Saudi Arabia

Maldives News Network | 2 years, 1 month ago | neutral

IsDB discusses Islamic finance in Maldives

The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDB) held discussions on developing Islamic finance in the Maldives. The talks occurred during Finance Minister Mohamed Shafeeq's official visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met IsDB Acting Director General Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem. They discussed cooperation and how Islamic finance can help. Minister Shafeeq also met with heads of OPEC Fund, Saudi Development Fund, and Islamic Development Bank. He was accompanied by Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 3 months ago | optimistic

Government Shares Key VIA Milestones With Visiting High-Level SFD Delegation

The Ministry of Finance held consultations with a high-level delegation from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), led by Director General of Asia Operations Saud bin Ayed Al-Shammari, on the development of Velana International Airport (VIA). The ministry shared latest developments and challenges. The VIA development project was launched on 6 April 2016, with construction of the new terminal awarded to Saudi Bin Laden Group on 22 May 2016. The terminal covers 78,000 square metres, handles 7 million passengers annually, and includes aero boarding bridges, baggage systems, and various amenities. SFD is a key external funding partner; other partners include OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), and Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED).

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 4 months ago | positive

Saudi Fund Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Maldives Fisheries Industry

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Maldives fisheries industry. During a visit to Saudi Arabia, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam met with SFD Deputy CEO Faisal Al-Qahtani, who pledged continued support. Shiyam attended the Saudi International Marine Exhibition and Conference (SIMEC), held from 4-6 February 2024 in Riyadh, which is the largest seafood exhibition in the country. The event featured over 120 companies and 3,000 industry executives from 35 countries. SFD's pledge aims to help the Maldives achieve its fisheries goals.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 4 months ago | positive

MIFCO Showcases Products at Saudi Seafood Expo

The Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) showcased its products at the Saudi International Marine Exhibition and Conference (SIMEC) held from 4-6 February 2024 in Riyadh. MIFCO Managing Director Samah Rasheed and other officials attended the event, where they briefed participants on Maldivian fish products and offered product tastings. SIMEC, the largest seafood exhibition in Saudi Arabia, attracted 35 countries, over 120 companies, and around 3,000 industry executives. MIFCO's participation aimed to promote Maldivian fisheries products in the Saudi market.

Ministry of Economic Development & Trade | 2 years, 6 months ago | positive

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of the Maldives paid a courtesy call to the Minister of Economic Development & Trade

The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the Maldives, H.E. Matrek Abdullah Al-Ajalin Aldosari, paid a courtesy call to Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed. Discussions focused on enhancing trade and investment relations between the two countries.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | optimistic

Saudi Arabia Approves Trade Agreement With Maldives

Saudi Arabia's cabinet approved a trade agreement with the Maldives, signing a memorandum of understanding between the two countries. The MoU will be signed by Minister Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim for Saudi Arabia and the Maldives' Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting presided over by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman participating. Alibrahim, who attended the presidential inauguration as a special envoy, met President Mohamed Muizzu on 18 November 2023 to discuss strengthening trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 7 months ago | urgent

Maldives Calls for Urgent Humanitarian Assistance to Palestinians

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel called for urgent humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people at the Extraordinary Meeting of the OIC Executive Committee in Jeddah on 18 October 2023. He condemned Israeli aggression, demanded withdrawal from occupied lands, and reaffirmed support for a sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as capital. The OIC denounced Israel's backers and called for an immediate ceasefire and lifting of the siege on Gaza. At least 3,785 Palestinians have been killed since 7 October.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 9 months ago | optimistic

Saudi League’s Long-Term Plans Unveiled

The Saudi Arabian league has unveiled long-term plans to reshape football by recruiting world-class players, according to CEO Carlo Nohra. Despite comparisons to the Chinese Super League's unsustainable spending, Nohra emphasized the league's commitment to gradual growth, stating that star signings like Cristiano Ronaldo are part of a long-term strategy.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 9 months ago | tense

Saudi Border Guards Accused of Mass Killings of Migrants

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Saudi border guards of carrying out mass killings of migrants along the Yemeni border. The report titled 'Saudi Arabia Fired On Us Like Rain' details 28 incidents involving explosive weapons and 14 instances of close-range shooting targeting migrants, including Ethiopians, from March 2022 to June 2023. Survivors describe gruesome encounters, with limbs severed by gunfire and bodies left on trails. The United Nations' International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reveals that over 200,000 people travel from the Horn of Africa to Yemen and then to Saudi Arabia. Saudi government denies systematic killings. The report also highlights Monabbih detention centre in Yemen, where Houthi rebels allegedly collaborate with smugglers.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 10 months ago | positive

Saudi Arabia Includes Maldives in Visitor E-Visa Scheme

Saudi Arabia expanded its visitor e-visa scheme to eight countries including the Maldives. Travelers can obtain the visa online or on arrival for tourism, Umrah, business, or family visits. The visa is multiple-entry, valid for one year, with each stay up to 90 days. The fee is approximately US$142.45, including application and medical insurance. Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlighted the scheme's aim to simplify travel. The Maldives Foreign Ministry welcomed the decision, stating it reflects the strong bilateral relationship.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 11 months ago | urgent

