Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 207

Discover latest updates of the Government

Author

The President's Office
January 06, 2025

Date: January 6, 2025 | Issue 207

President announces second wide-body aircraft to fly next October

 President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced on Monday that a second wide-body aircraft would commence operations next October. He made these remarks while speaking at the inauguration of wide-body aircraft operations and Airbus A330-200.

The President described the realisation of his vision for the development of the Maldives, as outlined during his Presidential campaign, highlighting the introduction of a wide-body Airbus A330-200 operated by Maldivians as merely the beginning.

The President stated that the progress achieved through the addition of destinations to the flag carrier airline of the Maldives, Maldivian, with the introduction of the wide-body aircraft operations would significantly contribute to efforts underway to enhance the Maldivian economy. Emphasising the critical importance of retaining control over the aviation sector, the President asserted that this strategy would boost progress for both tourism and aviation sectors. He added that this year, both Island Aviation Services (IAS) and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) would overcome numerous challenges in a short timespan to achieve significant progress.

The President proclaimed the year ahead as one brimming with developmental potential, assuring that the public would witness significant economic, social, and infrastructure progress in the coming days. He emphasised that the Administration is committed to achieving a comprehensive development approach that simultaneously ensures stability, independence, and sovereignty.

The President, upon consultation with his Cabinet, decided to introduce wide-body aircrafts to the national carrier, Maldivian, on December 17, 2023, as part of efforts to boost tourism by enabling direct flights from major destinations. The introduction of wide-body aircraft operations to the Maldives is a Presidential pledge. 

 SOURCE : The President’s Office

Maldives Adds Over 1,500 Tourism Beds in 2024

 Ministry of Tourism statistics have revealed that over 1,500 new beds were added to Maldives’ tourism bed capacity last year.

According to figures, the total bed capacity of Maldives tourism stood at 61,650 by the end of 2023. However, the figure had reached 63,248 by the end of 2023, marking an increase of 1,598 beds in just 12 months.

Guesthouses were the greatest movers during the year, moving up from 13,657 beds in 2023 to 15,621 by the end of 2024. The total bed capacity of 63,348 is spread across 1,271 registered tourism establishments including resorts, guesthouses, tourist hotels and safari vessels.

 They include: 

• 42,547 beds from 172 resorts

• 15,621 beds from 929 guesthouses

• 3,052 beds from 155 safaris

• 2,028 beds from 15 hotels

The world renowned tourist destination has witnessed the highest number of tourist arrivals in a single year in its 52 year tourism history. According to tourism figures, a total of 2,047,435 tourists had holidayed in the Maldives in 2024. This is a nine percent increase from the 1,878,543 tourists from 2023.

This marks the first time Maldives has welcomed two million tourists to its shores in a calendar year.

The Government aims to improve tourism occupancy and bring in 15 per cent more tourists this year than last year, while boosting tourism revenue to USD 5 billion.

 SOURCE : PSM

President departs on official trip to Kaafu Atoll Gulhi Island

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday departed on an official day-visit to Kaafu Atoll’s Gulhi Island.

This visit marks the President’s first island visit of the year as part of his ongoing programme of visiting all the atolls, which he initiated in 2024. Through this programme, he aims to engage in discussions with local councils across the atolls, islands, and cities. During his visits, the President consults with the island residents, enquires about their wellbeing and aspirations, and discusses the prioritisation of development projects.

During this visit, the President will engage with the island community, the Island Council, and the Women’s Development Committee (WDC) to address important developmental priorities of Gulhi Island.

The President is accompanied by a high-level government delegation during this tour.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

The High Commissioner of India presents credentials to the President 

The High Commissioner of the Republic of India to the Republic of the Maldives, His Excellency G. Balasubramanian, presented his Letters of Credence to the President, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu, at a ceremony held on Monday morning at the President’s Office. 

The High Commissioner was escorted to the President’s Office from Republic Square in a cultural procession called ‘Haiykolhu,’ accompanied by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Drum and Trumpet Band. 

