Amilla Maldives is offering guests a curated selection of transformative wellness experiences in the coming months with some exceptional healers and practitioners from around the world. These unique journeys will immerse guests in holistic therapies, martial arts and spiritual healing, each designed to promote wellbeing, personal growth, and inner peace.

Pallavi Sawant brings her expertise as an Osho disciple and holistic healer to Amilla Maldives until 8th February 2025. Offering a blend of traditional and modern wellness therapies, including Chi Nei Tsang (Internal Organ Massage), Tibetan Sound Healing, and Anti-Gravity Yoga, Pallavi’s sessions are designed to rejuvenate the body, release emotional blockages, and promote deep relaxation. Additional offerings like Full Moon and New Moon Rituals to foster spiritual growth are also available.

Lisa Eve will guide guests from 1st to 10th February 2025 through deeply healing experiences focusing on self-love, clarity, and empowerment. Her therapies include Intuitive Lifestyle Coaching, and Holographic Kinetics, aimed at helping guests release emotional blocks, restore balance, and gain clarity. Lisa’s intuitive approach to wellness encourages to create lasting inner peace and transformation.

Dr. Sohal Shah, affectionately known as Soho, will offer his unique blend of traditional and modern therapies from 10th February to 10th March 2025. A Melbourne-based holistic healing expert with Ayurvedic roots, Dr. Sohal’s expertise spans five countries. Known for his celebrity-favourite Cosmetic Acupuncture and Hypno-Meditation sessions, he combines ancient practices with modern techniques like Acupuncture and Cupping, promoting the body’s natural healing in the serene environment of Amilla Maldives.

Karol Krauser Hasegawa is our next wellness expert bringing over 35 years of experience, to our program. From 11th March to 30th April 2025, Karol will guide guests through a unique blend of traditional martial and healing arts, paired with mindful movement practices and stress reduction. Combining modern sports medicine with traditional healing arts, Karol offers personalized sessions in Filipino Kali, Kuntao Silat, Tai Chi & Qigong, kickboxing, and restorative bodywork to strengthen both body and mind.

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa offers guests an opportunity to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a romantic all-pool villa retreat in the Indian Ocean. A selection of heartfelt experiences has been designed to inspire and create cherished new memories.

The day can begin with a floating breakfast served in the privacy of each villa’s pool. Beautifully adorned with fresh island blooms, the tray includes a basket of heart-shaped pastries and a chocolate cake. Luxurious additions such as red and white wine, as well as Champagne, are available to enhance the experience. Another indulgence includes the Vine and Velvet Romance set, featuring decadent chocolate-dipped strawberries accompanied by a bottle of Champagne, sparkling wine, or rosé. Delivered directly to the villa, this treat serves as a sweet daytime surprise or a romantic conclusion to the evening.

For those who appreciate cocktails, the resort’s resident mixologists have curated a selection of rose-colored signature drinks available throughout the day at Aura Pool Bar. These include the Scarlet Kiss, an indulgent blend of vanilla-infused Absolut Elyx and strawberry Campari, topped with luscious Champagne foam; Whisper of Romance, a delicate mix of lemongrass-infused Botanist gin, fresh citrus, and Prosecco; and La Vie en Rose, a sophisticated combination of Malfy Pink Gin and Chambord, with clarified pink guava, rose syrup, and clarified yuzu.

Eden, the adults-only overwater champagne and gin bar, presents a special Sundowner Session, featuring live DJ music and breathtaking views of the Maldivian sunset.

As evening falls, an array of elevated dining experiences awaits. Beach Shack provides a relaxed island setting with its Seaside Rendezvous set menu, which includes the rich flavours of Maldivian lobster complemented by a marble and caviar sauce, as well as garlic-crusted ocean trout served with gnocchi and Champagne beurre blanc. At the overwater specialty restaurant Origin, Chef Dario Raia offers authentic Italian dishes, with the Amore Mio add-on ensuring a table on the coveted lower deck and elegant floral arrangements enhancing the atmosphere. Habitat presents a bountiful buffet featuring a diverse selection of international dishes.

