Wire service
Maldives Today
The Maldives Today news desk covers tourism, business and life in the Maldives.
Thursday, 15 October 2026
Heavy Vehicles and Goods Lorries Banned from Malé Roads at Rush Hours
Goods vehicles carrying more than 350kg, trucks, cranes, forklifts and trailers may not run from 06:00 to 08:30 and 11:30 to 13:30 on most roads in Malé, with the morning ban also covering Hulhumalé, the bridge and the highway.
Maldives Tourist Arrivals Stay 3.9% Behind Last Year in First Half of October
The Tourism Ministry recorded 79,529 tourists from 1 to 14 October. Total visitor numbers for the year are 3.4% lower than at the same point in 2025.
Belarus Approves Draft Air Services Agreement with the Maldives
A decree signed on 14 October lets Belarus's transport ministry negotiate and sign the agreement. The text has not been negotiated, and no routes or airlines have been named.
STELCO Chief Ali Azwar Named Acting Managing Director of FENAKA
The appointment took effect on 15 October, as STELCO takes over utility services from FENAKA ahead of the company's planned dissolution.
Maldives Rules Out Foreign Surveillance of Its Waters and Exclusive Economic Zone
A government statement issued on 14 October says no part of Maldivian territory will be placed under foreign military or operational surveillance, but it does not say what prompted it.
President Creates Government Services Centres for 18 Atolls
The centres will run under the Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology, but the directive does not say which services they will offer, where they will be based or when they will open.
President’s Office Launches Online Directory Listing 959 State Institutions
A presidential directive issued on 14 October orders every state body to keep its entry up to date and to use the official names shown in the directory.
IEA Expects World Oil Demand to Fall 2.6 Million Barrels a Day as Diesel Shortage Extends into 2027
The agency says Gulf crude exports recovered to more than three-quarters of pre-war levels in September, but renewed attacks leave supply fragile and diesel prices near double their pre-crisis level.
Singapore-Registered Container Ship Sinks after Strike in Strait of Hormuz
A second Singapore-flagged vessel was hit a day later and reached a safe anchorage, with all 43 crew members on the two ships reported safe.
Navi Pillay Wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for Work on International Law
The Norwegian Nobel Committee cited the South African jurist's role in ensuring war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide are prosecuted, three days before she visited the International Criminal Court.
UK Calls for New Debt Deal for Developing Countries at IMF and World Bank Meetings
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told a Bangkok audience that small island states face an existential climate threat on top of high debt-servicing costs, and backed wider use of clauses that pause repayments after disasters.
Government Subsidy Spending Passes Full-Year Budget by 48% with Months to Go
Finance Ministry data to 8 October show MVR4.26 billion spent on subsidies against MVR2.89 billion budgeted for all of 2026, as total spending rose 18.3% and revenue 3%.
29 Foreign Investments Dissolved as Maldives Enforces Sectors Reserved for Locals
The Economic Minister says 150 foreign investments must meet the new requirements, and 17 have applied to comply.
Parking Offences on Main Malé and Hulhumalé Roads to Be Enforced Digitally
Vehicle owners will be notified by SMS and email. The ministry has separately restricted the hours heavy vehicles can use roads in Malé and the Hulhumalé–Malé bridge.
Shops That Fail to Display Prices Face Fines of up to MVR250,000
The Economic Ministry says it keeps receiving complaints about goods on sale without visible prices and will monitor businesses under the Consumer Protection Act.
Maldives’ Official Reserves Fall 14.9% to US$547.8 Million in September
The month included the final US$50 million repayment on a 2019 State Bank of India facility. Usable reserves, on the central bank’s own measure, fell to about US$170 million.
New Rules Let Maldives Terminate Leases on Long-Stalled Resort Sites
The Tourism Minister says 161 islands and lagoons are in a “distressed” state and land rent owed has reached about US$500–600 million. The regulation itself names no sites.
Tuesday, 13 October 2026
Maldivian Seeks to Lease Two Airbus A220-300s as Successor to Its A320
Island Aviation wants the first jet in the last quarter of 2027 and has given lessors until 28 October to submit proposals.
MIRA Collects MVR2.69 Billion in September, 12.7% above Forecast
September revenue was 10.7% lower than a year earlier, but collections for the year so far are 8.9% ahead of 2025.