The High Commissioner presented his Letters of Credence to the President, who accepted it and welcomed him as the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives. 

During the meeting, the Indian High Commissioner conveyed greetings from the Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Narendra Modi, and the External Affairs Minister of India, His Excellency Dr S. Jaishankar. The President and the High Commissioner discussed enhancing development cooperation, ongoing projects by the Indian government in the Maldives, increasing investments across multiple sectors, and strengthening people-to-people connections. 

The President and the Indian High Commissioner concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to continued partnership and cooperation between the two countries.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

President meets K Gulhi Council, WDC Committee members, discusses development initiatives for the island

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with members of K Gulhi Island Council and the Women’s Development Committee (WDC) to discuss key issues related to the island’s development.

The meeting took place, Sunday afternoon, at the Secretariat of the K Gulhi Council. Councilors noted the shortage of space at the premises and expressed gratitude to President Dr Muizzu for the assurance that new office premises would be built.

Shedding light on grievances as prioritised by residents, councilors highlighted the land shortage and requested for the speedy implementation of land reclamation efforts. Referring to the growing presence of tourism related businesses in the community and the subsequent influx and outflow of marine traffic, councilors stressed on the need for harbour expansion. The island leadership also highlighted the need to enhance manpower and expand laboratory services at the Health Centre.

The issue of land shortage and budgetary constraints were echoed by the WDC as well.

Addressing the leadership, the President assured that the concerns raised would be addressed.

Cabinet Ministers accompanying the President provided updates on ongoing development projects in Gulhi.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

2024: Maldives Moves Closer to Sustainable Energy, Environment, Waste Management

The Government, launched several initiatives for renewable energy and sustainable waste management in 2024, in a bid to preserve Maldives’ fragile environment and ecosystem.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s Administration had announced bold yet long overdue plans to address the issues, launching several key initiatives last year. In the beginning of 2024, the total installed capacity of renewable energy was 53 Megawatts which amounted to just four per cent of energy consumption in the island nation.

However, this Administration has aimed to turn that figure to 33 per cent over the course of the next five years. Under these plans the government has managed to add 15 Megawatts of renewable energy taking the total up to 68 per cent in 2024.

The introduction of digital smart meters in Kudahuvadhoo, Dhaalu Atoll by State utility provider Fenaka Corporation Limited last year, was a milestone achievement in the plan to revamp the country’s energy sector. This marks the first time a whole island has been converted to smart meters.

The Government also kickstarted efforts to establish three regional waste management centers as part of its efforts to solve the waste management issue plaguing the country. In 2024, wide ranging equipment and resources have been provided to the islands for local waste management.

In addition, a major national waste management initiative dubbed “Magey Saafu Raajje” has been formulated and launched in 2024. Under the project, landfills have been constructed in 17 islands with their management handed over to the respective island councils.

The operation of the waste transfer stations established by the Ministry of Environment and Energy in the capital Male’ and suburb Villingili 

have been handed over to Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO), aimed at streamlining waste management in the capital region.

When this Government took office, water supply systems were installed in 92 islands in the country. However, according to the Ministry, 33 more islands have been added to the list during the short span of the current Administration.

The year 2024 also saw major strides taken towards ensuring the country’s environmental protection and sustainability. A total of 63,401 hectares have been protected in 93 areas to date, to complement the Government’s plan establish three biosphere reserves within five years.

Planting five million trees in the Maldives within five years also remains a key pledge of President Dr Muizzu. Under the ambitious project, 450,936 trees have been planted by the end of 2024, while over 70 pledges from various parties have been made to plant 4,219,456 more trees.

Lightning detection networks have been established in three regions of the country, 12 out of 26 damaged automatic weather stations have been repaired and the radar at the airport island Hulhule’ has been repaired and an additional radar has been installed at Gan in Addu City. These initiatives are part of a wider plan to combat climate change and disaster risk mitigation.