For a particularly special evening, the Starlit Lovers experience is available, limited to four tables. The carefully crafted menu begins with fresh oysters topped with cured salmon roe, yuzu, and jalapeño sauce, concluding with Two Hearts, a dessert featuring Belgian chocolate and hazelnut crunch, Ivoire chocolate and raspberry crémeux, raspberry gelato, and milk chocolate Chantilly. To conclude the night, a cozy beachside cinema experience, Romantic Reels, invites guests to enjoy a film under the stars.

Amingiri Spa & Hammam introduces a signature treatment for the month of February, where couples are treated to a tranquil flower petal foot soak followed by a side-by-side chocolate wrap, enveloping the senses in soothing aromas. The experience concludes with a hot stone fusion massage, designed to relieve tension and foster a sense of deep relaxation and connection.

For wellness enthusiasts, an extensive Sleep Wellness menu is available, aimed at guiding the mind and body into deep, rejuvenating rest. Options include a calming signature massage on the spa’s Skye deck, an evening hammam ritual in the modern hammam room, or an in-villa session incorporating guided meditation, yoga, and breath-work.

Constance Hotels, Resorts & Golf has once again been recognised in the prestigious Booking.com Traveller Review Awards, reflecting its unwavering commitment to excellence and outstanding hospitality. Among its properties, the resorts in the Maldives have achieved remarkable scores, highlighting their dedication to creating exceptional guest experiences.

The Maldives properties have received the following ratings out of 10:

• Constance Halaveli Maldives – 9.7
• Constance Moofushi Maldives – 9.6

These impressive scores underscore the high standards of service, luxurious accommodations, and unique experiences offered at these renowned Maldivian resorts.

Jean-Jacques Vallet, CEO of Constance Hotels, Resorts & Golf, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “These awards are a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team, who continually go above and beyond to provide guests with a vibrant atmosphere, high-quality experiences, and exceptional value.”

With these accolades, Constance Hotels, Resorts & Golf further cements its reputation as a leading luxury hospitality provider in the Maldives, ensuring guests an unforgettable stay in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.

As a part of UNESCO’s Youth as Researchers programme in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, youth researchers selected for the programme documented their perspectives on social issues in the Region and beyond. These perspectives have been published in the form of “Youth as Researchers: Perspectives from Sri Lanka and the Maldives,” a publication launched online on the UNESDOC platform in February 2024. By harnessing their unique insights and experiences, these young individuals have contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of various issues affecting their communities.

The Youth as Researchers (YAR) initiative was developed to offer comprehensive training and mentorship, guiding youth on research approaches to generate evidence-based findings on topic that are relevant and important to young people. By instilling a sense of depth and purpose in their research endeavors, YAR empowers young researchers to effectively advocate for issues that resonate with them, thus driving meaningful impact and positive societal change.

In Sri Lanka and the Maldives, UNESCO's YAR programme took on a special significance, focusing on strengthening youth-led action research and evidence-building, particularly related to issues of peace and social cohesion. The initiative sought to amplify youth voices on peace and security matters, ensuring their inclusion in decision-making processes and documenting successful youth-led solutions to identified local challenges.

From the pool of talented young individuals, 79 youth researchers were shortlisted and underwent training and mentorship, learning essential research skills and methodologies to conduct meaningful social research. UNESCO, in collaboration with its local project partner Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA) - also associated with UNESCO as Co-Chair, UNESCO Chair on Community Based Research and Social Responsibility in Higher Education - organized a comprehensive six-day training program spread over nearly three months. The training aimed to equip participants with a thorough understanding of community-based participatory research, covering a range of topics including political participation, mental well-being, economic crisis and its implications, social cohesion, and gender equality.

Youth constitute a significant demographic globally, contributing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to society. Their voices are essential in decision-making processes as they directly experience the impacts of policies and initiatives on education, employment, healthcare, and the environment. Engaging youth in discussions on contemporary challenges such as climate change and social justice ensures their ownership by empowering them to participate actively in shaping policies and programs that directly affect their lives, fostering a sense of responsibility and investment in the outcomes.

Looking ahead, UNESCO remains committed to supporting youth-led initiatives like YAR, which play a vital role in advancing youth empowerment, promoting positive youth development, and fostering inclusive societies. Through continued collaboration and partnership, UNESCO aims to amplify youth voices, address pressing social issues, and nurture inclusive communities. 

