Author: Mohamed Reehaan

The Maldives has welcomed a little shy of one million tourists as of May 25, 2025, reports the Ministry of Tourism. According to the ministry’s statistics, Maldives has welcomed a total of 942,427 tourists as of the review date, which is an 8.0% increase compared to the same period last year. Total arrivals last year by the same date reached 872,228. Last year, the country welcomed a total of 2,046,615 tourists; marking it the highest annual arrival recorded for the country ever. This year, the government aims to surpass this figure. As for tourist arrivals from the top source markets,…

The State Trading Organization (STO), at its Annual General Meeting 2024 held on Saturday evening, announced a dividend payout of MVR 80 per share; maintaining the same payout as the year before. STO held its Annual General Meeting 2024 at Barcelo Nasandhura on Saturday evening, which was attended by 229 shareholders; 162 shareholders and 67 proxies. The company reported a gross profit of MVR 583 million in the first quarter this year, which is a decline from the MVR 617 million in the corresponding quarter last year. STO said this decline is strongly attributed to the drop in fuel retail…

The cumulative state expenditure has observed notable decline in the first four months of 2025, reports the Ministry of Finance. In its Weekly Fiscal Developments, dated May 1, 2025, the most noticeable element was the comparative decline in the state’s expenditure – which key local outlets had analyzed to varying effects as well. The most significant change in terms of how the Maldives government has concentrated its funds so far this year is the meticulous resource allocation for capital expenses; due to which the total spending in cumulative terms under the category has observed significant decline; dropping to MVR 908.0…

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdulla Khaleel has met with Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on strengthening the bilateral ties between the Maldives and Kuwait. The meeting was held during Minister Khaleel’s ongoing official visit to Kuwait. During the meeting, the two ministers engaged in extensive discussions on advancing the Maldives-Kuwait relationship, which will be marking 48 years since establishment. The ministers affirmed their commitment to further strengthening the bilateral cooperation in key areas including tourism, trade and investment, renewable energy, health, aviation, and people-to-people exchanges. Minister Khaleel had expressed his admiration for the deep-rooted brotherly…

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has begun direct transfers to Kudagiri Picnic Island. The Kudagiri Picnic Island was developed by the government to provide a designated picnic destination for the people living in Greater Male’ and surrounding areas. MTCC said ferries for Kudagiri now be booked via the company’s website. MTCC has begun its transfers to Kudagiri with a ferry of 140-passenger capacity, and will operate six trips per each day on Fridays and Saturdays every week. The company added it will begin direct transfers between the picnic island and Hulhumale’ in the future. The trips cost MVR 50…

Ooredoo Nation Gamers’ Land Inter Resort E-Sports Championship 2025 has concluded. Ooredoo Maldives reports participation of 16 teams from 10 Maldivian resorts in the first-ever e-sports tournament of its kind. The teams contended one another for the top spot in two popular mobile phone games; Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and PUBG Mobile. The tournament was well received by participants, added Ooredoo Maldives. Winners of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournament are: Champions: JOALI Being (team 2) First Runner-up: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Second Runner-up: JOALI Being (team 1) Winners of the PUBG Mobile tournament are: Champions: Holiday Inn Kandooma Maldives First…

Grant assistance the Maldives government received so far in 2025 has observed a staggering 63% decline, reports the Ministry of Finance. The ministry reported this decline in its latest statistics related to the cumulative state revenues and expenditure, published on Wednesday accounting for the period January 1, 2025 to May 1, 2025. The statistics showed that the state has earned MVR 13.5 billion in revenues inclusive of grants for the review period, which is a 3.47% increment compared to the same period last year during which the revenues (inclusive of grants) stood at MVR 13.1 billion. The Maldives government is…

The Minister of Higher Education Dr. Ali Haidar has met with Maldivian student pilots in Spain under the government loan scheme. The minister, via a post on X on Thursday, May 8, said that he listened thoroughly to the concerns and requests the students made during an online meeting held on Wednesday. Haidar said that he assured the students that the ministry will undertake efforts to provide an acceptable solution to some of the major concerns the students raised. Earlier on February 22, student pilots in Spain had sent a letter addressed to the Ministry of Higher Education, addressing their…

Kaani Hotels & Resorts on Sunday, May 4, 2025 announced that two of its properties – Kaani Palm Beach and Kaani Grand Seaview – have been conferred with TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025 accolades. This recognition places both properties among the top 10% of the accommodations worldwide that go on to achieve the coveted Travellers’ Choice Awards of the globally renowned travel-rating agency. While Kaani Grand Seaview – staying true to its title provide an unrivalled view of the Indian Ocean vista – offers guests the perfect blend of Maldivian hospitality and modern comfort, the Kaani Palm Beach is suitable…

The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) on Monday announced it introduced a new bus route, specifically aimed at enhancing accessibility for thalassaemia patients. The new bus route, ‘R15’, which is a modification of the ‘R5′ bus route traveling between Male’, Hulhumale’ Phase I and Phase II. While the ‘R5′ was specific in lifting passengers between the two Hulhumale’ phases and Male’ City in its designated route, the bus had not designated stop at ‘Orange Hiyaa’ where thalassaemia patients go to acquire services. The new ‘R15’ adds a stop near Orange Hiyaa ensuring thalassaemia patients can easily reach the facility…