Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 249

Discover latest updates of the Government

Author

The President's Office
March 05, 2025

Date: March 5, 2025 | Issue 249

President officiates groundbreaking ceremony for “Masjid Unmul’mu’minin Aisha R.A.”

 President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for “Masjid Unmul’mu’minin Aisha R.A.”. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new mosque, located on the same place as the temporary mosque in Hulhumale’ phase one, was held Wednesday afternoon.

The mosque is an initiative of Medina Investment Management, funded by the generous contribution of Sheikh Ismail Mohamed. The two-storey mosque can house a congregation of around 2,000 worshippers and honours the wife of Prophet Mohamed, Unmul’mu’minin Aisha R.A. The mosque has a research library, a women’s prayer wing, and female-only bathrooms. The entire mosque is powered through renewable energy.

 The President was accompanied by First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed, Sheikh Ismail Mohamed, and members of his family, Cabinet Ministers and senior Government officials.

 SOURCE : The President’s Office

Maldives explores deeper tourism collaborations on ITB sidelines

 The Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim, has met with several key travel and tourism firms on the sidelines of the ongoing ITB Berlin Fair.

The Minister is being accompanied by top officials of the Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC) and the country’s travel and tourism industry.

On the sidelines of ITB, Minister Thoriq met with German travel firm, TUI. Discussions centred around tourism promotion and efforts to create exceptional travel experiences for visitors, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment said.

 The Minister also met with the team of Edelweiss Airline and discussed joint promotion efforts and facilitating increased flight connections during the low season.

He had earlier discussed enhancing partnerships in the tourism sector.

ITB Berlin Fair 2025 kicked off on Tuesday and will continue until Thursday. A delegation of 200 delegates representing 89 companies from Maldives’ tourism industry is participating in the fair.

 SOURCE : PSM

Maldives submits crucial observations to ICJ in Rohingya genocide case 

The Maldives has submitted its written observations in the case of The Gambia v. Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), according to a statement from the Attorney General’s Office. 

The case involves the application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, commonly referred to as The Gambia v. Myanmar. The Maldives’ submission was formally presented to the ICJ on 28 February by Attorney General Ahmed Usham, who serves as the agent for the Maldives in this matter. 

The Gambia initiated legal proceedings against Myanmar on 11 November 2019, alleging violations of the Genocide Convention through acts committed against the Rohingya Muslim population. These allegations centre on the systematic and widespread acts of genocide perpetrated against the Rohingya community in Myanmar’s northern Rakhine State. 

With the support of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC), The Gambia filed the case following a brutal military crackdown in Myanmar. This crackdown resulted in hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fleeing to neighbouring Bangladesh. 

Subsequently, the Maldives submitted its Declaration of Intervention in accordance with ICJ procedures. On 3 July 2024, the Court found the Maldives’ Declaration of Intervention admissible under Article 63(2) of the Statute of the Court, leading to the invitation for the Maldives to present its written observations on the substantive matters of its intervention. 

The Attorney General’s Office detailed that the Maldives’ observations focused on interpreting several key provisions of the Genocide Convention. These provisions include Articles I, IV, V, and VI, which collectively address the obligations of states to prevent and punish acts of genocide. The Attorney General’s Office also reiterated the Maldives’ dedication to contributing to the international community’s pursuit of justice and upholding the principles enshrined in the Genocide Convention. 

In addition to the Maldives, several other states, including Ireland, Belgium, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Slovenia, have filed declarations of intervention in the proceedings under Article 63 of the Statute. 

SOURCE : PSM 

India to assist Maldives’ fisheries promotion 

India is engaged in discussions with the Maldives Government to provide assistance to promote the island nation’s fisheries sector, High Commissioner of India to the Maldives G.K. Balasubramaniam had said. 

The Government has created the Maldives Fisheries and Ocean Resources Marketing and Promotion Limited (MFORMP) with the primary task of promoting the country’s fisheries sector. 

The company was founded with the primary objective of expanding the nation’s fishing industry and enhancing its social benefits by promoting and advertising Maldivian products on the global market. This includes products from aquaculture, mariculture, and all marine sources. To boost revenue, the company will launch a distinctive brand for local fisheries, advertising it locally and in various lucrative international markets. 

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of an ice plant in Gemanafushi, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, High Commissioner Balasubramaniam revealed that India was in discussion with MFORMP to collaborate on its efforts to promote Maldives’ fisheries. 

“In my meeting with the Fisheries Minister [Ahmed] Shiyam, we discussed strengthening relations with fish export companies. We have a Marine Products Export Development Agency in Cochin. We will work to establish a closer relationship with the fisheries promotion agency of Maldives. Then we can use the resources available to work for the development of the Maldives,” the Indian High Commissioner said. 