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, who is determined to remove Indian troops from the country, appears to be moderating his stance a bit under pressure from the public and opposition parties in the archipelago nation. Muizzu, who is pro-China, last month gave a deadline of March 15 to India to withdraw about 80 troops stationed there. After returning from his first China visit, he also launched a broadside against India saying, in the presence of Indian Ambassador Munu Mahawar, "We may be small but that doesn't give you the license to bully us."

However, Muizzu has now said Male cannot produce results by being short-tempered during talks for the removal of Indian soldiers from the Maldives, local news organisation Adhadhu reported on Thursday. "These are things that can be achieved by talking nicely and properly explaining in a manner that everyone could believe that our country is an independent and democratic country," Muizzu said. "You can't achieve things by being short-tempered."

Also read: 'Maldives' economy in trouble': Muizzu says can't launch development projects due to high debt
  
Muizzu came to power on an 'India Out' campaign. After taking over as President, he visited China instead of New Delhi, which was the tradition. His government also ordered Turkish drones to patrol the exclusive economic zone, which was so far patrolled jointly with the Indian Navy.

But Muizzu's verbal attack on India has upset his countrymen and opposition parties, who believe the Maldivian President should not have gone so far as to call New Delhi a 'bully'. They also said that Muizzu should have followed proper diplomatic rules while conveying his grievances to New Delhi.

On Thursday, the Maldivian President admitted that established rules and norms should be followed to produce results. "It will be very easy to criticize from afar. Anyone can do that. But reality doesn't change because of that criticism. Things can be achieved when you do things the way it's supposed to be done," he said.

Muizzu also tried to contain the diplomatic fallout by saying he was not the enemy of any country. He said other people were trying to pin that label on the government. "We are not being an enemy. It is other people who want to create that enmity. They want to use that label. I say what I say very clearly, very directly, so clearly that you can't take a second meaning from it," he was quoted as saying by Adhadhu.

Ex-President Yameen blames deputy ministers for strained ties with India

Meanwhile, former President Abdulla Yameen, who also favoured China during his term from 2013 to 2018, has said that Male's long-standing friendly relations with India deteriorated due to the derogatory remarks by three deputy ministers against PM Modi. He said he had no hostility towards New Delhi despite launching the "India Out" campaign to remove Indian soldiers from Maldives. "To a level that we cannot accept, three people who were in responsible positions used insulting language and made derogatory remarks. That is what the Indian government cannot accept," he was quoted as saying by Adhadhu.

Jumhooree Party (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim said Muizzu must formally apologize to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his verbal attacks. Qasim referred to Muizzu's statement where he said the Maldives was not in the backyard of any particular country and that the Maldives would not allow other countries to "bully". 

Indian Troops in Maldives

India has 77 Indian soldiers in Maldives besides 12 medical personnel from the Indian armed forces. These soldiers provide help with humanitarian aid and medical evacuations for the residents. New Delhi has given Male two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft, which are mostly used for marine surveillance, search and rescue operations, and medical evacuations. The Indian troops manage these operations.

Most Indian tourists appear to be heading to Sri Lanka after a diplomatic row between India and the Maldives. As a result of this, Sri Lanka received more tourists than Maldives in January 2024. Male-based news outlet Adhadhu reported that tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka lagged behind the Maldives over the past four years. But in January, Sri Lanka surpassed Maldives in tourist arrivals. Last month, 192,385 tourists visited the Maldives, while 208,253 tourists visited Sri Lanka - up by over 1 lakh recorded in last January. 

In January, a row broke out between Male and New Delhi following some comments by Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India. Indian tourists reacted sharply and started a 'boycott Maldives' campaign. 

Also read: Amid diplomatic row, Maldives sees massive drop in Indian tourists in first 3 weeks of January

Adhadhu said a massive surge in Indian tourists visiting was one reason behind the 100 percent increase in tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka in January. In January last year, 13,759 Indians had visited Sri Lanka but that number jumped 2.5 times to 34,399 this January. While the number of Indian tourists to Sri Lanka surged, Maldives recorded a significant drop from 17,029 last January to 15,006 this year. 

India also emerged as the top source of tourists to Sri Lanka in January.

