Author: Mohamed Reehaan

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) will waive rent for Hiyaa flats for the next two years to help tenants manage finishing costs. In a letter to flat owners, HDC said it will start applying the policy from Wednesday. First, the corporation will deduct any unpaid rent from the remaining balance of the MVR 200,000 finishing discount assigned to each unit. Then, if a tenant has no outstanding rent after that adjustment, HDC will pause the monthly rent charge of MVR 5,300 until the full discount amount runs out. As a result, tenants will not need to pay rent again until…

Qatar Airways will resume scheduled flights to the Maldives on April 8, according to Visit Maldives. The airline plans to operate five flights each week on the route. Earlier, Qatar Airways halted Maldives services after unrest in the Middle East triggered regional airspace closures. That disruption reduced transit options through Doha and created challenges for international travelers. Now, the airline aims to restore a key travel link for passengers from the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. As a result, the resumption should support smoother connections and strengthen the Maldives’ tourism and aviation sectors. Visit Maldives said the restart comes…

Bank of Maldives (BML) has approved the largest dividend payout in its history. At last night’s Annual General Meeting, shareholders greenlit a total dividend of MVR 322,915,200 for the 2025 financial year, at a rate of MVR 60 per share. The meeting also resolved to issue two bonus shares for every existing share held, adding further value for current shareholders. CEO and Managing Director Mohamed Shareef pointed directly to the bank’s financial strength as the driver behind the record distribution. “This is a testament to the strength of our business and the trust our customers place in us,” Shareef said.…

The Maldives has welcomed 601,707 tourists so far this year, according to figures released by the Ministry of Tourism. The tally marks a 6.5% increase over the same period last year. Air travel accounts for the overwhelming majority of arrivals at 595,405, with a further 6,302 arriving by sea. Monthly figures show strong momentum. January drew 227,403 visitors, followed by a busier February at 254,365. A further 119,939 tourists arrived in the first 23 days of this month alone. China leads all source markets with 90,189 arrivals. Russia ranks seconds at 72,934, followed by the United Kingdom at 56,593. Italy…

Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed says the government’s drive to broaden import sources for essential goods is producing results. He delivered the update at a press conference held at the President’s Office. The government has rolled out targeted measures to shield the Maldives from economic fallout stemming from the ongoing Middle East conflict. Direct cargo flights from the UAE have operated since March 4th, with volumes rising steadily. Sea freight imports, meanwhile, remains largely stable. The Minister confirmed active efforts to identify alternative suppliers beyond the country’s traditional import partners. Target markets include India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Beyond…

Hulhumalé’s first dedicated parking building broke grown today, with Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen laying the foundation stone. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu attended the ceremony, signaling the administration’s commitment to resolving the Greater Male’ Area’s growing parking problem. The Ministry of Transport and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) are jointly delivering the project under the Public Service Investment Program (PSIP). Batch Construction Private Limited won the contract for the project. The 13-storey structure will accommodate over 800 four-wheeled vehicles and more than 500 motorcycles. Construction begins immediately, with completion targeted within two years. The project is the…

The Bank of Maldives (BML) held its annual Staff Awards ceremony last night, recognizing outstanding employees across a wide range of categories. The event saw 38 awards presented to individuals and teams who delivered distinguished service throughout 2025. Misbah Abdul Rasheed, Head of Business Systems in the Technology Division, took home the night’s top honor: Employee of the Year. BML cited his exceptional skills and his contribution to the institution across 2025. The Leadership Excellence Award went to Yumna Naseem, Head of Property in the Properties and Administration Division. Five senior figures earned the CEO Award for Outstanding Achievement, reflecting…

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) now manages and maintains 704 social housing units in Hulhumalé Phase 1. HDC and the Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Infrastructure formalized the arrangement last Tuesday, signing an official transfer agreement. Under the agreement, HDC assumes full responsibility for renovation, upkeep, and general maintenance of the Phase 1 flats. Previously, the Ministry of Housing managing these units directly. Following the signing, HDC moved quickly as maintenance crews began practical work on the flats immediately. HDC has also notified residents of the change. “Effective immediately, all maintenance issues concerning the 704 housing units will be addressed…

Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib has declared that Vilimale’ will become a thriving hub of opportunities before President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s five-year term concludes. He made the statement at a foundation-laying ceremony last Thursday, marking the start of a 300-unit housing project that the Bank of Maldives will finance and construct on the island. At the ceremony, the Minister recalled President Muizzu’s visit to Vilimale’, where residents raised one concern above all others: a serious housing shortage affecting growing families. Residents also told the President directly about their struggle to repay home construction loans on a…

The government plans to begin handing over land plots in Giravaru Falhu within three weeks. Minister of Construction Dr. Abdulla Muththalib confirmed the target publicly. He stressed that the administration treats the handover as an immediate priority following the conclusion of land reclamation works. Reclamation of Giravaru Falhu began in late January. The project has since advanced at a rapid pace. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu personally inspected the site today, accompanied by Minister Muththalib. The visit signals the administration’s commitment to delivering results quickly. However, the project has faced planning challenges. When the current administration took office, authorities had already…