Saturday, 10 October 2026
Foreign-Owned Retailers and Sales Agents Face Enforcement as Transition Ends
Businesses that had not engaged with the Economic Ministry by 8 October will receive formal notices, and share transfers to Maldivians will be checked for genuine local control.
Hajj Corporation to Fly Ramadan Umrah Pilgrims Directly from Gan to Jeddah
The package for the last 15 days of Ramadan costs MVR48,965, with payment due by 19 December.
BML Posts Record MVR1.93 Billion Nine-Month Profit as Dollar Demand Climbs
Third-quarter profit rose 36%, while the foreign currency the bank sold to customers in nine months almost matched its total for all of 2025.
Vietjet to Fly Ho Chi Minh City to Malé via Colombo from 5 December
The Vietnamese carrier will operate three return flights a week with Airbus A320 aircraft, stopping in Sri Lanka in both directions.
Thursday, 8 October 2026
Moody’s Upgrades Maldives Credit Rating to Caa1 After Sukuk Repayment
The one-notch upgrade reflects lower near-term default risk, but the agency expects the budget deficit to widen to 8.0–8.5% of GDP this year.
SME Digital Opens MVR10 Million Guesthouse Financing at 7.5%
The new facility requires repayments in US dollars and offers terms of up to 15 years, with a 20 per cent equity requirement.
Maldives Targets Level 4 Tourism Apprenticeships before Year-End
A new agreement gives the Tourism Ministry a role in bringing resorts into the National Apprenticeship Programme and supporting workplace training.
Kandooma Drops Holiday Inn Name as HPL Takes Over Management
The South Malé Atoll resort has introduced an all-inclusive programme and new family accommodation following its 1 October rebranding.
Wednesday, 7 October 2026
Muizzu Orders Stalled Development Projects to Resume
The President’s Office says solutions have been secured for material shortages linked to Middle East conflicts, as ministers and state companies review island projects.
Maldives Sets November 2027 Target for Thilafushi Commercial Port
The planned 60-hectare port will initially handle 390,000 TEUs a year, with a larger international quay and a separate domestic harbour.
Maldives Expo Sets 25 October Opening with New Tourism District
The nine-day Hulhumalé event will bring resorts, guesthouses, airlines and travel businesses into a dedicated visitor-economy programme.
Dhiraagu Backs Community Coral Restoration in Dharavandhoo
The Dhirun programme will work with Muraka Farm and island residents on a coral nursery, practical training and long-term monitoring.
Lucy Bronze and Ona Batlle Join Kandima’s Festive Line-Up
The footballers are scheduled at the Dhaalu Atoll resort from 26 December to 1 January, with children’s coaching and a match on the programme.
Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Maldives Moves to Revise Overseas Tourism GST after Industry Objections
MATATO confirms a government decision to change the framework. ABTA is seeking formal confirmation of a postponement and the next steps for overseas sellers.
Maldives Subsidy Spending Exceeds Annual Budget by MVR1.26 Billion
Finance Ministry figures through 24 September put subsidy expenditure at MVR4.15 billion and the overall fiscal deficit at MVR3.36 billion.
BML Caps Monthly Dollar ATM Withdrawals at US$3,500 per Customer
The limit took effect on 1 October. The existing daily ceiling of US$1,600 per card remains in place.
Maldives Calls for Sea-Level Finance and Protection of Statehood at UN
Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef seeks faster adaptation funding, stable maritime rights and a dedicated sea-level observation mechanism.
Maldives Forecasts Wetter October in Northern and Central Atolls
The Meteorological Service expects below-normal rain in the south and above-normal temperatures across the country.
US and China Agree Framework for Tariff Relief on US$30 Billion of Goods Each
Product lists use 2024 trade values. Any tariff reductions still require implementation through each country’s domestic legal processes.
Seven OPEC+ Countries Keep November Oil Output Targets Unchanged
The group will retain September production requirements for November, while a separate monitoring committee warns about threats to energy infrastructure and shipping.
Flávio Bolsonaro and Lula Advance to Brazil’s Presidential Runoff
Brazil’s electoral court reported Bolsonaro on 47.03% and Lula on 45.16% with 99.99% of ballot boxes counted. The second round is on 25 October.
Three Scientists Win Nobel Medicine Prize for Controlling Nerve Cells with Light
Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel are recognised for discoveries behind optogenetics, a method used to investigate brain activity.
Bank of England Sets Out Plan to Unwind QE Bonds by 2034
Deputy Governor Dave Ramsden details a £368 billion reduction, with £120 billion of other bonds retained to back banknotes.
