Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has stated that hosting events that display nudity is not permissible for Muslims.

The Minister made this statement at a time when some photos and videos from a body a time when some photos and videos from a bodybuilding competition held in Addu City are circulating on social media.

In response to this, Minister Shaheem posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying that hosting events that display nudity is not something Muslims should do.

‘We must uphold the social dignity of the nation and protect Islamic culture. The Quran was revealed as guidance,’ Minister Shaheem said.

While Minister Shaheem has made this statement, photos and videos from the bodybuilding competition in Addu City show men and women posing together in bodybuilding poses. This has led to widespread criticism directed at the government.

Additionally, there has been significant criticism directed at Mariyam Shaina Naseem’s participation in the Miss Universe pageant to be held in Mexico, representing the Maldives.

Following news of her participation in the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico, some people expressed criticism, which the Ministry of Youth has condemned.

In a statement released today, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts said that they condemn and do not accept the participation in Miss Universe under the guise of representing the Maldives.

The statement said that the Maldivian government does not approve of holding events and competitions that are inconsistent with Maldivian religion, traditions, and culture, or Maldivians participating in such events held by various parties. It also condemned the participation of a Maldivian in such an event and called for the cessation of efforts to participate in the pageant.

This year’s Miss Universe pageant will be held in Mexico. The event will take place on the 14th of next month, with the final show scheduled for two days later.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Ali Haidar, has stated that the remaining part of Gulhifalhu will be reclaimed very soon.

Speaking on PSM’s ‘Raajje Miadu’ program, the Minister said that land reclamation in Gulhifalhu will begin very soon. He added that as soon as the land is reclaimed, people will be allocated their plots.

‘We are not yet able to allocate plots from Gulhifalhu. However, we have decided on the locations for the available plots and are ready to conduct the draw. There is still an area in Gulhifalhu that needs to be reclaimed – the deepest part. That work will begin very soon,’ the Minister said.

The previous government had reclaimed 150 hectares of land in Gulhifalhu last year, contracting the Dutch company Boskalis. Although the previous government had allocated and registered plots for Male’ residents in Gulhifalhu, the current government has changed the land use plan and re-designated the plot locations. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decided to reclaim an additional 85 hectares of land in Gulhifalhu.

Last month, Construction Minister Dr. Abdullah Muttalib stated that the reclamation of the additional 85 hectares in Gulhifalhu, which was to be carried out by MTCC, is delayed due to lack of funding.

With the changes to the land use plan, it has been decided to allocate an additional 3,520 plots from Gulhifalhu. The previous government had decided to allocate over 9,000 plots to Male’ residents from the area including Hulhumale’, Gulhifalhu, and Giravaru lagoon.

The current government has resumed the reclamation work for Rasmaale, which they had decided to develop by reclaiming Fushidhiggaru lagoon.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) stated that the company has restarted the reclamation work for Rasmaale.

The work on Rasmaale, which is being developed by reclaiming the Fushidhiggaru lagoon located to the south of Male’, began last December. The project aims to reclaim 1,153 hectares of land, and Urbanco has assigned the work to Sri Lanka’s Capital Marine and Civil Construction Company (CMCCC).

The total land area to be reclaimed from Fushidhiggaru lagoon is three times the size of both phases of Hulhumale’ combined. The project was awarded to CMCC in exchange for 70 hectares of land in the Male’ region on a 99-year lease, instead of monetary payment for the reclamation work. This includes 60 hectares from Fushidhiggaru and 10 hectares from Hulhumale’.

According to the government, the Rasmaale project is intended to provide a comprehensive solution to the housing issue faced by the citizens. This project was included in this year’s proposed budget submitted to the People’s Majlis, with the government requesting 400 million Rufiyaa for it.

When President Dr. Muizzu, who was leading the initiative, proposed to include this project in the budget, the MDP-controlled Majlis removed the project from the budget and reallocated the funds to other development projects including Gulhifalhu, Giravaru, and others.