Meanwhile, the Maldives have witnessed a decline in the number of Indian tourists, who till recently topped the list of visitors to the island nation. From being the top tourist group visiting the Maldives, Indians slipped to fifth position in the last three weeks of January, according to the data analysed by news agency PTI. 

In the last three years, over 2 lakh Indians visited Maldives annually - the highest from any country post-Covid. However, India's contribution which was highest till recently slipped to the fifth position. According to the statistics, Maldives received over 1.74 lakh tourists till January 28 this year, of which only 13,989 were Indians.

Russia topped the chart with 18,561 tourists from the country visiting Maldives, followed by Italy (18,111), China (16,529), and the UK (14,588). Germany is in the sixth spot followed by the USA, France, Poland and Switzerland. Over 17 lakh tourists visited the island nation in 2023, of which the maximum were Indians (2,09,198) followed by Russians (2,09,146) and Chinese (1,87,118). The number of Indian visitors to Maldives was more than 2.4 lakh in 2022 and over 2.11 lakh in 2021. 

On 15th January 2025, Fushifaru Maldives delighted dessert enthusiasts with ‘Sweet Escape,’ an exclusive dessert-tasting experience curated by renowned Italian celebrity chef Damiano Carrara. The event proved to be a resounding success, captivating guests with exquisite flavors and artistic excellence.

Damiano Carrara, widely recognised as a leading figure in the culinary world, impressed attendees with his expertise and charm. Known for his role as a judge on Bake Off Italia and co-host of Cake Star, he has earned a reputation for his dedication to pastry craftsmanship. In 2024, he further cemented his celebrity status by winning Pechino Express, a popular Italian reality adventure show, alongside his brother Massimiliano.

During the tasting, guests indulged in five handcrafted petit four desserts, each exemplifying Carrara’s renowned artistry and innovation. Every creation presented a story of elegance and finesse, offering a unique exploration of flavour and texture.

In addition to the event, Carrara took the opportunity to relax and enjoy the island with his family, describing his stay at Fushifaru as “really amazing” and expressing how much they enjoyed their time there.

The success of ‘Sweet Escape’ has further reinforced Fushifaru Maldives’ reputation as a premier destination for extraordinary dining experiences, leaving guests with unforgettable memories during their stay on this exquisite island.

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is set to host the ultimate Valentine’s getaway from February 10 to 16, 2025, offering indulgent dining, rejuvenating spa experiences, and unforgettable adventures in the Maldives. Couples visiting the resort can take advantage of the Romantic Escape Offer, which includes exclusive villa savings in a picturesque island retreat. Enhancing the celebration, DJ Natalie Brogan will headline on Valentine’s Day, promising an unforgettable night filled with love, music, and enchantment.

Guests will have the opportunity to start their day with a Cupid Floating Champagne Breakfast, available at an exclusive 20% discount, or enjoy a Lover’s Premium Hot Pot Lunch for an intimate midday dining experience. As the evening progresses, romance will take centre stage with the Saint Valentine’s Lobster Beach BBQ, complemented by live music to create an enchanting atmosphere. For those seeking a more private experience, the Valentinus Cabana Private Dining option will provide an intimate beachfront dinner, accompanied by the soulful melodies of a live saxophone performance.

A night of high-energy entertainment is also in store as DJ Natalie Brogan takes the stage for the Lover’s Party at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. With a distinguished career spanning 15 years and an eight-year residency at Zero Gravity Dubai, she has performed alongside world-renowned DJs such as David Guetta and MK. Bringing her signature sound and electrifying beats to the Maldives, she will ensure an unforgettable Valentine’s Day celebration in 2025.

For guests looking to incorporate adventure into their romantic escape, the Dive into Love package presents a unique opportunity to explore the Maldives’ stunning underwater world. Those who book a Try Scuba dive at Nemo Garden will be able to witness breathtaking marine life in crystal-clear waters. To enhance the experience, couples will receive a complimentary romantic underwater photo, capturing a once-in-a-lifetime moment beneath the ocean’s surface.

