Author: Mohamed Reehaan

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Fliggy, one of China’s leading online travel platforms, to strengthen and amplify the Maldives’ destination presence in the Chinese market. China contributes a large share of annual tourist arrivals to the Maldives, with a little over 168,000 Chinese travelers already visiting the island nation this year. This year also marks the first time since 2019 that China has reclaimed its top source market spot after the country allowed outbound travel following the border closure amid 2020’s Covid pandemic. The new partnership agreement was signed…

The Bank of Maldives (BML) on Sunday reopened applications for ‘Bank Fund’, introduced to empower local NGOs to contribute to their communities through sustainable projects. The ‘Bank Fund’ is opened for registered NGOs, charity organizations and clubs. Applicants will be required to submit the application form and proposal via email at [email protected] before 16:00hrs on September 08, 2024. BML selects five projects in the areas of education, environment, sports, and community development every year and provide to select proposals funding of MVR 200,000 each.

The Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) has announced the Guesthouse Symposium 2024, slated on October 10 at Crossroads Maldives. The symposium will bring together guesthouse owners, industry stakeholders, and experts to talk on various topics, pivotal issues, and tourism trends to shape of crucial policies and insight to help with the development of the local tourism segment. MIB said the symposium will feature panel discussions with the participation of notable and affluent members of the Maldives tourism scene who will share their insights and experiences to form valuable information to assist in the growth of guesthouse operations. Participants will have networking…

Dhiraagu has handed over the prizes to the winners of their Independence Day social media contest. To celebrate the 59th Independence Day of the island nation, Dhiraagu launched a special social media contest aimed to “uplift the Independence Day spirit” within the community. Participants were offered the chance to take part in the contest by sharing their special Independence Day moments with the hashtag #Minivan26 on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Three lucky winners were chosen in the contest, who each won a Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instance Camera and an Instax Mini Instant Film pack. The winners are; Aminath Fazla…

The Male’ Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) and Norway’s Flocean have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to commence a feasibility study for the viability of a subsea reverse osmosis (RO) desalination system in the Maldives. MWSC Managing Director Abdul Matheen Mohamed and Flocean’s MD Alexander Fuglesang signed the agreement on behalf of their respective companies. Speaking about the feasibility study, MWSC stated the survey aims to collect technical data to assess the possibility of establishing a subsea desalination system in the Maldives, its projected environmental impact, and the financial projections of the project. Under the agreement, MWSC’s role will…

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is seeking interested parties for the development and operation of boutique hotels in Hulhumale’. To extend equal opportunity to all interested parties, HDC invites proponents to submit expression of interests (EOIs) for the development. Preferred business model for the project is lease model, said HDC, but added that the EOI submitted should not be limited to this model only but must clearly state benefits to both parties regardless of the proposed model. HDC announced that it would proceed with the EOI that best suits the corporation’s vision, strategic objectives and masterplan in case it receives…

The Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has said it will begin making weekly payment disbursements to fishers by the end of 2024. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had promised disbursement of payments to fishers within 48 hours. However, the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam said the government has not been able to deliver on this promise owing to economic constraints. A MIFCO spokesperson said on Thursday, while speaking with local media “Sun”, that after the company’s discussions with the Ministry of Fisheries, they are currently making disbursements every two weeks. The spokesperson also noted MIFCO’s goal is to…

Dhiraagu has signed as the digital partner of the Asian Surfing Championship Maldives 2024. This is the third time the Asian Surfing Championship is held in the Maldives and is organized by the Asian Surfing Federation (FSA) in collaboration with the Maldives Surfing Association (MSA). A total of 15 local surfers will go toe-to-toe with top athletes from the region in this international tournament. “We are excited to become the Digital Partner of the Asian Surfing Championship for the second consecutive year and help bring this esteemed international event to the Maldives,” said Masood Ali, Director, Customer Services and Regional…

The Controller General of Maldives Immigration, Mohamed Shamman Waheed, has announced that, effective August 15, 2024, all outbound travelers from the Maldives will not be required to fill the “Traveler Declaration” form. This streamlined approach is in line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s vision of enhancing travel experience and efficiency. Removal of this administrative step enhances smoother departure process, reduction of travel preparation time, and make the overall travel experience more convenient for all passengers. Frequent outbound travelers including entrepreneurs will now have easier and more seamless transition through the airport. The mandatory status of this declaration form has been…

The Maldives and United Arab Emirates (UAE) have discussed on enhancing cooperation in cyber security and data protection. On Wednesday, UAE’s Head of Cyber Security Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti paid a courtesy call on Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at the President’s Office. Speaking at the meeting, President Muizzu welcomed the UAE’s Head of Security to the Maldives and spoke on the long-standing friendly relations between both countries. President Muizzu expressed gratitude to the leadership and the UAE government for the assistance and opportunities granted to the Maldives over the years. Besides discussions on enhancing cooperation in cyber security and…