During the High Level Week of the 79th General Assembly of the United Nation, the Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim had hosed special side event dubbed the “Maldives Story.” Speaking at the event, the President highlighted that Maldives’ renewable energy generation capacity has been increased from 53 Megawatts to 68 Megawatts in the past year. He also highlighted the opportunities for investment in renewable energy under the Special Economic Zones Act.

Overall, President Dr Muizzu’s Administration has launched several key initiatives aimed at mitigating environment and climate risks faced by the country through sustainable and environment friendly waste management and sewerage systems.

SOURCE : PSM

The High Commissioner of Pakistan presents credentials to the President 

The High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Maldives, His Excellency Vice Admiral (Retd) Faisal Rasul Lodhi presented his Letters of Credence to the President, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu, at a ceremony held this morning at the President’s Office.

The High Commissioner was escorted to the President’s Office from the Republic Square in a cultural procession called “Haiykolhu” with the MNDF Drum and Trumpet Band.

The High Commissioner presented his Letters of Credence to the President, who accepted it and welcomed him as the High Commissioner of Pakistan to the Maldives.

Following the presentation, the President and the High Commissioner discussed enhancing bilateral relations and collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including climate change, health, tourism and trade. The High Commissioner also praised President Dr Muizzu and the Maldives for the strong support for the people of Palestine. 

SOURCE : The President’s Office

President attends signing ceremony for development of K. Gulhifalhu roads and municipal infrastructure

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu attended the signing ceremony for an agreement to award the construction of roads and municipal infrastructure of K. Gulhifalhu. The ceremony was held on Monday morning at the President’s Office.

This event follows the State Visit the President undertook to China and is one of the agreements signed by the two nations.

Under the agreement signed on Monday, Chinese contractors will create electricity, water and sewerage network systems, as well as dewatering systems, construct state of the art roads, create gigabit ethernet passive optical network (PGON) duct systems and gas storage distribution centres.

The Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, Dr Abdulla Muththalib, signed the agreement on behalf of the Maldivian Government. China Machinery Engineering Corporation’s Regional General Manager Mr. Qian Haojun signed the agreement on behalf of the Chinese government.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, Dr Abdulla Muththalib stated that this agreement was part of the President’s aims to redress the issues of housing and homeownership in the country. He added that the Administration prioritises development of all regions of the country.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

President Dr Muizzu amends procedures on Hajj to alleviate wait times for persons wishing to make Hajj pilgrimage

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has amended the regulations under which Maldivians can attend the Hajj pilgrimage registered under and paid to the Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited. Presently, the registration queue for Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited is extensive.

This decision followed discussions on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs during Sunday’s Cabinet meeting and the amendments will be in effect from this year onward.

As such, the following changes will take effect, dependent on when the dues are paid. With the new changes, priority will be given to the following:

1. Persons seeking to attend Hajj for the first time

2. Reserving a percentage of the allotted quota to individuals over the age of 65 and who are yet to perform Hajj

3. Permitting the inclusion of a caretaker to those individuals over the age of 75 and considering their health status. In this case, preference would be given to a family member of the individual (if selected in the Corporation’s list) who is also to perform Hajj for the first time. In the event this criterion is not met, then a caretaker who had previously performed Hajj would be permitted to accompany the individual. (Note: the individual’s health status would be determined by a physician appointed by the Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited)

4. An individual who had previously performed Hajj will only be permitted to perform the Hajj under the Corporation’s care, after a period of five years

5. Staff of the Maldives Hajj Corporation would be exempt from the above criteria

The Government has been in discussions with the authorities to increase the quota allotted to the Maldives, to alleviate the wait times, improve the quality of service, and increase the general public’s confidence in the quality of service provided by Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

President reassures the completion of land reclamation in Gulhi Island

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday reassured the residents of the completion of land reclamation in Gulhi Island highlighting that the land reclamation project would not come to a standstill before the bund wall and reclamation efforts are fully completed. The President reassured the resident’s during his address to the residents of Gulhi Island while meeting with the residential community during his visit to the island today.