India’s pledge to help promote Maldives’ fisheries comes at a time when the neighbouring country is developing fish factories in six regions of the Maldives. The Indian High Commissioner said that with these efforts, India stands ready to promote Maldives’ fisheries and assist the government in priority areas. 

MFORMP has plans to promote fish products in global fisheries fairs and help the fisheries sector in overcoming challenges to export products abroad. 

SOURCE : PSM

MMPRC makes major push to spur global arrivals with 200-strong delegation at ITB Berlin 2025 

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) is making a major push at ITB Berlin 2025 to spur tourist arrivals, with a delegation of 200 tourism industry stakeholders from 89 companies, reinforcing the Maldives’ position as the most preferred holiday destination for German-speaking markets and global travellers. 

ITB Berlin, one of the world’s leading travel trade shows, is taking place from March 4th to 6th, 2025, at Messe Berlin. The event serves as a vital platform for networking with stakeholders worldwide, strengthening business relationships, and promoting tourism products for both B2B and B2C audiences. 

The Maldives is being showcased at a 504-square-metre double decker stand space designed to highlight the destination’s natural beauty and diverse tourism experiences. The stand is designed for easy and convenient meetings with trade and media across ground and mezzanine floors, a VIP meeting room, three industry meeting areas, all augmented with engaging elements such as a photo backdrop and a 360-degree photo booth. The stand serves as a hub for distributing destination information, hosting meetings and interviews, with an engaging traditional corner at the information counter. 

Visit Maldives also held a highly informative seminar at ITB Berlin titled “The Next Chapter of Maldives Tourism - Berlin Edition”, focused on Government and industry-led efforts to explore new market segments, increase bookings, and promote sustainable development. 

MMPRC’s participation in ITB Berlin 2025 aims to strengthen relationships with leading tour operators, travel agents, and media outlets from German-speaking markets and beyond. One-on-one meetings provide co-exhibitors with the opportunity to promote individual products and properties, including liveaboards, diving experiences, luxury resorts, guesthouses, and family holidays. 

MMPRC’s strategy for this market includes emphasising the Maldives’ sustainability efforts and nature-related experiences, aligning with the growing demand for eco-conscious travel. All promotional campaigns incorporate the German language to enhance resonance with the target audience. Collaborative efforts with premium brands to target the luxury market segment effectively are expected to further improve connectivity and increase tourist arrivals from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. 

Germany remains a key source market for the Maldives, with 157,246 arrivals in 2024, ranking fourth globally. Switzerland and Austria contributed 41,062 and 29,425 arrivals, respectively, securing positions in the top 20 source markets. By the end of February 2025, the Maldives had welcomed 14,119 tourists from Germany, 4,401 from Austria, and 5,399 from Switzerland. Building on the success of welcoming over two million tourists in 2024 for the first time, MMPRC aims to maintain this momentum through strategic partnerships, PR activities, and joint campaigns with leading travel operators like TUI and DER Touristik. 

As part of ongoing promotional efforts in 2025, MMPRC has collaborated with Edelweiss Airlines to sponsor a raffle at Art on Ice in Switzerland, conducted a highly successful advertising campaign at Berlinale and participated in IMM Germany. Taxi advertising campaigns are currently underway. Notable future initiatives include Visit Maldives Week in Munich, Frankfurt, and Zurich; a media press trip for top-tier journalists from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland; as well as webinar sessions; and joint campaigns with OTAs, TOs, and popular consumer brands. 

With MMPRC’s presence at ITB Berlin 2025, MMPRC is enhancing the Maldives’ reputation as one of the world’s safest and most desirable holiday destinations, ensuring continued growth in arrivals from German-speaking markets and strengthening the Maldives’ global tourism footprint.

SOURCE : MMPRC 

Government looking to offer maximum leeway to inmates: Prison Chief 

Government is doing everything possible to offer every leeway to inmates within the laws and regulations during their incarceration, Commissioner of Prisons, Hassan Zareer has said. 

The Commissioner was speaking at a ceremony held for the prisoners and their families serving their sentences in Hulhumale’ Jail. 

Zareer said the Government is working to provide the prisoners with the concessions available under the law and regulations and urged them to strengthen their relationship with their families. The Commissioner also said that it is important for families to meet and maintain relationships with prisoners along with making use of the various prisoner rehabilitation programmes conducted by the Maldives Correctional Service. 

The Commissioner had earlier said that 65 percent of the prisoners in the custody of the Correctional Service are repeat offenders. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s aim is to shape policies to address the issue of repeat offences, he said. 

The event was held to promote the rehabilitation and mental health of prisoners. Based on the success of this event, the Correctional Service plans to conduct more such events in the future. 