Shipping Industry Carbon Footprint Poses Threat to Climate Goals

The global shipping industry produces as much CO2 as Germany annually, about 3% of global emissions. Without action, emissions could rise 50% by mid-century. The UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) is meeting in London to set decarbonization targets. Proposals include net-zero by 2050 and halving emissions by 2030. China opposes a shipping emissions levy and stricter targets, while France has support from 22 allies for a levy. Past efforts faced resistance from China, India, and Saudi Arabia.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 11 months ago | concerned

Doom of Black Sea Urchins Threatens Red Sea’s Coral Reefs

Black sea urchins in the Red Sea are declining due to a waterborne parasite, threatening coral reefs. First noticed near Eilat, Israel, surveys show a 90% reduction in Aqaba, Jordan, and similar declines in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The species Diadema antillarum experienced a similar mass die-off in 1983-84. The parasite causes paralysis and necrosis. Loss of sea urchins could lead to algae overgrowth, endangering coral reefs and tourism.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 11 months ago | positive

Muslims Urged to Foster Unity and Harmony in Hajj Sermon

Sheikh Yusuf bin Muhammad, Imam of Kaaba, delivered a Hajj sermon at Nimra Mosque in Arafat, urging Muslims to avoid discord and promote unity. He emphasized compassion, forgiveness, and fulfilling family rights. The sermon was broadcast globally in 20 languages. After two years of COVID-19 restrictions, Saudi Arabia lifted all limitations for this year's Hajj, hosting pre-pandemic numbers. Over 30,000 security personnel were deployed, and drones and field hospitals were used for safety. Hajj is scheduled from 26 June to 1 July, with Eid al-Adha on 28 June.

Maldives Republic | 3 years ago | neutral

Real Madrid Legend Benzema Leaves Bernabeu After 14 Years

Karim Benzema is leaving Real Madrid after 14 years to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. He signed a two-year contract, earning 100 million euros per season plus a 20 million-euro bonus for being an ambassador for the 2030 World Cup bid. His total earnings could exceed 220 million euros. Benzema scored 354 goals in 658 appearances for Real Madrid, winning four LaLiga titles and five Champions League trophies. His final match was against Athletic Bilbao, where he scored a penalty.

Maldives Republic | 3 years ago | positive

Saudi Arabia Offers Over 350 Scholarships for Maldivian Students

The Saudi Arabian government announced over 350 scholarship opportunities for Maldivian students. The Saudi Embassy in Maldives has opened applications. The scholarships are fully funded and cover various disciplines including business management, media, computer science, engineering, Islamic studies, and Arabic language. Recipients can study at any Saudi Arabian university. 27 Saudi universities are ranked among the world's top 100 by QS. Notable universities include King AbdulAziz University, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University.

Maldives Republic | 3 years ago | neutral

Vice President Strategises Transportation for Hajj Pilgrims

Vice President Faisal Naseem chaired a meeting to strategize transportation for Hajj pilgrims. Authorities will utilize services in Male', Hulhumale', and Villingili to accommodate 1,000 pilgrims. A dedicated committee will supervise preparations. The Vice President thanked institutions for cooperation over the past four years. The article also mentions a previous incident where Al Mash'aru Hajj Group failed to settle flight chartering costs, causing challenges for Umrah pilgrims. The Hajj season is expected between June 26 and July 1.

Maldives Republic | 3 years, 1 month ago | urgent

130 Maldivian Pilgrims Uncertain of Return

About 130 Maldivian pilgrims risk being stranded in Mecca after tour operator Al Mash'aru Hajj and Umrah Group failed to pay for their return flight. The operator issued two cheques totaling US$247,450 to Travel 2 Maldives for outbound and inbound flights, but both bounced due to insufficient funds. Travel 2 Maldives refuses to facilitate the return flight until payment is settled. Over 200 pilgrims made arrangements through Al Mash'aru this Ramadan; 138 booked through Travel 2 Maldives. Managing Director Ali Farish claims cheques were issued as guarantee and requested prior notice before cashing. Travel 2 Maldives says they extended payment deadlines multiple times. Eight pilgrims returned home Tuesday morning; 130 remain. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs asked for a written explanation but received no response.

Byline | 4 years ago | concerned

BJP remarks against the Prophet: Government's silence deafening

Defamatory comments against Prophet Muhammad by BJP officials Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal sparked international condemnation. Qatar demanded a public apology, and Saudi Arabia called for respect for all beliefs. In the Maldives, political parties including PPM, Adaalath, and Jumhooree condemned the remarks. However, the Maldivian government remained silent, which critics say indicates its foreign policy is controlled by Delhi. The parliament refused to accept an emergency motion to condemn the comments.