Reassuring the realisation of the people’s aspirations regarding the land reclamation project, the President detailed that the signing of the project took place in the last days of the previous administration; however, funds had not been earmarked in the budget then. He emphasised that, despite this setback, a team from the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) is actively working on the project. The President highlighted that this demonstrates the current Administration’s commitment to realising the people’s aspirations, in contrast to previous administrations. He added that the project would continue in line with the plans of the council.

Addressing the issue of space constraints at the harbour, the President stated that the Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Infrastructure, along with the Gulhi Island Council, would decide whether a new harbour needs to be constructed or if development can take place at the existing harbour. He said that the decision would prioritise the most beneficial solution, with significant consideration given to the economic benefits for the island. The President highlighted that the Administration is seeking technical advice for a solution through the ongoing harbour channel project, adding that any feasible solution identified through the project would be considered. The President emphasised that resolving space constraints at the harbour is tied to the development of Gulhi Island.

Speaking of the issue of land allotted for tourism purposes that does not benefit the island, the President stated that, after studying the matter, if the Attorney General, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Island Council determine that terminating the agreement is in the island’s best interest, the Administration would facilitate this process.

Speaking further, the President stated that the resumption of stalled projects in the education sector and capacity-building efforts for the health sector of the island would be prioritised within this year’s government budget. He also pledged to resolve the issue of space constraints at the island mosque and address the island’s waste management problem.

The President’s visit to Gulhi Island marks his maiden trip to the islands this year as part of his ongoing programme of visiting all the atolls of the nation, which he initiated in 2024, aiming to engage in discussions with local councils across the atolls, islands, and cities.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Press Release: China-Maldives FTA enters into force on 1st January 2025.

The Government of the Republic of Maldives and the People’s Republic of China jointly hosted a ceremony today to announce the entry into force of the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (CMFTA) effective 1 January 2025, marking a historic milestone in the bilateral economic relations between the two countries.

The ceremony was jointly presided over by His Excellency, Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Economic Development and Trade, and His Excellency, Wang Wentao, Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China. Both Ministers highlighted the importance of the historic occasion and the wider benefits of the FTA to both nations.

The entry into force of the CMFTA demonstrates the close bilateral commercial relations between the two countries, built on the noble foundations of mutual respect and peaceful co-existence and is the culmination of the dialogue on deeper commercial relations, initiated during President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to the Maldives in 2014.

The close ties between the two nations were further solidified, following President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s official visit to China in January 2024. It was during this visit that the diplomatic relations between the two countries were further elevated to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. The speedy entry into force of the CMFTA followed the visit of President Dr Muizzu’s January 2024 visit to China demonstrates the President’s vision for freer trade and his strong commitment to deepening commercial relations with strategic partners and key markets.

The CMFTA aims to enhance trade volumes, increase exports, increase productive capacity, reduce trade barriers, and create new opportunities for businesses in both Maldives and China. Under the CMFTA, both nations will benefit from reduced tariffs and improved market access commitments. Key provisions of the Agreement encompass trade in goods, trade in services, investment protection and facilitation, and deeper economic and technical cooperation.

Maldivian exporters, particularly in the fisheries sector, will gain duty-free access for all fisheries and seafood exports to the large Chinese consumer market, from the day the CMFTA enters into force. Furthermore, service providers in both countries will have new opportunities to provide cross-border services and set up commercial operations in agreed service sector industries. Additionally, consumers and traders in Maldives will enjoy access to a broader range of Chinese products at competitive prices, leading to greater choice for Maldivian consumers and businesses.

Maldives and China have maintained robust economic relations over the years, and the activation of this CMFTA marks a new chapter in the bilateral relationship, paving the way for increased economic collaboration, investment, and mutual prosperity.

SOURCE : Ministry of Economic Development and Trade

President arrives in Male’ after conclusion of visit to Gulhi Island

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has arrived in Male’, concluding his visit to Malé Atoll Gulhi Island.

During the visit, the President met with the island community, the Island Council, and the Women’s Development Committee (WDC) and discussed the key developmental priorities for Gulhi Island and enquired about their concerns and needs.