Wellness enthusiasts can take advantage of exclusive spa offers, including the ‘Token of Love’ promotion, where a $499 spa gift voucher grants an additional 40% value, allowing treatments worth up to $700. Couples can also benefit from a 30% discount on signature experiences such as ‘Romance at Iru Fushi’ and ‘Honeymoon Escape.’ Additionally, with the ‘Treat Yourself” offer, guests who book three 60-minute massages will receive one complimentary session, along with a 20% discount on retail spa products to extend their relaxation beyond their stay.

The Exclusive Romantic Escape Offer provides couples with the chance to create unforgettable memories at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. The package includes up to 30% off all villa categories, with guests booking at least four nights receiving a complimentary shared seaplane transfer for one and a one-time floating breakfast for villas with pools. Furthermore, those who book a 90-minute spa treatment will receive a complimentary upgrade to 120 minutes. Non-motorised water sports and snorkelling equipment will also be available at no additional cost throughout their stay. This offer is valid for bookings made between January 11 and February 15, 2025, for stays extending until December 23, 2025.

The expected arrival of a Chinese research ship in the Maldives this week has escalated tensions between Beijing, Delhi and Male.

Officially, the vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3 is there to "make a port call, for rotation of personnel and replenishment". In short, an entirely innocuous stop.

But that is not how it is being seen in Delhi. Instead, the ship's presence is at the very least a diplomatic snub. At worst, some fear, it could be a mission to collect data which could - at a later date - be used by the Chinese military in submarine operations.

China experts, however, have shrugged off their concerns.

"The Chinese ships carry out scientific research work in the Indian ocean. Its activities on the high sea are entirely legitimate," Zhou Bo, a former People's Liberation Army Senior Colonel, told the BBC.

"Sometimes the ships need replenishment - like fuel, food and water. So, they berth in a third country port, which is normal. So, the Indian government shouldn't make any fuss about it. Indian Ocean is not India's Ocean," asserted Mr Zhou, who is now with the Tsinghua university in Beijing.

But this is not the first time that China - which competes for influence with Delhi in the Indian Ocean amid a long-standing dispute over their Himalayan border - has sent one of its ships sailing close to Indian waters.

Two Chinese naval submarines made a port call to Colombo in 2014 and two Chinese research vessels visited Sri Lanka, close to the tip of southern India, in the past two years, much to the displeasure of India.

The arrivals came as China, which has loaned billions of dollars to Colombo, made significant inroads into Sri Lanka.

The research ship, Xiang Yang Hong 3, had in fact originally planned to visit Colombo for replenishment before proceeding to the Maldives. But that has been shelved for now, according to Tharaka Balasuriya, the junior foreign minister of Sri Lanka.

"During this one year we want to develop our technology and expertise so that we can join in these research activities on an equal basis," he told the BBC.

However, Colombo's decision to stop the research vessels is being seen as a response to India's strong objections to such visits by Chinese vessels.

India's objections however, have made little difference in the Maldives.

The Maldives, which consists of about 1,200 coral islands and atolls in the middle of the Indian Ocean, has long been under India's sphere of influence. But Mohamed Muizzu, who took over as president in November and is regarded as pro-China, wants to change that.

He campaigned on an 'India Out' platform, asking Delhi to withdraw about 80 Indian military personnel based on the island. India says the troops are in the island nation to maintain and operate three reconnaissance and rescue aircraft, donated by Delhi years ago.

The Maldivian government has set an ultimatum to Delhi to withdraw its troops by 15 March, two days before the country's parliamentary polls.

Following talks in Delhi last week, the Maldivian foreign ministry said India had agreed "to replace the military personnel" and that the first batch will leave by 10 March and the rest by the second week of May.

In December, Mr Muizzu's administration also announced that it would not renew a hydrographic survey agreement with India that was signed by the previous government to map the seabed in the Maldivian territorial waters.

Relations have in fact deteriorated so much that none of the senior leaders of the Maldivian government attended a recent event organised by the Indian High Commission in Male to mark India's 75th Republic Day.

China, meanwhile, rolled out the red carpet to Mr Muizzu when he went on a five-day state visit to Beijing last month. Since that trip, high-level Chinese officials have visited the Maldives. Mr Muizzu has also announced several Chinese-funded infrastructure projects.

The sudden shift in Male's position towards China has raised concerns in Delhi, which attaches strategic significance to the island nation.

China, with its rapidly expanding naval forces, would likely also want access to such a strategically important location - something India wants to prevent.

