Author: Mohamed Reehaan
The multi-award-winning sanctuary Vakkaru Maldives has been crowned the ‘World’s Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort 2023’ at the prestigious 30th Annual World Travel Awards. This win also marks the four consecutive year the property has bagged the accolade. Vakkaru Maldives said that this significant accolade reflects the resort’s dedication “to crafting bespoke, unforgettable experiences” for guests. Set in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort offers an exquisite blend of natural beauty, sophisticated elegance, and personalized service. “Receiving this award for the fourth consecutive year is an honor and a reminder of our commitment to providing exceptional experiences,” said Iain…
Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced the government’s decision to allow in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment under Aasandha coverage. Aasandha is the national health insurance scheme launched by the Maldivian government to facilitate affordable access to health services and medicine by the public. Speaking at Tuesday’s press conference, December 5, President Muizzu said that the cabinet has decided to amend the relevant rules and regulations to allow IVF treatment to be covered under Aasandha. He added that the government will develop the fertility center at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), and open a USD 1.9 million fund for reproductive health.…
Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced his decision to convert Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO) into a 100% state-owned enterprise. The announcement was made during a press conference held following the recent cabinet meeting. During the presser, President Dr. Muizzu shared important decisions taken by the cabinet. While highlighting the element in his manifesto to boost the fisheries sector, President Muizzu emphasized the transformation of MIFCO into a fully government-owned entity. In line with this commitment, the cabinet resolved to terminate its status as a subsidiary of State Trading Organization (STO). The strategic move is focused towards bolstering…
Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has reiterated the government’s commitment to fulfilling its pledge of reducing the rent of Hiyaa social housing flats. In line with this commitment, and the affirmation of this decision after a recent cabinet meeting, President Muizzu on Tuesday, December 5, announced a reduction in rents and assured tenants the government would cover the costs incurred for the completion or finishing works of the units. As such, President has declared that the rent will be reduced by MVR 200,000 for each unit. In addition to this, President announced price adjustments for Hiyaa Flats, Vinares Flats, and…
Anantara Kihavah Maldives, known for its pushing the boundaries in unique dining experiences, has taken the epicurean adventures to a new level – under water! The resort announces the first-ever truly immersive dining under water in the Maldives, the new 3D sensory dining event, which will “take a strictly limited number of diners” beneath the waters of the Indian Ocean, at the resort’s award-winning SEA Underwater Restaurant. Guests are treated to a unique, and truly otherworldly dining experience as they observe sharks, turtles, and tropical fish swimming by the glass windows as they savor the rich flavors offered at the…
The Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Ali Haidar said the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) would be granted full access to the landlord portal (Gedhoruveriya) within a week. This move aims to facilitate the ongoing investigation of issues related to the list of 4,000 flat recipients announced by the outgoing government, led by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The minister also informed the Parliamentary Petitions Committee that the issue regarding the list of flats announced by the previous administration was on hold at the ministry while ACC was conducting the investigation. Minister Haidar said that the list would be handled based…
Japanese architect Shigeru Ban has designed Infinite Maldives, a “resort residence” in the Maldives featuring gardens and rows of houses on the water made from timber and locally sourced materials. The five-hectare resort will be located within the Male’ Atoll, and is designed to “embrace the Maldivian vernacular” according to Shigeru Ban Architects. The property will feature 44 villas set on beach and over water, connected by a long wooden boardwalk. The houses will surround four gardens by landscape artist Michael Desvigne. Ban designed the Infinite Maldives resort to blend in with the surrounding Indian Ocean. The digital renders show…
Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has announced it was considering to relocate Male’ Commercial Harbor to Thilafushi, as per the original plan, instead of Gulhifalhu. The commercial harbor’s relocation into the industrial island, or away from Male’ City have been initiatives of the previous two governments, which however did not materialize into any tangible progress. In 2013, the government at the time made the decision to relocate the harbor to Thilafushi, the main industrial island in the region. The succeeding government however, altered the plan and decided to shift the harbor to Gulhifalhu for which reclamation of 192 hectares of land…
The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy has awarded Hakathari Labels to the State Trading Organization (STO), endorsing a total of 15 refrigerator models and additional 4 conditioner models. The recent development falls under the comprehensive Hakathari program, an initiative by the ministry ensuring electrical appliances introduced to the Maldivian market to adhere essential energy efficiency standards. Besides this, the program empowers consumers by providing clear indicators of energy efficiency levels of household appliances. Hakathari program encompasses a wide array of electrical appliances that include air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines. As of now, 14 air conditioner models and…
The Controller General of Immigration Mohamed Sham’aan Waheed has decided to facilitate issuance of passports from Maldivian cities, in an effort to expedite the process. The decision aligns with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s policy on expediting government services to the public, and integrate modern technology and assets in providing the services. With this decision, passports to locals would now be issued from the four cities outside of Male’ region, that are; Addu City Kulhudhuffushi City Fuvahmulah City Thinadhoo City Following this decision, passports would be delivered four times per week to Addu City, and twice to the remaining three cities.…