Dubai

MACL Chief Denies Plans to Hand Over VIA VIP Terminal Operations to Jetex

Ibrahim Shareef, CEO and Managing Director of MACL, denied allegations that the company plans to lease the VIP terminal and ground handling services at Velana International Airport to Dubai-based Jetex for 25 years. This followed the circulation of documents indicating Jetex had submitted a proposal to construct a new VIP terminal and ramp. Shareef stated no terminal at VIA will be leased to any external party. Speculation links the proposal to President Muizzu’s advisor Mohamed Ali Janah and his daughter Ayesha Nurain Janah, MACL chairperson. Local media Adhadhu reported a similar proposal had been previously rejected by the board. No official comments from Jetex or government.

A Diplomatic Return: First Lady Sajidha Comes Back to Malé After Championing Women’s Health in Dubai

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed returned to Malé after attending the 7th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit in Dubai on June 18–19. She delivered a keynote, spoke at the Committee Meeting, and reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to healthcare, education, and women's rights. She thanked the Merck Foundation for awarding her 'More Than a Mother' ambassador status and facilitating fertility scholarships for Maldivian doctors. She highlighted needs for technical partnerships in fertility, cancer screening, mental health, and women's leadership. She also raised issues of cyberbullying, juvenile justice reform, and hydroponics. The summit gathered 14 First Ladies from Africa and Asia.

Culture, Cuisine, and Connectivity: Maldives Shines at Arabian Travel Market 2025

The Maldives launched its largest tourism showcase at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 28 to May 1. Over 260 Maldivian representatives across 111 exhibitors participated. The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) designated ATM 2025 as its flagship event, surpassing ITB Berlin. The pavilion features traditional music, dance, and cuisine. A highlight is the 'Maldivian Evening 2025'. MMPRC partnered with Liverpool Football Club for a co-branded campaign featuring Dubai taxis with LFC player wraps. Senior officials leading the delegation include Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim, MMPRC Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree, and Chairperson Abdulla Ghiyas.

Visit Maldives and Liverpool FC Take Over Dubai Taxis for Arabian Travel Market 2025

The Maldives, through the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) and its Visit Maldives brand, has partnered with Liverpool Football Club (LFC) for a marketing campaign at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025. Dubai taxis have been wrapped with Maldivian and LFC imagery, and an immersive LFC-themed zone is set up at the ATM venue. The campaign aims to attract Middle Eastern travelers, projecting over 100,000 additional tourists and $100 million in revenue in 2025. CEO Ibrahim Shiuree highlighted the partnership's goal to inspire millions of fans.

Maldives Goes Big at ATM 2025 with Immersive ‘Maldivian Night’ Experience

Visit Maldives will host the first 'Maldivian Night' during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai from April 28 to May 1 at the Theatre of Digital Art. The event features cultural performances, culinary experiences, and live music by Skyrock. ATM 2025 is designated as the premier international tourism fair, with over 230 Maldivian representatives and 111 exhibitors. The shift from ITB Berlin emphasizes the Middle Eastern market.

Invest Maldives 2024 Dubai Attracts 290 Representatives Across 130 Companies

IMF Chief Advocates for Fiscal Reforms During Meeting With President Muizzu

Kristalina Georgieva, IMF Managing Director, met President Mohamed Muizzu at the World Government Summit 2024 in Dubai on 12 February 2024. She stressed urgent need for fiscal structural reforms in Maldives. Muizzu emphasized reform necessity. They discussed climate change cooperation. Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development also met Muizzu, discussing bilateral relations and cooperation in tourism, agriculture, health, economic, and development sectors.

Record Number of Fossil Fuel Lobbyists Present at COP28

At COP28 in Dubai, a record 2,456 fossil fuel lobbyists attended, outnumbering delegates from vulnerable countries and Indigenous representatives. The Climate Action Network and Tzeporah Berman criticized their influence, while The Green New Deal Rising linked this to record temperatures and emissions.

