businesses and vendors against inflating prices of onions in the Maldivian market since the country does not face challenges in importing the commodity from India. The ministry’s statement has come amid growing concerns by the public and reports of some local businesses hiking prices on onion, that initiated following news of Indian government’s decision to temporarily stop all exports of the commodity. Though Indian government’s decision to restrict onion exports, the ministry reports that the country has not taken any measures that would hold its exports of onion to the Maldives. “Through…

The parliament’s majority party has said its decision to remove Fushidhiggaru lagoon reclamation project from the 2024 State Budget was aimed at focusing the ongoing reclamation projects of Gulhifalhu and Giraavaru lagoon, and the Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) initiatives in the atolls. Both Giraavaru lagoon and Gulhifalhu commenced reclamation efforts during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration. The Ministry of Finance earlier proposed an allocation of MVR 400 million for Fushidhiggaru project, planned for 2024. The budget did not include how the new government would raise or secure this fund for the initiative. However, the reclamation project, part of…

The Maldives cabinet has decided to establish a Maldivian embassy in Turkey. During a press conference held at the President’s Office on Sunday evening, December 10, the Under Secretary of Public Policy Mohamed Firzul said that the decision to open an embassy in Turkey is part of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s discussions during his first official visit abroad to Turkey since his presidential inauguration. Firzul added that the embassy would be opened in the Turkish capital, Ankara. “In his decision to open an embassy in Turkey, [President Muizzu] has emphasized crucial factors. One of them is to further strengthen the…

The Bank of Ceylon (BOC) and Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) have successfully onboarded as the new participants of Favara – the Maldives Instant Payment System. The move aims on strengthening and expanding the digital payment system in the Maldives. This development follows completion of a rigorous pilot testing phase and the fulfillment of all necessary requirements by both BOC and MCB. The integration of these banks into the Favara platform aims to offer customers with fast, convenient, and secure payment services. Effective Monday, December 11, customers of both BOC and MCB Maldives can gain access to a comprehensive suite of…

The Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has assured there were no obstacles to import general goods to the Maldives. The minister said via X that the international countries with consistent trade ties with the Maldives, prioritizes their business transactions to the country. He further said the export policies and supply of perishables and foods from international destinations, is subject to regular revisions. “President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu prioritized establishing food security for Maldivians since the beginning of his campaign until official assumption of office. God willing, we will succeed in the efforts with a sustainable and comprehensive solution,”…

Ooredoo Maldives has reopened limited slots for its hotly anticipated “Fun Run” on December 22, 2023. Ooredoo Maldives said that it opened the opportunity with “limited slots” upon the request of enthusiastic participants in droves. With over 5,000 registrations already, the event welcomes participants of all ages, featuring “inflatable obstacles” and vibrant color events. Besides this, a drone race would is slated for the morning on the event day; in a move to set apart this year’s Fun Run. This is also the first time a drone race would be held in the Maldives so far. Fun Run kits are…

ADK Hospital hosted its 11th edition of Employee Performance Awards, held at Ghiyasuddin International School on December 8, Friday. More than 100 ADK Hospital employees were awarded for their contribution and performance from 10 distinct categories. The awards included Excellent Performer’s Award, High Performers with 100% Attendance, High Performer’s Award, and the Long Service Awards. Top Awards Categories Five Silver Performance Awards: with a cash reward of MVR 7,500 Five Gold Performance Awards: with a cash reward of MVR 10,000 Employee of The Award: cash prize of MVR 15,000 The top prize categories also included plaques and certificates for the…

The Parliament’s Budget Review Committee has approved an MVR 49.8 billion state budget for 2024, with the inclusion of an additional MVR 306 million. The committee members convened for a meeting Thursday, last week, where the budget was approved unanimously by all of its members. The Ministry of Finance at first proposed a budget of MVR 49.5 billion for the upcoming year. At the committee review phase, Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) observed the most notable revision; with its proposed allocation increased by an additional MVR 249 million, bringing the annual total from MVR 8.6 billion to MVR 8.9 billion.…