Culture

Nostalgic relief as beloved religious TV series returns

An Egyptian series about the lives of the prophets from Abraham to Mohamed aired daily on Television Maldives every Ramadan but was expected to be discontinued this year.

Viral vlogger filming in Maldives

Nuseir ‘Nas’ Yassin, a Palestinian-Israeli famous for his one-minute video clips, will be meeting local fans Friday evening at the Republic Square in Malé.

Anti-drugs NGO launches hotline

Journey offers assistance with rehabilitation and house calls to parents or spouses with loved ones struggling with addiction.

Maldives welcomes first day of Ramadan

Maldivians traditionally prepare for Ramadan by refurbishing and cleaning homes and organising pre-Ramadan meals called maahefun for relatives, friends, and work colleagues.

First lady’s charity distributes dates for Ramadan

Sadaqat Foundation staff and ruling party lawmakers were handing out dates in Malé’s streets and near ferry terminals on Saturday

Missing peacock returned to owner

Indian navy vessel in joint patrol of Maldivian waters

Indian media speculated that the joint exercise signals a thaw in bilateral relations, which was strained after a state of emergency was declared in February.

Farce and furious: housing project event slides into chaos

Hiyaa, meaning shelter, was launched with fireworks at a groundbreaking ceremony last November. It involves the construction of 36 towers with apartments to house 80,000 people.

Malé swimming track closed for dredging

The capital’s natural beaches were lost to reclamation and shore protection over the past decades. The track is the only area available for athletes as the water is too shallow in Malé’s two artificial beaches.

Regulator wants ‘broadest possible’ journalism under new rules

The media regulator wants journalists to practice their profession “as broadly as possible” within new legal restrictions.

Imam injured in minister car prang

The man was discharged after getting treated for his injuries and getting an X-ray, a hospital official told Mihaaru.

Sangu TV pays off defamation fine

The private station started a fundraising drive to meet the Maldives Broadcasting Commission penalty, imposed after the airing of colourful language about President Abdulla Yameen from opposition MP Mohamed Musthafa last December.

Applications to open for housing project

The Hiyaa housing project involves the construction of 36 towers with one, two and three-bedroom apartments to house 80,000 people, according to the President’s Office.

Jihadi paradise: extremist material still online in Maldives despite government pledge

The defence minister told media in January that online extremist content would be blocked. But several websites — including those known to be linked to Maldivians fighting in the Syrian war — are still accessible.

HPA warns of dengue increase

There are annual dengue outbreaks in the Maldives, with cases reported every year although most are not life-threatening.

Rule of law and fundamental freedoms ‘under attack’ in Maldives

Authorities have repressed all forms of dissent including “violently breaking up peaceful demonstrations, arbitrarily arresting and detaining protesters, attacking journalists and threatening news organisations with closure,” said a report.

President’s Office announces Ramadan working hours

The President’s Office said if the first day of Ramadan falls on Wednesday May 16 the following day will be a public holiday, giving Maldivians a three-day weekend.

Tributes pour in for celebrated poet Mariyam Saeed

Mariyam Saeed is one of the most celebrated poets of her generation and came from a family of well-known poets including her father, Hussain Salahuddeen, who himself was a renowned linguist and writer.

Indian teacher flees after boxcutter threat from students

An eyewitness said the grade 10 students were unhappy with the way an assignment had been marked and initially attacked the expat teacher with a chair.

School teachers end strike

The teachers downed tools after a member of staff was suspended for allegedly assaulting a student.