Maldives News
Tourist arrivals surpass one-million mark
The government hopes to welcome 1.5 million tourists in 2017, despite missing the same target during the past two years. After reaching a record 1.3 million in 2016, arrivals have grown by six percent as of October compared to the same period last year.
23 Nov 2017, 09:00
Maldives integrity chief sacked days after ‘obstruction’ tweet
The head of the National Integrity Commission recently attracted attention for a tweet reprimanding police leadership for hampering the NIC’s work.
23 Nov 2017, 09:00
Record budget passed after opposition boycott
The record-high budget was passed with 39 votes in favour exclusively from ruling coalition lawmakers in the 85-member house.
22 Nov 2017, 09:00
Islanders bashed over ‘ingratitude’ towards president
The MP and parliament majority leader Ahmed Nihan lashed out at the people of Thinadhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu atoll and two former PPM politicians who lost their seats after being expelled from the party.
22 Nov 2017, 09:00
Court order to seize Internet activist’s phone sparks outrage
The police sought the warrant to identify Thayyib Shaheem’s sources for an investigation into alleged false claims about President Abdulla Yameen, the head of the anti-corruption watchdog, and senior government officials.
21 Nov 2017, 09:00
High Court upholds 10-year prison term for ex-defence minister
The judge’s three-week detention at a military training base sparked anti-government protests, culminating in then-president Mohamed Nasheed’s resignation in the wake of a violent mutiny by police and army elements in 2012.
21 Nov 2017, 09:00
Foreign debt warning from Maldives central bank boss
The IMF and the World Bank predicts Maldivian debt to reach 121 percent of GDP by 2020.
20 Nov 2017, 09:00
Barbs and boycotts as record budget sails through committee
The finance minister said the government would prioritize development projects in the constituencies of lawmakers who voted for the budget.
20 Nov 2017, 09:00
President promises pay hikes for civil servants
At a rally held to mark the fourth anniversary of his administration, Yameen listed his achievements with a slew of figures, challenging “political leaders who say they do not see development”.
19 Nov 2017, 09:00
‘Hiyaa’ housing project launched in Hulhumalé
Launched with fireworks at a ceremony in Hulhumalé, the Hiyaa housing project involves the construction of 36 towers to house 80,000 people in one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments on Hulhumalé.
19 Nov 2017, 09:00
Two Maldivians arrested for bomb-making
The arrests relate to the pair making an improvised explosive device, news outlet Mihaaru said, and police found bomb making equipment at the home of one of the men.
16 Nov 2017, 09:00
Rise in child abuse reports
The ministry said 122 out of 272 reported cases were regarding different forms of child abuse – 45 percent of the total reported cases in October.
16 Nov 2017, 09:00
Record MVR28bn budget proposed for 2018
Finance Minister Ahmed Munawar submitted for parliamentary approval a record MVR27.9 billion (US$1.8 billion) budget for 2018.
15 Nov 2017, 09:00
IS terror suspects were planning suicide attack in Malé
Ishag Ali and Hussein Afeef were named by prosecutors and are alleged by police to have connections to the Islamic State group operating out of Syria and Iraq.
15 Nov 2017, 09:00
Police confiscate phones amid Faris bribery trial
The police action follows Ahmed Shafiu’s allegations of a lawmaker attempting to coerce false testimony against MP Faris Maumoon, who is at the centre of the trial.
15 Nov 2017, 09:00
Ex-tourism boss in not guilty plea to 30 corruption charges
Abdulla Ziyath, who managed the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation, is accused of misappropriating US$44 million (MVR721 million) by leasing islands and lagoons owned by the state.
15 Nov 2017, 09:00
Multiple arrests after triple stabbing in Maldives capital
The two men were attacked on Fareedhee Magu, near MHA Mart, police confirmed and are being treated in Male’s Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital.
15 Nov 2017, 09:00
Education ministry hits out at professor ‘ban’ reports
A local news outlet said Professor Hassan Ugail was banned by the Education Ministry. The report was later edited to say he faced “challenges” to appear at local schools.
14 Nov 2017, 09:00
Coconuts or progress? President’s question for Kulhudhuffushi
PPM supporters, heads of state-owned firms and senior government officials have been flocking to the northern island for the inauguration of an airport project and the party’s annual meeting.
14 Nov 2017, 09:00
Controversial airport project inaugurated despite lack of contractor
The lack of a contractor to build the airport has raised concerns among some islanders that the project is a vote-winning stunt ahead of next year’s election.
14 Nov 2017, 09:00
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