"Of course, the Maldives is very important; it is the southern Oceanic flank of India," Shyam Saran, a former Indian foreign secretary, told the BBC.

"Just like we had serious reservations about what was happening in Sri Lanka, we will have serious reservations about that may happen in the Maldives," Mr Saran said.

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and others have been urging Mr Muizzu's government for a course correction, saying it's not in the country's interests to antagonise a giant neighbour like India. Last week the MDP said it was even contemplating moving impeachment proceedings against Mr Muizzu.

As a small island nation, the Maldives depends on India for most of its food, infrastructure building, and technological advancement. Many Maldivians go to India for medical treatment.

"Most people here think that government has taken the hostility against India a bit too far and that it is totally unnecessary," Aik Ahmed Easa, a lawyer in Male affiliated with the opposition MDP, told the BBC.

"The Maldives is a small country. But this is going into a dangerous phase where we are getting into the middle of the Asian superpower rivalry," he said.

The Maldivian President's office and the foreign minister did not respond to requests for comment.

China has greater strategic ambitions and it's likely to send more ships to the Indian Ocean region for oceanographic research or to protect its commercial interests, experts say. For India, the challenge will be how to counter Beijing's growing assertive influence in an area that Delhi perceives as its backyard.

Mr Zhou says Chinese aircraft carriers and their support vessels will eventually reach the Indian Ocean. If India disrupts restocking supplies for these ships in a third country - like Sri Lanka - then Beijing will be "furious", he says.

Did you know that in Maldives you can adopt a Manta Ray ? Whether for yourself, a friend, or a loved one, Manta Trust digital adoption packs make the perfect…

BY Dreaming of Maldives - The Blog. Your Unique Travel Guide to the Maldives

W Maldives will reopen on March 1st, 2025, showcasing once again W Hotels’ design excellence. The resort returns to the dreamy Maldives scene with fully reimagined villas, cutting-edge dining concepts,…

BY Dreaming of Maldives - The Blog. Your Unique Travel Guide to the Maldives

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru restaurant Madi Hiyaa has been awarded as one of the World’s Most Beautiful Achievements at The Prix Versailles 2024 for its stunning architecture and design, recognizing it…

BY Dreaming of Maldives - The Blog. Your Unique Travel Guide to the Maldives

Wishing you all a Dreamy, Healthy, and Joyful 2025 ! Happy New Year from Dreaming Of Maldives !

BY Dreaming of Maldives - The Blog. Your Unique Travel Guide to the Maldives

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday said he cannot launch any new development projects due to the debt situation in the country. He said he did not want to mislead the public about the economic situation that his administration "inherited", according to Male-based news outlet Adhadhu.

Muizzu had to disclose the real state of the economy as he was under pressure from the people who had been complaining about stalled projects in the archipelago nation. "The next two months will be the most difficult. This is the most critical time," he said during a visit to one of the country's islands, Guraidhoo. "It will become much easier after July. But we're starting now to do the work necessary to earn income.

Tennis Champion Daniil Medvedev will be at Soneva Fushi in Maldives to host a series of exclusive guest experiences from November 22 to December 1, 2023. Tennis Dreams Come True…

BY Dreaming of Maldives - The Blog. Your Unique Travel Guide to the Maldives

Let’s have a look at all new and upcoming resorts in 2024 in Maldives. Apparently, this year, the Maldives will welcome three 3 new resorts only, it’s a very small…

BY Dreaming of Maldives - The Blog. Your Unique Travel Guide to the Maldives

Dreaming of snorkeling and diving at The Nautilus Maldives ? This news is for you ! The superb luxury resort announces its new annual underwater festival with a series of…

BY Dreaming of Maldives - The Blog. Your Unique Travel Guide to the Maldives

Kuda Villingili partners with The Wave Project to launch a Surf Therapy project this summer. This summer, the Wave Project will be leading thrilling surf retreats during their residency at…

BY Dreaming of Maldives - The Blog. Your Unique Travel Guide to the Maldives

The threshold for a super majority stands at 70 seats out of the 93-member parliament, granting the coalition the authority to enact constitutional amendments. With the Maldives National Party (MNP) and the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) clinching one seat each, the ruling coalition has amassed 73 seats, with the PPM/PNC alliance emerging as the frontrunner.

