The President’s Office quietly deleted a statement on its official website and removed social media posts about the president meeting with a supposed Saudi prince called Fahad Saud Alshalan, who attended the signing of a multi-billion finance hub joint venture with a Qatari family office on May 4. Alshalan was found to be a distant relative of the Saud family without any official government role. The press statement and photos were taken down at the behest of the Saudi government, Adhadhu reported.
Speaking to CNN Arabic, the central bank governor revealed plans to refinance US$ 500 million worth of Islamic bonds. Repayment of the sukuk bonds issued to global finance markets in 2018 and 2019 is due in April 2026. The government hopes to reissue the sukuk to pay off the existing debt, Munavar said at the sidelines of the Islamic Development Bank's annual meeting.
The government-run Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital will launch eyewear sales to address alleged price gouging in the private sector, President Muizzu announced during an interview with the state broadcaster. Aasandha coverage for prescription glasses will be doubled to MVR 2,000 (US$ 130), he pledged. IGMH’s OPD services will now be available at night, in an effort to clear a waiting list for consulting specialist doctors, and the Hulhumalé Hospital’s capacity will be increased with an additional 250 beds, Muizzu said.
The president announced plans for a nationwide housing initiative set to commence this year, aiming to provide a “first home” to every Maldivian citizen aged 18 and above. Construction of 4,000 flats will begin this year, he said. In his PSM interview, Muizzu also revealed plans for a land exchange scheme for owners of homes in narrow alleys in Malé who are unable to obtain bank loans. Such plots can be relinquished to the state in exchange for an equal plot from one of the manmade islands in the Greater Malé Region with the vacated land to be repurposed as parks or green spaces, he said.
Some 549 applicants for 50 immigration trainee officer posts sat for exams.
A new state-owned enterprise called the Infrastructure Development Solutions Company was established to “drive urban development projects in both densely populated and rural areas” and to “focus on construction, casting, and related works using modern technology and resources.”
An iconic, centuries-old Banyan tree in Noonu Velidhoo was severely damaged by strong winds.
The first couple travelled to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage on the invitation of the Saudi royal family.
Japan donated laser speed guns to the police.