Author: Mohamed Reehaan
The Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has begun seeking an agency to recruit expatriate crew members for its fishing vessels. According to MIFCO, it was seeking foreign workers specifically from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Indonesia to work on the vessels. The corporation invited interested recruitment agencies to submit the relevant application on Thursday, last week. MIFCO’s announcement seeking expats followed is recent acquisition of a new fishing vessel named ‘Jazeera 103’ which was added to the fleet two weeks before. The fisheries corporation said it was seeking foreign crew members due to difficulty in recruiting locals for the vessels.
The Auditor General’s Office report has revealed that the Maldives government paid Indian firm Noor Islamic International Private Limited (NII) a total of MVR 29 million (USD 1.8 million) after the agreement with the company was terminated by the state. NII was contracted to manage HDh. Kulhudhuffushi’s regional hospital during former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration in 2017. The company was contracted to manage Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital (KRH) for a period of 50 years. The AGO’s report detailing the bills NII had sent while managing the hospital showed that the current President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih led administration terminated the contract on…
The Maldives State Shipping (MSS), a state-owned enterprise created to conduct nationwide shipping and logistical operations, has facilitated transport of goods from any destination. Speaking with PSM News of the Public Service Media, the Executive Director of MSS Mohamed Nazim claimed that businesses can now request to bring their goods from any destination, adding that the enterprise has begun handling shipments via freight forwarding from countries that do not possess MSS containers. MSS regularly transport goods from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Kuwait, Indonesia, and China. According to Nazim, MSS currently handles between 50% to 60% of…
The Maldives government has temporarily halted leasing of any uninhabited islands in the country. The Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources, and Agriculture, tasked with approving lease applications of uninhabited islands, said that the decision was made to implement amendments to the lease regulations. Back in November 2022, the Maldives Parliament passed the amendment bill to the Regulation on Uninhabited Islands of the Maldives with 53 yes votes. The amendment bill aimed at improving the existing regulations which conflict with the amendments of the Decentralization Act. The bill proposed to amend 13 articles and grant local councils with discretion to lease…
The Bank of Maldives (BML) on Wednesday, 12th April, announced a new promotion for its Mastercard cardholders. Under the promotion, BML is offering an all-inclusive trip for two to watch the UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul, Turkey. Customers using Mastercard for local and international transactions from 12th April to 09th May 2023 will be eligible to win. BML is a principal member of Mastercard in the Maldives and issues Mastercard debit, credit and prepaid cards. Mastercard is the official sponsor of the UEFA Champions League.
The Shapoorji Pallonji Group, controlled by billionaire Shapoor Mistry, is weighing its asset sales including a controlling stake in its flagship engineering firm that could raise USD2 billion. The company is reportedly acquiring advisor support to seek a buyer for its holdings in Afcons Infrastructure Ltd; a Mumbai-based infrastructure company. According to inside sources, the group is looking to sell some ports. Though not disclosed in full details, the Gopalpur Port on the east coast of India could be among the assets SP Group is looking to sell. Considerations are still at an early stage and SP Group may decide…
Atmosphere Core, a new identity for the registered Atmosphere Core Private Limited, has unveiled its third brand – the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts. Shifting from its actual company name, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts will pave way for “refreshingly different destinations in South Asia” all the while the company blends its footprint in the Maldives, said the company. Considered among one of the fastest growing hospitality companies in South Asia, Atmosphere Core capitalizes on its “experience to stay ahead of competition through and innovative approach.” The hotelier brand already runs notable properties in the Maldives under three of its distinct brands…
Maagiri Hotel celebrates its fifth anniversary on Wednesday, 12th April. The city hotel, regarded one of the best in the tourism segment, is celebrating half-decade of prestigious hospitality service in Male’ City that is second to none. Maagiri Hotel makes the most out of its premier location, situated right in front of Hulhumale’ Ferry terminal, with enhanced easy access for transit or island-hopping tourists from Velana International Airport (VIA). A top-tier city hotel with its two restaurants and a cafe becoming increasingly popular among locals as well, Maagiri Hotel continues to redefine hospitality for a tourism niche that is still…
Avas Ride, the Maldivian equivalent to Uber and the only prominent ride-booking/ride-sharing service in the country, launched a promotional campaign specifically focused on taxi drivers. Under the promotion, drivers can register at any Avas Ride tax center and receive three months of free access to the center. “We recognize that taxi drivers face various challenges in their line of work, and we are eager to support them in any way we can,” a spokesperson from Avas Ride said. Free access to the Avas Ride application will allow drivers access to the country’s most extensive taxi fleet, and help them maximize…
Urbanco on Tuesday, 11th April has signed with International Chain Maldives (ICMPL) for the development of a new and large-scale mosque establishment in Hulhumale’ Phase II. Under the agreement, ICMPL will be developed an 11,643.74 square-feet mosque on Hulhumale’ Phase II Lot Number 20243. The mosque will be developed up to three storeys, and will accommodate 521 total prayers in a congregation. Urbanco’s Managing Director Ahmed Athif signed the agreement on behalf of main enterprise responsible for the urbanization of Hulhumale’ while ICMPL’s Managing Director Mohamed Fayaz signed on behalf of the contractor. Urbanco has contracted for the development of…