Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 252

Drawing of ‘Usgekolhu’ Museum Completed, Project to Begin Soon

 The architectural drawings of the historic ‘Usgekolhu’ museum has been completed and the project will begin soon, Minister for Language, History, and Culture, Adam Naseer Ibrahim has said.

Minister Adam Naseer told PSM News that the Administration has attached special emphasis to preserving Maldives’ culture and heritage through such historic landmarks.

The Minister said the heritage sites in Utheemu, Thakandhoo and Baarah will also follow a similar modernisation blueprint.

Describing it as an important heritage project announced by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the Minister said the development of ‘Usgekolhu’ as an interactive museum is also underway. ‘Usgekolhu’ will also be developed as a heritage site, and the drawings for the project have already been completed, he added.

“There is another heritage project of the President. It is to turn Usgekolhu into an interactive museum. Usgekolhu will be restored and transformed in a very different way. Now the drawing is completed. We are now fine tuning the details. The project will begin soon and will be completed swiftly,” the Minister said.

According to Minister Adam Naseer, part of Sultan Park where ‘Usgekolhu’ is located will also be developed as part of the new interactive museum under the project adding that the Kalhuvakaru Mosque and the model of the legendary ‘Kalhuoffummi’ will be displayed in the newly developed area.

The ‘Usgekolhu’ palace was built in 1903 by Sultan Mohamed Imaduddeen VI of the Maldives for his Egyptian wife. However, the kingdom came to an end shortly after and the palace was used for various purposes by subsequent monarchs. 

‘Usgekolhu’ was used to house the National Museum until the inauguration of the new Museum in 2010.

PSM to Revive Al-Noorul Mubeen Int’l Quran Competition After Long Hiatus

 Public Service Media (PSM) has announced its decision to host the Al-Noorul Mubeen International Quran Competition this year after a long hiatus. PSM’s Managing Director Ibrahim Nasreen made the announcement on TVM’s Mi Vaguthu programme.

Nasreen said PSM broadcasts various programs throughout the year to disseminate information to the public, especially during the month of Ramadan. In Ramadan, content is centred around religious themes, he said, with priority given to raise public awareness on religions matters.

Nasreen revealed that the company is working to host an international Quran competition as the highlight of this year’s programmes. He noted that PSM hosted a similar programme in 2018, with participants from 11 countries including the Maldives. 

PSM’s Managing Director expressed hope that Al-Noorul Mubeen Quran Competition would be of even higher quality and attract more participants from different countries this year. He added that priority would be given to neighbouring countries and other Islamic countries. The judges panel will be comprised of foreign experts, similar to the previous competition. Nasreen further stated that the new competition aims to be the best-organised competition to date, offering the most significant prizes of all programmes hosted by PSM this year. 

In 2018, PSM hosted the Al-Noorul Mubeen Quran companion in collaboration with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and the National Centre for the Holy Quran. Discussions are already underway with the Islamic Ministry regarding the new competition, and the aim is to conclude the planning stage by the end of Ramadan, Nasreen said.

SOURCE : PSM

Visit Maldives Hosts Special Seminar at ITB Berlin 2025 Unveiling Maldives Tourism’s Bold New Initiatives for the Future 

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) has hosted a seminar titled “The Next Chapter of Maldives Tourism - Berlin Edition” at ITB Berlin 2025. Held on March 4th, 2025, at Hybrid Studio 5.3, the seminar focussed on discussing initiatives and investments in the Maldivian tourism industry. Emceed by the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of MMPRC, Ms Sabeeha Ahmed, the engagement highlighted government and industry-led efforts to explore new market segments, increase bookings, and promote sustainable development. 

Numerous representatives from the German and global travel trade attended the seminar which was initiated with an informative short video presentation on the Maldives as a premier tourist destination. The event featured five prominent speakers from the Maldives tourism sector, with each speaker delivering insights on topics ranging from government initiatives, sustainable practices, and marketing strategies, to the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors. 

The Honourable Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mr Thoriq Ibrahim, spoke first, providing insights into the government’s vision while emphasizing key initiatives, policies, 5TMP strategies, and the connection between tourism expansion and destination development. He stated, “The government is committed to facilitate a conducive investment and operating environment for the tourism industry. We also recognize that our guests today are not the same as those who visited us decades ago. We need to harness developments in technology not just to improve efficiency but to build a tourism industry that is resilient, competitive, and future-ready” 

Tourism Industry Pioneer and Vice Chairman MATI, Mr Hussain Afeef, next shared the story of the destination’s evolution, focusing on its transition to environmentally conscious tourism initiatives in product development. He highlighted the pivotal role of the private sector in giving back to nature and enhancing sustainable practices in the Maldives tourism sector. 

MMPRC’s CEO & Managing Director, Mr. Ibrahim Shiuree, discussed MMPRC’s marketing initiatives that align with national goals and the work undertaken by Visit Maldives to attract new types of travellers. He stated, “The Maldives has been the World’s Leading Destination for five consecutive years, and our goal is to maintain and strengthen this position. With our dedication to innovation, sustainability, and cultural tourism, MMPRC will continue to elevate the Maldives on the global stage.” 

