Short and snappy: President gives 18-minute speech to parliament
The president’s speech clocked in at just 18 minutes. Last year’s speech lasted one hour and 13 minutes.

22 Feb 2018, 9:00 AM
76,000 new jobs created
New “Dharumavantha” hospital to start service this year with diagnostics centre
Domestic airports in Kulhudhuffushi, Maafaru, Funadhoo and Maavarulu to be completed this year
In the last four years crime rates went down 35 percent
US$24 million “King Salman” mosque will be completed this year
100,000 people to get housing under “Hiyaa” project by 2019
Saudi aid of US$160 million to be spent on fisheries sector
Schools modernization project will start using tablets by second term
85 percent of sports arenas completed, includes 380 sports fields
Football training school in Hulhumalé
45 kilometres of road completed in nine islands
12 more islands to get roads this year
30 islands will get new harbours this year