More than 100,000 tourists have visited the Maldives in eighteen days. According to statistics from the Ministry of Tourism, this is a 7.6% increase compared to the same period last year. The number of tourists visiting the Maldives is increasing day by day. Currently, an average of over 6,000 tourists visit the Maldives the Maldives daily. According to the statistics of the Ministry of Tourism, a total of 812,770 tourists have visited the Maldives so far this year. This is a 7.6% increase compared to the same period last year. During this period last year, 755,583 tourists had visited the Maldives.
So far this year, China has been the country with the highest number of tourists visiting the Maldives. More than 88,000 tourists from that country have visited the Maldives.
Photo Credits: MMPRC
The top 5 countries with the most tourists visiting the Maldives:
* China – 88,615 tourists
* United Kingdom – 86,181 tourists
* Russia – 83,659 tourists
* Italy – 75,499 tourists
* Germany – 62,663 tourists
According to tourism statistics, of the tourists who have visited the Maldives so far this year, more than 500,000 tourists have spent their holidays in resorts. And more than 200,000 tourists spent their holidays in guesthouses. In addition, statistics from the Ministry of Tourism show that more than 24,000 tourists have spent their holidays in hotels. Last year, 2 million tourists visited the Maldives. And before the end of this year, the government aims to bring 2.3 million tourists to the Maldives, and many efforts are being made to promote and advertise Maldives tourism to achieve this goal.
The Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, has stated that the growth of private businesses is important for the Maldives to be included in the list of developed countries. The Minister said this while speaking at the opening ceremony of the Maldives-Malaysia Investment Forum. Speaking at this ceremony, the Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, said that holding a Maldivian investment forum in Malaysia is evidence of strengthening business ties between the two countries. The Minister also said that this would facilitate information about investment opportunities in both countries for businesspeople from both nations.
Saeed said that the Maldives is currently in a favorable position for development and progress. The Minister also said that under the visionary leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, work is being done according to a special roadmap to include the Maldives in the list of developed countries before the year 2040. The Minister also emphasized that the growth of private businesses is very important to achieve this goal.
The Minister said that a special law has now been formulated to promote private businesses and make the Maldives favorable for foreign investors. As such, with the Foreign Investment Law that has now been formulated, Minister Saeed noted that foreign investors will receive legal protection, be able to conduct business transparently, and have the opportunity to play a role in advancing the Maldivian economy. “The Investment Forum will allow investors from both countries to meet, strengthening business relationships. And it will pave the way for economic cooperation and advancement in the future,” the Minister said.
Photo Credits: PSMNEWS.MV
Speaking at the ceremony to launch this forum, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Zafrul Abdulaziz, characterized this as a forum that will further strengthen the relationship between the two countries in the business sector. Tengku said that business transactions between the Maldives and Malaysia increased by 4 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year. In addition, the Malaysian Minister of Investment said that with this forum, business transactions will increase further, and it will also facilitate businesspeople from both countries to identify business opportunities in the other country.
“Malaysia is one of the leading countries in the world in the halal industry. There are opportunities for Maldivian investors in Malaysia in the field of producing and selling food within Islamic principles. And we are also seeing various Malaysian brands opening in the Maldives,” Tengku said.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and a delegation of senior Maldivian government officials are currently on an official visit to Malaysia. While the Maldives-Malaysia Investment Forum has now begun as part of this visit, important agreements have already been signed to strengthen relations in various fields.
The opportunity to invest in more than fifty projects in the Maldives has been opened to foreign investors. This opportunity was opened through the Maldives-Malaysia Business Forum held in Malaysia. The Business Forum is a series of forums held to reveal investment opportunities in the Maldives to foreign parties and foreign investors. Through the Business Forum held in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, investments have been opened for major projects included in President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s vision. At this forum, which was attended by a large number of Malaysian investors and businesspeople, opportunities to invest in 52 projects were opened.