The Minister of Housing, Land and Urban Development, Dr. Ali Haidar, has announced that the provisional list of recipients for the 4,000 flats, allocated under the previous government’s ‘Gedhoruveriya’ (Homeowner) scheme, will be announced within the coming week.

Speaking on a state media program, the Minister stated that they are currently in the process of re-evaluating the applications submitted for the 4,000 flats.

‘Once the evaluation of all forms is completed, we will announce the provisional list of recipients for the 4,000 flats within the coming week,’ the Minister said.

The Minister also stated that after publishing the provisional list, there will be an opportunity for complaints to be filed. He added that after completing all these processes, the flats will be handed over to the rightful recipients within this year.

Towards the end of the previous government’s term, a list of flat recipients was made public. Following the publication of the list, due to numerous complaints, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) intervened and halted the process. The relevant ministry of the previous government also announced that they had suspended the distribution of flats in accordance with the ACC’s directive.

After investigating the matter, the ACC stated that 60 percent of the recipients of the 4,000 flats allocated by the previous government did not meet the eligibility criteria. However, the ACC has given permission to the ministry to proceed with allocating flats to those who were correctly awarded points and met the eligibility criteria.

The 4,000 flats being constructed under the ‘Gedhoruveriya’ scheme are funded through a sovereign guarantee of 227 million dollars provided to the Maldivian government by India’s Exim Bank.

This is a project being carried out by India’s JMC Projects Limited and National Buildings Construction Company (NBCC).

Of the 32 towers in this project, NBCC is constructing 16 towers, while JMC is working on the other 16 towers.

These towers include 2,800 three-bedroom apartments and 1,200 two-bedroom apartments. The two-bedroom apartments are 650 square feet units, while the three-bedroom apartments are 900 square feet. These are spacious apartments, and FDC (presumably Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation) stated that before handing over the flats to the public and people start living in them, basic services will be available in each building.

The Minister of Housing, Land and Urban Development, Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed, has stated that the minimum population criterion set for Urban Centers is a population of at least 10,000 people.

The 7 islands designated as Urban Centers by the President are R. Ungoofaaru, B. Eydhafushi, Lh. Naifaru, ADh. Mahibadhoo, F. Nilandhoo, Dh. Kudahuvadhoo, and L. Fonadhoo.

The 7 islands designated as Urban Centers by the President are R. Ungoofaaru, B. Eydhafushi, Lh. Naifaru, ADh. Mahibadhoo, F. Nilandhoo, Dh. Kudahuvadhoo, and L. Fonadhoo.

Speaking on PSM News’ ‘Raajje Miadu’ program, Minister Haidar said that in selecting islands for establishing Urban Centers, they have considered the investments already made in these islands. This includes the extent of health services, educational services, and other urban services that have been provided.

The Minister further stated that they have also considered the potential for island expansion, including the possibility of merging with nearby lagoons to increase the land area.

‘The future Urban Development Regions are planned with an even greater focus, designed to accommodate a population of approximately 100,000 people. We have planned such urban regions in both the north and south. The work will begin within five years, though it will take some time to reach the target population of 100,000. Currently, the southern region has about 50,000 people, while the northern region has approximately 55,000 he said.

The Minister stated that it would be difficult to provide high-quality services unless the population of such islands reaches 100,000. He particularly highlighted the healthcare sector. The Minister explained that if a tertiary-level hospital were to be established, it would be challenging to provide certain services if the population it serves is not sufficiently large.

The Minister said that the residents of such islands can live safely only if environmentally friendly islands are developed. He added that Urban Centers will provide residents with safe access to higher education and health opportunities, as well as numerous business opportunities.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed that the establishment of development zones and urban centres nationwide has been a priority of his Administration since its commencement.