COP28 Summit: United States Unveils Plans to Slash Methane Emissions

At COP28 in Dubai, the United States announced new EPA regulations to slash methane emissions from oil and gas by 80% by 2038, reducing 58 million tonnes. Methane is a super pollutant up to 80 times more effective than CO2. Turkmenistan joined the pledge. EPA administrator Michael Regan and US climate envoy John Kerry urged action. UN satellite system identified 127 major methane plumes. Colombia joined a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty.

Maldives Clinches WTA’s ‘World’s Leading Destination’ Title for Fourth Year Running

Maldives was named 'World's Leading Destination' for the fourth consecutive year at the World Tourism Awards 2023 gala held in Dubai on 1 December 2023, beating 17 other destinations including Dubai, Indonesia, and New Zealand. The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) also won World's Leading Tourist Board 2023 for the second year. Additionally, the Maldives received the Global Tourism Resilience Award. MMPRC reported conducting 348 promotional activities reaching 4.5 billion people.

Maldives, India to Set Up ‘Core Group’ to Enhance Relations

The Maldives and India agreed to form a 'core group' to strengthen relations during the first meeting between President Mohamed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the COP28 climate summit in Dubai. The decision was confirmed by India's MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. They reviewed bilateral relations including people-to-people linkages, development cooperation, economic relations, climate change, and sports. Muizzu's campaign promise to expel foreign troops from Maldives, hinting at Indian troops removal, was also discussed previously with Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar. Muizzu's response to Indian media about the military presence was non-specific.

President Muizzu Looks to Strengthen Bilateral Ties With China

President Muizzu met Chinese First Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai on 1 December 2023. Muizzu expressed hope to further strengthen bilateral relations with China, emphasizing that China is a key development partner. Ding congratulated Muizzu on his assumption of office and assured continued Chinese assistance and cooperation in various fields, stating that China will always maintain strong relations with the Maldives.

Maldives Commits to Renewable Energy, Announces Extensive Tree Planting Initiative at COP28

At COP28 in Dubai, President Mohamed Muizzu announced an ambitious plan to develop renewable energy systems providing 33% of the nation's electrical needs within five years, up from the current 4%, aiming to generate US$600 million. He also announced a national initiative to plant five million trees. Muizzu emphasized the importance of the Global Stocktake aligning with the 1.5-degree trajectory of the Paris Agreement, called for improved accessibility to climate finance, and welcomed the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund. He stressed increasing the resilience of the Maldives' islands against climate disasters.

President Muizzu Meets King Charles III, PM Modi on Sidelines of COP28

On the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai, President Mohamed Muizzu met with King Charles III of the UK and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With King Charles, Muizzu discussed bilateral ties and climate change; King Charles pledged support for environmental initiatives in the Maldives. With Modi, Muizzu discussed development cooperation, people-to-people contacts, and sports cooperation, and agreed to establish a high-level committee. The meeting with Modi also touched on Muizzu's commitment to remove Indian troops, though it is unclear if this was discussed.

Atmosphere Core Inks Biodiesel Deal, Will Introduce Biofuel to Maldives Operations

Atmosphere Core, a Maldivian hospitality group, signed a partnership with Dubai-based Lootah Biofuels for supply of biodiesel and recycling of waste cooking oil across its properties. The agreement was signed at The Deals Hub business forum in Dubai on 1-2 November by Ismail Hilmy, Chairman of Atmosphere Core, and Yousuf bin Saeed Lootah, CEO of Lootah Biofuels. Lootah Biofuels will collect used cooking oil and recycle it to produce biodiesel, reducing Atmosphere Core's carbon footprint. This is a first for the Maldives and could help achieve the country's 2030 net zero target. Lootah Biofuels, founded in 2010, is valued at US$15 million. Atmosphere Core operates eight resorts in the Maldives and plans expansion in South Asia.