Monday, 5 October 2026
Maldives Tourist Arrivals Fall 3.9% as October Opens Below Last Year
The latest ministry figures put tourist arrivals at 1.597 million through 4 October, with China and Russia accounting for one-third of the total.
MIRA Launches Digital Guest Reporting for Green Tax
The platform launched on 1 October. MIRA’s current guidance lists phased reporting and integration dates, while returns remain in MIRAconnect.
MasterChef Sri Lanka’s Maldives Episode Airs Tonight
The destination episode screens on TVM at 10pm on 5 October, following an island production coordinated by MHC Group and Visit Maldives.
Saturday, 26 September 2026
RBI Confirms India’s INR48.5 Billion Credit Line for Maldives Projects
The facility took effect on 27 August. Indian suppliers must provide at least 75 per cent of the applicable contract value.
Maldives to Host World Travel Awards Gala on 27 September
CROSSROADS hosts the Asia, Oceania and Indian Ocean ceremony on Sunday, with representatives from more than 40 countries expected.
Friday, 25 September 2026
Resorts Face 28 October Deadline under New Currency Rules
September earnings fall under a shorter conversion timetable, as Category A tourism businesses move to a 40 per cent requirement.
Maldives and Belarus Sign Visa Waiver Agreement
The agreement provides for stays of up to 30 days per visit. The Foreign Ministry has not announced an entry-into-force date.
ADB Backs Five-Year Maldives Plan for Debt Reform and Energy Security
The 2027–2031 strategy targets public finances, state utilities and renewable energy, with public and private financing planned.
Maldives Seeks Investors for US$20–30 Million Uligan Marina
Expressions of interest are due on 5 October for the northern marina’s development and operation.
BML Makes Islamic Banking the Default for New Personal Accounts
The change also covers new personal financing applications, while conventional services remain available on request.
Qatar Airways to Raise Maldives Flights to 21 a Week
Nine additional weekly flights are scheduled from 25 October, alongside a new destination marketing agreement with Visit Maldives.
Aman Names First Maldives Resort Amanolu, with 52 Keys Planned
The Vaavu Atoll development includes private-island residences. The company has not announced an opening date.
Maldives Foreign Investment Rules Near One-Year Transition Mark
The ministry lists different periods by sector and investment size, with individual terms issued through its transition committee.
Maldives Pushes Plastic Straw Import Ban to 2031
A presidential decree also changes dates for water bottles and the size threshold for other bottled drinks.
UK and Maldives Pursue Closer Trade Ties as Tuna Tariff Relief Runs to 2028
The London dialogue covered fisheries, tourism, renewable energy and financial services.
Maldives Signs US$1.5 Billion Trade-Finance Framework
The five-year ITFC agreement covers essential imports and financing through local banks for businesses.
Ten Islands Designated for Resorts Promising Payouts to Maldivians
Muizzu says the state-led programme will be implemented within 36 months, with annual distributions in foreign currency.
Government Plans FENAKA and RDC Closures, Seeks 51% of Dhiraagu
Utility and construction operations would move to STELCO and MTCC. No completion dates or share-purchase prices were announced.
Aasandha Co-Payments Planned for Salaries above MVR60,000
The income-based reform is planned for October. The government projects annual savings of MVR287 million.
Maldives Clears US$150 Million SBI Facility with Final Payment
The last US$50 million was repaid on 17 September. BML says the payment did not use its funds or customer deposits.
Monday, 21 September 2026
Maldives Brings Overseas Holiday Sellers into GST from 1 October
The 1 October rules cover overseas sellers of inbound tourism products and related booking services. Tourism GST remains 17 per cent.
Eagle Hills Opens Maldives Waterfront Property Registrations
The developer lists serviced apartments, apartments and villas. Its public registration page does not give prices or a handover date.
BML Dollar Outflows Rise a Third as Transfer Delays Hit Customers
The bank reports US$653 million in dollar sales through August and attributes transfer delays to a temporary supply-demand mismatch.
Etihad Miles to Open Up Onward Flights across the Maldives
The airlines have announced mileage redemptions on Maldivian's network. A booking launch date and award prices have not been published.
Maldives and Malaysia Move towards Preferential Trade Talks
The proposal follows Anwar Ibrahim's state visit, which also brought a US$100 million currency swap announcement and education agreements.