Some of the areas of projects opened to investors include urban development projects, healthcare sector, higher education sector, sports sector, airport development, tourism sector, fisheries and marine resources development sector, as well as energy sector, creative economy, banking and finance sector, and ICT sector. In addition, some other sectors are also included among the areas opened to investors.
Photo Credits: PSMNEWS.MV
Some of the projects opened for investment: 1- Rasmale Development Project 2- Gulhifalhu Reclamation and Protection 3- SME and SOE Office Building 4- Development of Dharubaaruge Convention Center 5- Construction of Multilevel Parking Buildings 6- Relocating and developing Male’ Commercial Port to Thilafushi 7- Development of Kudahuvadhoo, Maamigili Port 8- Development of H.A. Uligam Yacht Marina 9- Development of Lhaviyani Maritime Hub
In addition, it includes urban development projects in the health sector, expansion of the mental health sector, and pharmaceutical sector projects. It also includes many projects that are part of the President’s pledges. These include the development of a Tourism Training Facility, development of a National Art School, development of a Medical School with a Teaching Hospital, development of the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science, development of a Fisheries College, and development of Medical Tourism and Sports Fishing sectors.
Photo Credits: PSMNEWS.MV
Speaking to PSM News about this Business Forum, Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed said that based on the reception of previous business forums, many projects related to the President’s pledges have been opened to investors this time as well. The Minister said that these projects include those that investors will carry out, projects that can be conducted in partnership with Maldivian businesses, and projects that can be carried out in collaboration with the government.
“The biggest difference this time is that now it will be known what the project is, how much money will be needed for the investment, and how long it will take for the project. After that, the partner or the financing party, or the financial institution or business will know the benefits and the full payback commitment schedule. Also, all the details of how a foreign investment can be registered in the Maldives.” said the Minister of Economic Development.
Previously, business forums have been held during various presidential trips. As such, business forums have been held in major cities of India, as well as in Dubai and China. The government continues to work on holding such forums in some other countries as well.
Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Ahmed Shiyam has said that fishermen will become aware of the state with the financial assistance arrangements made available through BML. He said this while speaking at a ceremony held to sign an agreement between the ministry and BML to arrange financial assistance for those registered in the National Fisheries Registry.
One of the biggest efforts being made by the government to systematically provide financial assistance from institutions, banks, and financial institutions to fishermen is the work of registering fishermen. As part of this work, a National Fisheries Registry was inaugurated in February of last year.
Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Ahmed Shiyam said that the main purpose of a national registry is to remove barriers to fishermen benefiting from financial resources and to make fishing an officially recognized occupation in the Maldives.
Photo Credits:Masverimv
Shedding light on the work being done by the ministry to compile the fishermen’s registry, Minister Shiyam said that ministry staff have traveled to the atolls of the Maldives to compile the registry, and from the work done so far, 95% of vessels engaged in fishing have been registered. The Minister said that the biggest challenge for those working in the fishing industry has been obtaining loans or financing from banks. He said that through the work done in recent days to solve this issue, arrangements have now been made for financial assistance to be available to those registered in the National Fisheries Registry. The Minister said that this has ensured that fishermen are recognized by the government.
“To achieve this goal, from the very first day, making fishermen recognized by the state will certainly be through such state institutions (BML) providing the benefits or conveniences that are available to those working in other offices and companies in the Maldives, and as I mentioned, even in the civil service, to fishermen. That is what I believe is recognizing the state,” said Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Ahmed Shiyam.
This government has been working on many efforts to advance and diversify the Maldivian fishing industry. The government’s goal is to further expand the fishing industry and make fishing one of the highest income-generating industries for the Maldives. When this government took office, the biggest concern of fishermen was the issue of not receiving payment for the fish they sold. When this government took office, 250 million rufiyaa was unpaid for fish sold by fishermen. However, the government has said that this money has been paid off and now fishermen are being paid on a daily basis.
