Jumhooree Party leader Qasim Ibrahim's Villa Air accepted US$ 18 million as compensation for the government to take over Kaadedhdhoo airport in Gaaf Dhaal atoll. The cabinet's economic committee offered either direct payment or tax deductions. The business magnate dismissed former president Yameen's allegations of corruption and blamed government policies for the failure to upgrade the airport to international status after it was leased to Villa for 50 years in 2014.
Global civil society alliance Civicus downgraded the Maldives' civic space rating to "obstructed," citing risks to press freedoms from a new media bill as well as the targeting of protesters and attacks on judicial independence.
HDC announced the expected arrival of three additional dredgers to complete the stalled land reclamation in Hulhumalé phase three, Gulhifalhu, Giraavaru Falhu and Uthuru Thila Falhu.
The Elections Commission sought 260 employees to conduct next year's local council elections.
The High Court overturned a magistrate court's release of a police constable arrested over alleged vape and drug trafficking. At a previous hearing, the man angered judges by claiming to have never taken the police oath by staying silent when it had been administered during the swearing-in ceremony. He was taken back into custody and remanded for 20 days.
The Bank of Maldives funded a classroom for children with disabilities in Thaa Veymandoo through a grant to a youth NGO from the island.
President Muizzu decided to confer the "Presidential Honour for Distinguished Service to the Nation" award to the people of Haa Alif Utheemu in recognition of the community’s patriotism and maintenance of the Utheemu Ganduvaru, the home of national hero Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu who liberated the Maldives from Portuguese rule in 1573. The award was to be presented on Sunday morning at the first official National Day ceremony to be held on the island. Other National Day activities include a flag-hoisting ceremony and a military parade in Malé on Sunday evening.