Speaking at the community meeting, the President highlighted significant needs for development of the Island and assured residents that efforts would be made to find prompt solutions to concerns raised by the community.

This visit marked the President’s first island visit of the year, continuing his initiative from 2024 to engage with local councils across the atolls, islands, and cities.

During the visit to Gulhi Island, the President was accompanied by a high-level Government delegation.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

NDMA to Equip Islands for Disaster Recovery Over Next Four Years

Chief Executive Officer of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Hisan Hassan has said islands yet to receive the necessary equipment and resources for disaster recovery and response operations will be equipped over the next four years.

One of the primary mandates of the NDMA is to build resilient communities and enhance their capacity to withstand both natural and man-made disasters. Citing this mandate in an interview with the ‘Raajje Miadhu’ programme of PSM News, Hassan explained that the NDMA is actively conducting disaster risk reduction programmes and forming emergency response teams on the outer islands. These initiatives are of paramount importance to the NDMA, he added.

Hassan underscored the importance of identifying potential disasters, such as tidal surges and flooding, and implementing precautionary measures. According to him, NDMA has launched a comprehensive programme to provide water pumps to islands, aiming to bolster local council and community-level responses to flooding-related disasters. Islands lacking pumps and other essential disaster recovery and response equipment would receive the necessary resources within the next four years, he assured.

NDMA to Equip Islands for Disaster Recovery Over Next Four Years

“The objective is to ensure that the response teams established on the islands can promptly attend to disaster scenes and initiate risk reduction efforts before national teams are deployed, thereby mitigating potential damage,” Hassan stated.

Hassan also observed that awareness of disaster risk reduction has been on the rise in the outer islands. Several islands have approached the NDMA for assistance in developing disaster risk reduction plans and seeking technical expertise, he said.

He reassured that the NDMA’s top priority is to minimise property damage during disasters and save lives. As part of an agreement with the Japanese government, according to Hassan, the NDMA is coordinating the donation of firefighting equipment to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue Service. He added that the first shipment of this equipment, including four fire trucks and 40 pumps, is expected to arrive in the Maldives in September this year.

SOURCE : PSM

2025 to be the year with the most housing construction projects implemented within a single year: The President

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that 2025 will be the year with the most housing construction programmes implemented within a single year.

The President made this statement whilst speaking at a meeting with residents of Gulhi during Sunday’s visit to the island.

Citing that 2025 will be the “year of homeownership”, the President said that the Administration will be seeking out contractors for the housing development projects that will be carried out across the nation, other than those for Male’ region. As such, based on the rate of project assignment, this year will be the one year in which the most housing construction programmes are implemented.

This, he said, will continue in the coming years even in islands where land has been reclaimed and space has been increased. The President further noted that projects in the greater Male’ region will also go ahead as announced.

The President added that Rasmale’, located near Gulhi lagoon, is one of the largest housing projects of the Administration. He said that with the grace of Almighty Allah, the project would offer the most comprehensive solution to the issue of housing in one region. He added that the reclamation of Rasmale’ was proceeding as planned, with the project to be expedited in collaboration with other partners. Once completed, he said, the project will yield multiple benefits to the nation and region.

Addressing the residents of Gulhi, the President said that this year priority and emphasis would be on projects that enhance development and financial well being of the citizens. This, he added, should be the core aspiration going ahead.

The President acquiesced that while the previous year had been successful, there were limitations on the success, primarily due to financial constraints of an inherited economy. Despite this, he added that the Administration had been successful in consolidating and strengthening the economy.

The President reaffirmed that Administration would, in the first two months of the year, seek to honour payments from various Government agencies, state owned enterprises and other agencies.

He said that while the most important thing for him is to find permanent solutions to the well-being of the people and the problems faced by the people, it is also from this perspective that development is also taken care of. The President said that the development has been completely infrastructural or visible, but his aim is to bring about a holistic development, including ideological and spiritual development, along with infrastructure development.

The President concluded his address by urging all to unity and the betterment of the whole society.

SOURCE : The President’s Office