The government’s goal is to find solutions to the problems facing the fishing industry within the first 3 years of the government.”
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has praised President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu for the amendment to the law banning entry to the Maldives with Israeli passports. The Malaysian Prime Minister commended the President while speaking after the agreements signed between the two countries during the President’s current visit to Malaysia.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that the policy of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the Maldivian state regarding Palestine is a courageous one. He also stated that Malaysia and the Maldives share the same policy on this issue. Noting that Malaysia does not recognize Israel as a state, the Prime Minister said that Malaysia made this decision because of Israel’s disrespect for human rights and violation of international agreements. He also said that this decision was made in opposition to the genocide being carried out by Zionists in Palestine, especially in Gaza.
“Both our countries follow the same policies on this issue. President Dr. Muizzu’s decision (to ban entry with Israeli passports) is a brave decision. We respect that decision,” said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. President ratified the amendment to the Maldives Immigration Act banning Israeli passports on the 15th of this month. This is an amendment brought to the law by the government as a measure against the inhumane acts and genocide being carried out by the Jewish Zionist state to eradicate the Palestinian people.
President Dr. Muizzu and the government have been working extensively in various international forums for the rights of the brotherly people of Palestine. As such, the President has called for the establishment of an independent state in Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the pre-1967 borders, and for Palestine to be given full membership in the UN.
Five agreements have been signed between Maldives and Malaysia for cooperation in important areas. These agreements were signed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during his ongoing official visit to Malaysia. Before signing the agreements, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim gave a joint statement.
In this statement, both leaders highlighted the cooperation between the two countries. They also revealed that they will work together on regional and international issues and explore further ways to increase engagement between the two countries. In this statement, both leaders noted that the two countries share the same view on the Palestine issue and declared that they will work together on it. The President also invited the Prime Minister to visit the Maldives.
Afterwards, the two leaders exchanged the joint statement.
Areas in which agreements were signed between Maldives-Malaysia:
1- Cooperation and collaboration in the field of sports. On behalf of the Maldives, this agreement was signed by Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullah Khaleel. And on behalf of the Malaysian government, it was signed by their Minister of Youth and Sports, Hannah Yeoh.
2- Cooperation in the health sector. On behalf of the Maldivian government, this agreement was signed by Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullah Khaleel. And on behalf of the Malaysian government, it was signed by Dr. Zulkefli Ahmad.
3- Cooperation in the tourism sector. On behalf of the Maldivian government, this agreement was signed by the Maldivian Ambassador to Malaysia, Dr. Maryam Shabeena. And on behalf of the Malaysian government, it was signed by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Khairul Firdaus.
4- Human resource development in the foreign affairs sector (training of diplomats) On behalf of the Maldivian government, this agreement was signed by the Maldivian Ambassador to Malaysia, Dr. Maryam Shabeena. And on behalf of the Malaysian government, it was signed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohamad Alamin.
Some state ministers also participated in the discussions between the two countries during the President’s visit. Ministers from both countries also participated in the ceremony of exchanging the agreements.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said today that no one will be discriminated against in enforcing the rule of law. As allegations have been directed at some people in political positions in connection with the recent case of a young woman falling from a house in Male’, the President said in a social media post that no one is discriminated against in implementing the Constitution and laws. He also said that there will be no discrimination in the future.
He said that there will be no discrimination based on anyone’s lineage, position, wealth, or any other factor. “There will be no discrimination based on friendship, family relations, political ideology, or any other matter,” the President said.
In that case, the injured girl first went to the house of Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen, M. Maandhugedhekunuge. It is a house registered to Ameen and his three full siblings. She fell after leaving that house and going to another house. Two children of Ameen’s two full siblings were also present at a party in that house. Among them, Izdiyaan Mohamed Maumoon has so far been in the position of Under Secretary for Communication Strategy at the President’s Office. A week after the case surfaced, Izdiyaan has been dismissed from his position today.