Advisor to the President on Tourism Development, Mr Ibrahim Khaleel, spoke next, underscoring the importance of collaborative policies and efforts between the private sector and the government and how this partnership has developed. 

The speaker statements were rounded up by MMPRC Chairperson, Mr Abdulla Giyas Riyaz, who highlighted the interests of the current traveller to the Maldives and the significance of collaborative policies and initiatives to attract diverse visitor segments. He also discussed the role of media representatives in promoting the Maldives in the international travel and tourism landscape, remarking, “For travelers, this means every visit to the Maldives is a contribution to a sustainable future. From solar-powered resorts to marine conservation programs, visitors are not just experiencing paradise—they are part of preserving it.

In a particularly exciting announcement during the seminar, it was revealed that Maldivian, the national carrier, is launching a new direct route between the Maldives and Germany. This development was met with enthusiasm from attendees and is expected to significantly boost tourism between the two countries. The new route will provide greater convenience for German travelers with the growing demand for travel to the Maldives and strengthen cultural and economic ties between the Maldives and Germany. 

Targeting travel trade professionals, tour operators, travel agencies, airlines, hospitality partners, international travel media, and bloggers, the event included a “Save the Date” invitation emphasizing sustainable practices and an offer of a holiday experience at a “World Leading Destination” for one attending journalist. 

MMPRC is making a major push at ITB Berlin 2025 to boost tourist arrivals, with a delegation of 200 tourism industry stakeholders from 89 companies, reinforcing our position as the most preferred holiday destination for German-speaking markets and global travellers. 

SOURCE : PSM

Zakat Fund Set to Announce for Higher Education Scholarships 

Zakat House is set to announce the higher education scholarships under the Zakat Fund. 

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs in December last year, formulated a new policy to provide assistance from the Zakat Fund to higher education students who do not have the financial means to pursue education in relevant fields. 

Director General of Zakat, Izzaddeen Adnan told PSM News that stressed on the importance of human resource development assistance from the Zakat Fund. 

In that regard, Izzaddeen said efforts are underway to open the scholarship opportunities for interested students at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. 

“It is important to build human resource capacity in religious and social fields. The committee is ironing out the last few details before making the announcement,” he explained. 

According to the Zakat Fund Higher Education Assistance Policy, all costs for courses from Level 5 to Level 10 of the National Qualifications Framework will be covered under Zakat Fund Scholarships. 

While courses in the Islamic field will be prioritised, scholarships will be awarded only for centers that offer courses validated by the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA) and recognised by the authority. If pursuing education abroad, institutions in select Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries will be prioritised. 

The policy also allows pursuing education at educational institutes in non-OIC countries. If the program is for a field that requires a license, the center from which education is obtained must be recognised by the licensing institution and validated by the MQA. 

The policy further states that those registered as poor and needy will be prioritised, alongside considerations for financial constraints, education levels, and service to the nation. However, those who wish to pursue a course at a higher level than their existing qualifications, and students who wish to pursue a course that integrates Islamic concepts related to their field of study will be exempt from this sector. 

According to the policy, an individual who has already been granted education opportunities through the government or any other state entity is ineligible for higher education assistance under the Zakat Fund. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Sports Journalist Fabrizio Romano Appointed Global Ambassador for Visit Maldives 

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation Limited (MMPRC) has appointed renowned football expert, Fabrizio Romano as Visit Maldives’ global brand ambassador. 

Following his appointment, Fabrizio expressed his admiration for the Maldives, describing it as a breathtaking destination where one can escape from the daily hustle and bustle of life and recharge. It is not only the Maldives’ famous seas and beaches that the country offers, but it also offers other diverse experiences to visitors, he stated. Fabrizio said he was eager to work as Visit Maldives’ brand ambassador. 

Recognised as one of the most influential sports journalists, Fabrizio is known for his rapid and reliable updates, especially on the football transfer market. His social media accounts are followed by millions of people around the world. 

SOURCE : PSM

Hafiz Certification Gets MQA Accreditation 

The certification issued by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs to Huffaz has received accreditation from the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). 

Last year, the Ministry had held discussions with the MQA to change the Hafiz certification to the standard accepted by the MQA which has now received the required MQA accreditation. 

The Hafiz certification will be recognised as a Level 4 or Advanced Certificate of the National Qualifications Framework. 

However, there are two conditions under which the Hafiz certification will be recognised as a Level 4 certificate. One condition is for students to have completed a lower secondary certificate and a Maldives National Qualifications Framework Level 3 qualification. The second is to be 18 years of age with one year of work experience and a Maldives National Qualifications Framework Level 3 qualification. 

The National Center for the Holy Quran, which is under the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, is responsible for awarding the Hafiz. A student of a Quran memorisation class registered with the National Center for the Holy Quran applies for the Hafiz examination and submits it to a committee appointed by the Center. After the examination, the certificate of Hafiz is awarded. 

The Administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has made some changes to the regulation for awarding the Hafiz certification. The students who memorise the Quran at the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) had to pass the Quran Center examination to receive the Hafiz certification. However, the regulation has now been changed to allow students who memorise the Quran at IUM to be awarded their certificates without taking the Quran Center examination.