Author: Mohamed Reehaan

The Maldives has welcomed a little over 540,000 tourists as of March 19, 2025 which itself is indicative of a 4.8% increase compared to the same period last year. While the Ministry of Tourism may have had been ecstatic in sharing this statistical update that shows a notable growth in tourist arrivals on an annual basis for the current year, there may also be significant other cogs in the larger mechanism that is the Maldivian tourism industry – which may have been experiencing unbeknownst hindrances over the past year. The current government administration, that came to power in November 2023,…

A local media, in the local language, had an article dated on March 22, 2025 that said the Maldivian fresh produce market observed a steep decline of watermelon availability, surging the price on the commodity for the first time during this year’s Ramadan. Vendors report a kilogram of fresh watermelon was sold for MVR 30 currently, which an MVR 10 increment from the start of the Islamic holy month; a steep increment considering the strong demand. Vendors also highlight the relative disruption to the supply-demand chain as watermelon’s availability for sale has plummeted significantly. Alif Alif atoll Thoddhoo is the…

The Maldives Customs Service has reported a total import of MVR 4.4 billion (inclusive of fuel) in February 2025. Excluding fuel imports, the total imports were valued at MVR 3.6 billion for the review month. Total exports in the month stood at MVR 223 million. The authority had generated a revenue of MVR 363 million from import duties and other options, and registered an MVR 45 million in royalties. Major Importing Categories Food items (excluding pork, alcohol and tobacco): MVR 968 million Fuel (marine gas oil (diesel), petrol and aviation gas): MVR 762 million Machinery and mechanical appliance; electrical: MVR…

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa invites its guests to “embark on an unforgettable cultural journey” this Eid-ul-Fitr, that will blend rich traditions of the Maldives with vibrant Middle Eastern influences. The resort will transform into a lively celebration of music, dance, and culinary indulgence. The festivities will kick off at Melange Beach, where guests will gather for a grand Eid Dinner. The dinner will be presented in a vibrant market-style buffet. The evening come alive with Boduberu music, which would complement the Tanoura dance. The night will feature the “Holhuashi” experience, where guests can gather at a relaxed setting to hear captivating…

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has confirmed that the Maldives Zakat House collected MVR 7.6 million in Zakat payments during the first 20 days of Ramadan. Statistics from Maldives Zakat House shows Zakat-al-Fitr, paid both online and in person has reached a total of MVR 7,623,214. This is an increment compared to the same period in previous years. During the last third of the Islamic holy month, Zakat payments will be received every day except weekends from 11:00hrs until 14:00hrs. Other payment options include: Dhiraagu: Dhiraagu App and DhiraaguPay Ooredoo Maldives: mFaisaa Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB): Faisaa App Bank of…

Amilla Maldives has been awarded Highly Commended in the Most OutThere Initiative in Inclusive Travel category at the prestigious 2025 Experientialist Awards by OutThere. “Working towards accessibility for all is a journey we are honoured to be on. We are always learning, evolving our efforts for guests, and grateful for the people who share this vision with us,” said Narelle McDougall, the General Manager of Amilla Maldives. The resort property is IncluCare-certified, offering thoughtful accessibility features, personalized services, and continuous staff training to ensure every guest feels seen, heard, and valued. The Experientialist Awards celebrate travel brands making a meaningful…

Bank of Maldives (BML) on Monday inaugurated ATM services in seven islands of Haa Alif atoll, expanding ATM services across all inhabited islands of the atoll. BML placed ATMs at Utheemu, Thuraakunu, Uligan, Mulhadhoo, Maarandhoo, Thakandhoo, and Muraidhoo. Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim; Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed; BML CEO and Managing Director, Mohamed Shareef; and other seniors attended the inauguration event.

The Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) has introduced the ‘Roadha Catcher’ challenge for children who hold Bingaa accounts at the bank, According to the bank, the challenge aims to encourage children to participate in friendly competition during Ramadan as they observe sawm (fasting), and to ensure every day of the Islamic holy month is a productive day. Customers are required to log in to Bingaa portal to participate in the challenge, which would show daily challenges that need to be completed and updated. The dashboard will show the personal progress of the participants. MIB introduced Bingaa accounts specifically for children, with…

The Ministry of Tourism has revealed the total tourist arrivals so far has crossed above 549,000. With arrivals well above the half-million mark, tourist arrivals to the Maldives has observed a 4.8% increment compared to the same period last year when arrivals had stood at 524,340. Annual Tourist Arrivals Over the Years 2022: Annual total of 1,675,303 2023: Annual total of 1,878,543 2024: Annual total of 2,046,615 Although the United Kingdom (UK) took the top spot for the most number of tourist arrivals by nationality in February, the market has slipped to third spot as of the most recent review…

State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) has reported an annual profit of MVR 137.9 million for last year, overcoming its heavy loss in 2023. STELCO’s Managing Director, Hussain Fahmy shared a brief overview of the annual financial standing for the past seven years, starting from 2018. STELCO Financial Performance over the Years 2018: MVR 105 million [profit] 2019: MVR 109 million [profit] 2020: MVR 130 million [profit] 2021: MVR 104.7 million [profit] 2022: MVR 106.8 million [profit] 2023: MVR 171.9 million [loss] 2024: MVR 137.9 million [profit] According to the statistics, STELCO recorded its highest profit in the last seven years…