A notable shift from the previous parliament, the PNC has clinched significant victories in key constituencies, including Male’, Addu, Fuvahmulah, Lhaviyani Atoll and Kulhudhufushi. Meanwhile, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which secured 65 seats in the previous election, has faced a stark decline in support, securing only 12 seats in the current polls. Several seasoned MDP members have also faced defeat in this election cycle.

Furthermore, breakaway factions such as the Democrats, led by former President Mohammed Nasheed, failed to secure any seats, signaling a fragmentation within the opposition. Additionally, the MDP coalition party, Adhalath Party, faced a similar outcome with no victories in the polls.

The outcome of the 20th Parliament elections underscores a significant political landscape shift, consolidating power within the ruling coalition while highlighting a challenging road ahead for the opposition.

With the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) securing a supermajority of 71 seats in the upcoming 20th People’s Majlis, interim results show MDP winning only 12 seats, compared to their majority in the 19th People’s Majlis.

In a released statement, MDP congratulated successful candidates and urged them to prioritize the welfare of the people while upholding democratic values. The party emphasized the importance of parliamentarians in holding the government accountable and expressed confidence that the newly elected members will fulfill this duty diligently.

Despite the setback, MDP remains resolute in its mission to ensure democratic governance and transparency in the Maldives political landscape.

The media was taken aback during a briefing by Spokesperson Heena Waleed at the President’s Office, where they were unexpectedly instructed to leave their phones at the entrance. Responding to media concerns, the President’s Office granted temporary permission for phones to be carried in, citing a lack of prior notification.

However, it was made clear that this leniency is temporary, and all visitors, including media personnel, will be subject to the no-phone rule in future visits. Khaleel emphasized that this regulation applies universally, not just to the media but to all visitors except Cabinet Ministers and office employees.

Furthermore, it has been reported by Mihaaru that while Cabinet Ministers are exempt from the ban, other government officials and managing directors of state-owned enterprises are also prohibited from bringing phones into the President’s Office. This measure underscores the seriousness of the security protocol and its broad application within government circles.

Heena emphasized that the distribution of apartments to rightful owners will coincide with the conclusion of the committee’s decisions. With construction ongoing on 4,000 flats contracted to Indian companies by Fahi Dhiriulhun, the process has been under scrutiny following ACC’s intervention.

The ACC’s investigations unveiled startling findings, revealing that 60 percent of the individuals listed as eligible beneficiaries were, in fact, ineligible. Moreover, discrepancies were found in nearly 80 percent of the application forms submitted. As a response, the government assembled the flat committee to ensure transparency and fairness in the allocation process.

Hamdhan Shakeel, Managing Director of Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation, provided insights into the project’s progress, indicating that all 16 towers are expected to be completed by year-end, with additional labor resources deployed to expedite the timeline.

With the committee’s diligent efforts and the commitment to rectify discrepancies, stakeholders anticipate a fair and just distribution of housing flats in Hulhumalé Phase 2.

The approved envoys and their respective postings are as follows:

– Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) – United Arab Emirates

– Iruthisham Adam – United Kingdom

– Ali Naseer Mohamed (Alini) – United Nations

– Masood Imad – Sri Lanka

– Mariyam Shabeena Ahmed – Malaysia

– Geela Ali – Belgium and EU

– Mohamed Luveiz – Singapore

– Dr. Salma Rasheed – Geneva

Each appointee brings a wealth of experience and expertise to their new roles. Mohamed Hussain Shareef, now designated as High Commissioner to the UAE, previously served as a Minister and Ambassador to Japan during the tenure of former President Abdulla Yameen. Iruthisham Adam, appointed Ambassador to the UK, formerly held the position of Youth Minister of Maldives, while Ali Naseer Mohamed, the new ambassador to the UN, has served as a foreign secretary.

Masood Imad, entrusted with the Sri Lanka posting, previously served as Press Secretary under former President Dr. Mohamed Waheed. Geela Ali, appointed to Geneva and the EU, boasts a background in foreign diplomacy and formerly held the position of Permanent Secretary at the Health Ministry.