In addition, Dhawood Ahmed, the Under Secretary for Digital Strategy at the President’s Office, who is the elder brother of Raudh Ahmed Zilal, who is suspected of being involved in the case, has been suspended without pay. However, the police have not said that Dhawood is suspected of anything in that case.
Minister of Home Affairs and Heritage Ali Ihsan has issued a warning, calling for those involved in drug trafficking to stop immediately, stating that if they do not stop, they will be arrested and the country will be saved from the scourge of drugs. The Minister said this while answering questions from members in the People’s Majlis (Parliament). Minister of Home Affairs and Heritage Ali Ihsan said that the drug issue is a problem that has grown in the Maldives over the past 30 years. The Minister said that this government is working with the aim of solving this problem. As such, he said that a lot of work is already being done.
The Home Minister said that the first target in solving the drug problem is those who trade in drugs, and that people who trade drugs in different regions are being monitored, investigated, and arrested. The Minister also said that this work will be fully completed when the Drug Act is passed. “We have divided it sectorally and started the work of arresting those who trade (drugs) in those areas and bringing them before the law. The real power needed for this work will come to us when the Drug Act that has been submitted now is passed by the parliament. However, with the power of the existing laws, Fuvahmulah is an example. We have arrested the biggest networks there,” said the Home Minister.
The Minister said that the work of arresting those who are currently engaged in the business of selling drugs is ongoing in two regions of the country. He warned that if they do not stop, they will be arrested and the country will be cleaned. “I warn those who trade in drugs to stop. If they do not stop, we will arrest them and clean up this country. And we will hold them accountable for the damage they are causing to the citizens.” said Home Minister Ihsan.
The Minister of Home Affairs and Heritage said that by the end of this government’s five-year term, a comprehensive solution to the drug problem will be brought.
Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim has said that banning Israeli passports in the Maldives has not yet harmed tourism. The current government banned Israeli passports in the Maldives in connection with the ongoing genocide by terrorist Israel in Gaza, Palestine. The bill to bring the 3rd amendment to the Maldives Immigration Act was passed by the PNC-majority parliament on April 15. By ratifying this bill, President Dr. Muizzu has made a decision that no previous president dared to make.
The purpose of this bill is to ban Israeli citizens from entering the Maldives with Israeli passports as a measure taken by the Maldives against the inhumane acts and genocide being carried out by Israel in Palestine. Additionally, even if someone is a dual citizen of another country, if it it is clearly evident that they are Israeli, they will not be allowed to enter the Maldives.
In a press conference, Thoriq said that there don’t seem to be any Israeli tourists in the Maldives at the moment, or if there are, the numbers are very few. “However, at this time, we are not aware of any mass campaign to not come to the Maldives being carried out by any particular group. However, there are some media reports saying that the Maldives will be harmed, it might happen, along with a lot of positive news as well.” The minister also said that they are monitoring whether the number of tourists coming to the Maldives is decreasing. “As we monitor in this way, we are not aware of any major impact or mass reduction in tourists coming to the Maldives, or any calls to take action against the Maldives or not to come to the Maldives. Nothing has been registered in any way,” said Minister Thoriq.
The minister said that they are monitoring this very closely. He also said that they are informing diplomatic missions in the Maldives and abroad about why this measure was taken. From the moment the President ratified this bill, some of the world’s most famous major newspapers have published news about the Maldives banning Israeli passports. This government continues to work extensively in various international forums for the rights of the brotherly people of Palestine. The President has previously calle called for the establishment of an independent state in Palestine in accordance with the pre-1967 borders, including East Jerusalem, and for Palestine to be given full membership in the UN.
The attacks that terrorist Israel has been carrying out on Gaza are attacks that have been ongoing since October 7 of last year. In these attacks, Jewish aggressors have begun a genocide that has so far martyred thousands of Palestinians, and it still continues. So far, more than 51,000 people have been martyred in Gaza.