In a post on his official X account, the President shared key details regarding sustainable development, as outlined in Sections 4.12, 4.13, and 4.14 of Chapter 4 of the Dhiveheenge Raajje Manifesto. As part of the Maldives’ Sustainable Regional Development Policy, the manifesto outlines plans to establish Southern and Northern Integrated Development Zones. This includes the Malé Urban Region, the three northernmost atolls, and the four southernmost atolls. Additionally, President Dr Muizzu highlighted that the manifesto clearly states the government’s commitment to developing a total of seven urban centres—three to the north of Malé City and four in the south. The President’s post also noted that he has reiterated this in several meetings since the launch of the manifesto.

The President stated that these initiatives are planned to be incorporated into the 20-year National Development Plan and will be implemented with the involvement of all stakeholders, including the input of technical experts, councils, and the people of all the islands across the country.

Chapter 4 (Housing and Urbanisation) of the Dhiveheenge Raajje Manifesto, Section 4.12, discusses the Malé Urban Region, identifying it as a high-end service area. The northern development zone encompasses Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Shaviyani Atoll, and other nearby atolls. Haa Dhaalu Atoll has been designated as the main administrative hub, while Kulhudhuffushi City is recognised as an international gateway. Additionally, Hdh. Hanimadhoo is included as part of the region’s development plan. There is also a vision for an international transhipment port at HA. Ihavandhipolhu.

Section 4.13 emphasises the Male’ Urban Region and other high-end service areas, with Addu City designated as the administrative hub and an international gateway in the southern development zone. This zone comprises Gaafu Dhaalu, Gaafu Alif, Fuvahmulah City, and Addu City is identified as the site for an international transhipment port, with plans for the expansion and development of industrial activities, fisheries, agriculture, mariculture, and tourism.

Section 4.13 mentions the Male’ Urban Region and the high-end service area. It outlines the southern development zone, which includes Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Gaafu Alif Atoll, Fuvahmulah City, and Addu City. Addu City is designated as both an administrative hub and an international gateway. The section also highlights the vision for expanding and developing international transhipment ports, industrial activities, fisheries, agriculture, mariculture, and tourism resources in the region.

Section 4.14 outlines the development of seven additional moderate urban centres, including three in the north and four in the south.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has launched the National Teacher Training Programme today. The President inaugurated the programme at a ceremony held this morning at the Auditorium of the Maldives National University.

The National Teacher Training Programme launched today is aimed at fresh higher secondary graduates under the direct supervision of the President. It seeks to address the shortage of teachers in the country’s education sector and increase the number of local teachers in the field.

At today’s ceremony, President Dr Muizzu handed out grant letters to 21 schools nationwide that had graduates enrolled in the project. The training curriculum will include one hundred thirty-five students from these 21 schools.

With a strong focus on education, the government aims to transform the future of the sector through this training programme, providing a clear career path for graduates and helping to address the critical need for Maldivian teachers.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has launched a project to establish fuel storage facilities in all atolls of the Maldives.

State Trading Organization (STO) Managing Director Shimad Ibrahim stated that the project aims to set up fuel storage in every atoll by February 2026, making fuel more accessible for fishermen and the general public. The fuel setup in Hulhumale’ was completed in January this year, and STO currently provides fuel at base rates from FSM sheds in GA Kooddoo and N Felivaru islands. The company plans to complete the fuel setup in Addu City Hulhumeedhoo by February 2025.

Additionally, fuel setups are scheduled for completion in HA Ihavandhoo, HDh Hanimaadhoo, F Nilandhoo, GDh Faresmaathodaa, and Fuvahmulah City by October 2025. Further setups will be created in Sh Milandhoo, N Manadhoo, B Thulhaadhoo, V Felidhoo, Th Hirilandhoo, R Dhuvaafaru, AA Mathiveri, M Mulah, Dh Kudahuvadhoo, and L Gan by February 2026.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam reiterated the President’s pledge to provide fuel at STO rates in at least one island of each atoll and to declare fuel a basic necessity. He emphasized that the President was focused on long-term solutions to eliminate the longstanding reliance on temporary measures in the sector. The Minister also confirmed that the administration aims to address the core issues facing the sector within its first three years.

The provision of fuel at base rates through STO was a key pledge in the Dhivehinge Raajje manifesto.

Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef and senior government officials attended the ceremony.