Dr. Salma Rasheed, appointed to Geneva, brings familial ties to Maldivian politics, being the sister of Asma Rasheed, MP-elect for Central Maafannu constituency, and the aunt of Mohamed Hussain Shareef, the newly appointed head of mission to the UAE. Mohamed Luveiz, designated High Commissioner to Singapore, brings a multifaceted background, having previously served as Minister of State for Economic Relations and as a member of the Economic and Youth Council during the administration of former President Yameen. Additionally, he has contributed to the council of Maldives National University.

While these eight representatives have secured approval, the Parliament is also scrutinizing the nominations of Dr. Fazeel Najeeb as Ambassador to China and Shiuneen Rasheed as Ambassador to Bangladesh, indicating ongoing attention to the nation’s diplomatic endeavors.

The Minister emphasized that while legitimate domain holders should not suffer the consequences of others’ misconduct, the government is committed to rectifying the situation. Out of the 1400 domains in use across the Maldives, a staggering 50 percent—equivalent to 700 domains—were identified as fraudulent. Some of these illegitimate domain numbers were reportedly obtained through collusion with Transport Ministry staff and subsequently sold to unsuspecting parties at exorbitant prices.

In response, Minister Ameen outlined the government’s plan to initiate efforts to legalize these domains within the next 20 days, ensuring that individuals operating within the bounds of the law are not unfairly affected. He assured the public that measures will be taken to integrate affected parties into the system without incurring losses. Additionally, Minister Ameen pledged to resolve the domain issue within the span of six months, underscoring the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in Maldives’ transportation sector.

Saeed highlighted the positive response garnered by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s foreign investment agenda, attributing it to the government’s commitment to fostering an investor-friendly environment. He underscored the bolstered investor confidence following the recent parliamentary elections, where the government received overwhelming support.

Minister Saeed’s remarks came amidst the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Moosa Zameer, who is also participating in the forum alongside over 700 global leaders. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the participation of key Maldivian officials, including Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, and Minister of Finance, Dr. Mohamed Shafeeq, in various official capacities in Saudi Arabia.

The Maldives’ proactive engagement at the World Economic Forum reflects its commitment to leveraging international cooperation and investment to drive sustainable economic growth and development.

The online application process, which commenced on November 5th of the previous year, encountered numerous challenges leading to the cessation of form processing. The issues primarily stemmed from a surge in user submissions simultaneously, resulting in technical glitches.

Amidst the transition from the former government to the current administration, many applicants encountered difficulties, including delayed receipt of the One Time Passcode (OTP) crucial for accessing the application portal. Notably, despite the hurdles, all 281 available Vinares apartments were swiftly booked within just 30 minutes of the application launch, with an additional 1,063 applications in the processing stage.

Due to the mounting technical complications, HDC temporarily suspended further applications until the underlying issues were resolved. However, in a recent statement, HDC revealed the complete cancellation of previously submitted forms, acknowledging the widespread technical challenges faced by applicants. Numerous complaints prompted this decision, as many missed the opportunity to submit forms due to technical hindrances.

Moreover, HDC announced the discontinuation of offering Vinares flats for purchase. Instead, these flats will be allocated to individuals who have made payments for other apartments within the Hulhumalé area but have yet to receive their units due to project delays and other reasons.

A senior government official confirmed Thaufeeq’s dismissal on Wednesday. However, the Privatization and Corporatization Board has yet to comment on the reasons behind this decision.

Thaufeeq had been appointed as MMPRC’s Managing Director on December 17, 2023. Her departure follows closely on the heels of Aisha Nurain Janah’s resignation from her role as MMPRC Chairperson just a day earlier.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:00 am, as the 39-year-old resort worker bravely jumped into the island’s waters to save a tourist struggling to swim. Despite his successful rescue effort, the man himself was overcome and drowned.

According to the police, the man was initially reported to be receiving treatment for a drowning incident. However, the Dhangethi Health Center confirmed to authorities that he was already deceased upon arrival.

The rescued tourist is reported to be in good health and is recovering well, as confirmed by the police.

This tragic incident has prompted an investigation by the police to understand the full circumstances surrounding the event.

The death comes amid an orange alert for parts of the northern and central Maldives, with the country facing intense monsoon rains and strong winds, causing waves up to 10 feet high.