SOURCE : PSM

Kendhikulhudhoo embraces ‘The Mangrove Island’ identity to boost tourism 

In a strategic effort to position Kendhikulhudhoo in Noonu Atoll as a premier local tourism destination, the Island Council has adopted the brand name ‘The Mangrove Island,’ as announced by the council. This initiative, according to the council, heralds the commencement of extensive advertising and marketing campaigns under the new identity. 

The administration has placed a high priority on local tourism development, emphasising the unique natural and geographical attributes of various Maldivian islands. During a visit to Kendhikulhudhoo on 29 February 2024, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu unveiled plans for an ambitious eco-tourism project designed to leverage the island’s distinctive environment. 

Highlighting the economic potential of the island’s natural surroundings, President Dr Muizzu articulated that the Government’s initiative seeks to create numerous income opportunities for the island’s residential community, enabling them to sustain livelihoods within their home territory. The eco-tourism project, he said, aims to empower the island council and local residents to establish small and medium enterprises that harness the island’s natural assets for tourism purposes. 

Hassan Mohamed, President of the Kendhikulhudhoo Island Council, in an interview with PSM News, confirmed that the island had been rebranded as ‘The Mangrove Island’ as part of the council’s strategy to enhance local tourism. Promotional activities under this new branding have already commenced, according to Hassan, including a presentation at the ongoing Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) Berlin 2025 in Berlin, Germany. 

Hassan elaborated on the island’s progress, noting that necessary permits to offer homestay services to visitors have been obtained. Projects are underway to construct luxury villas on the island, with plans for these villas to feature 70 rooms. The development of a city hotel is also advancing rapidly, he noted, with a portion of the 70-bed city hotel expected to be completed and operational by the end of this year. 

Discussing the economic benefits of local tourism, Hassan pointed out that many of the island’s youth are currently employed at tourist resorts away from Kendhikulhudhoo. The establishment of the city hotel is anticipated to create numerous employment opportunities, allowing these young islanders to return home and work locally, he added. 

“With the city hotel and the promotion of local tourism, our youth will have the opportunity to work on the island, close to their families. 70 percent of the employment opportunities generated through these initiatives will be reserved for the local community,” Hassan stated. 

Employment opportunities at the city hotel and villas would prioritise women from the island, he added. 

Kendhikulhudhoo is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and distinctive environmental features, including one of the largest mangrove forests in the Maldives. The island is home to nine distinct mangrove areas, forming a rich and diverse ecosystem. Among these, three mangroves span from 400 feet to 3,000 feet. The island’s wetlands serve as a sanctuary for numerous bird and fish species, and Kendhikulhudhoo boasts a healthy soil profile that supports lush vegetation. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Maldives, Edelweiss Air in talks to expand flight services during ITB Berlin 

The Maldives has initiated discussions with Edelweiss Air, the Switzerland-based leisure and charter airline, aiming to expand and enhance its flight services to the island nation. These discussions were held on the sidelines of the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) Berlin 2025, presently ongoing in Berlin, Germany. 

The ITB Berlin commenced on 4 March and will extend until 6 March. While the Maldives’ delegation at ITB Berlin is led by Thoriq Ibrahim, the Minister of Tourism and Environment, it includes approximately 200 representatives from 89 companies. 

During the fair, the Maldives is engaging with international tourism sector stakeholders through various side events. Among these engagements was a meeting between Minister Thoriq and officials from Edelweiss Air, focusing on the potential increase in the airline’s flight frequency to the Maldives. Particular emphasis was placed on enhancing Edelweiss Air’s services during the low tourism season, according to Government sources. 

Currently, Edelweiss Air operates a single weekly flight to the Maldives. While the Maldives has maintained a strong presence at the ITB Berlin for several years, this consistent participation underscores the nation’s commitment to solidifying its status as the World’s Leading Destination and to boosting tourist arrivals from German-speaking markets. 

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has been pivotal in promoting the Maldives’ tourism sector throughout the fair. The agency is spearheading various initiatives aimed at positioning the Maldives as a premier tourist destination. These efforts, according to the MMPRC, are designed to strengthen ties with German-speaking markets, along with other regional tourism markets, tour operators, travel agents, and media. 

Tourism statistics from the ministry indicate that the Maldives has recorded 457,940 tourist arrivals as of 4 March this year. Germany and Switzerland are among the top ten source markets for the Maldives, with the nation welcoming 29,128 tourists from Germany and 10,004 from Switzerland so far this year. 

Other European countries featured in the top ten source markets for the Maldives include the United Kingdom, with 45,469 arrivals; Italy, with 43,163; France, with 19,062; and Poland, with 10,512 arrivals as of 4 March.

SOURCE : PSM