UAE

PSM News | 1 day, 20 hours ago | neutral

Parliament approves Thoriq as UAE Ambassador and Adam Shareef to Qatar

The Parliament of Maldives has approved President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's nomination of Thoriq Ibrahim as Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and Adam Shareef Umar as Ambassador to Qatar. The appointments were ratified with 57 votes in favor. The Foreign Relations Committee approved the candidates after assessing their education and government experience. Thoriq Ibrahim is a former Minister of Climate Change and Environment, while Adam Shareef Umar is a former Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works and currently serves at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sun English Edition | 2 days, 12 hours ago | neutral

Parliament approves Adam Shareef and Thoriq for appointment as ambassadors

The Maldivian Parliament approved former cabinet ministers Adam Shareef Umar and Thoriq Ibrahim for appointment as ambassadors to Qatar and the UAE, respectively. Both were among 10 ministers asked to resign from President Muizzu's cabinet on April 14. Adam Shareef had headed the Local Government Ministry, Thoriq the Environment Ministry. They were later appointed ambassador-at-large. In May, President Muizzu sought parliamentary approval for their ambassadorial posts. The ruling PNC supermajority approved Adam Shareef with a 57-9 vote and Thoriq with 57-10. The opposition MDP voted against, with MP Hussain Ziyad comparing the appointments to banishment. Both were part of the original 22-member cabinet. The reshuffle followed the government's defeat in local council elections and a referendum.

MM TV English | 2 days, 12 hours ago | neutral

Parliament approves Thoriq, Adam Shareef as ambassadors

Parliament has approved the appointment of former ministers Thoriq Ibrahim and Adam Shareef Umar as the Maldives' ambassadors to the UAE and Qatar respectively. The appointments were endorsed during Monday's sitting of the People's Majlis, with 57 lawmakers voting in favour of each nomination. Thoriq was approved as Ambassador to the UAE, while Adam Shareef was approved as Ambassador to Qatar. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu nominated the two former ministers for the ambassadorial posts earlier this month, and the Foreign Relations Committee approved both nominations before forwarding to the full Parliament. Thoriq previously served as Minister of Tourism and Environment under the current Administration and has held several ministerial and senior Government positions. Adam Shareef served as Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works and has also held ministerial positions in earlier governments.

Maldives News Network | 3 months, 2 weeks ago | urgent

Maldivians in UAE Advised to Stay Indoors After Iranian Missile Strikes

Maldivians in the UAE were advised to stay indoors after Iran launched ballistic missile attacks on the UAE and other Gulf states, retaliating against recent U.S.-Israel military operations on Iran. The UAE intercepted several missiles, but debris killed one civilian in Abu Dhabi. Explosions were reported in Dubai and other cities. Maldivian Ambassador Mohamed Hussain Shareef advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel, stay in secure buildings, and contact the mission for urgent help. The strikes hit Gulf states hosting U.S. military assets, including Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. The UAE Ministry of Defence condemned the attacks. Around 300 Maldivians live in the UAE.

Maldives Republic | 1 year ago | neutral

Trump’s Visit to the Middle East: Secured Bonanza for US But Nothing for Gaza

US President Donald Trump visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE from 13 to 16 May 2025, securing major defence and economic deals. Trump announced the US would adopt the term 'Arabian Gulf'. No tangible relief was offered for Gaza. Deals included NVIDIA supplying AI chips to Saudi Arabia, AMD's $10 billion partnership, Amazon's $5 billion AI zone, Google's $100 million AI fund and $20 billion data deal with Supermicro. Saudi investments in the US reached $9.5 billion in 2023. UAE investments in the US totalled $3.7 billion (2018-2023), while US investments in UAE were $9.5 billion. Microsoft invested $1.5 billion in G42. UAE committed $1.4 trillion in US investments over ten years, with $200 billion in direct deals including Etihad Airways' $14.5 billion Boeing order, ADNOC's $60 billion oil expansion, Emirates Global Aluminium's $4 billion smelter, Qualcomm's AI hub, and G42's AI complex with 5 GW data centre capacity.

Maldives News Network | 1 year, 8 months ago | optimistic

The first vessel docks for Uthuru Maritime Service

The first vessel to use Uthuru Maritime Service (UMS) docked on October 3: the Panamanian oil tanker 'JIAN JIE' en route from Abu Dhabi to China. The crew attended the opening of the Seaman's Rest Area in Uligan, Haa Alif Atoll, with cultural performances. The captain expressed never experiencing such hospitality. The vessel requested crew changes, water supply, waste disposal, and spare parts. Nine crew members disembarked, six new ones will board. The UMS initiative, launched by President Muizzu's government, aims to boost the economy. MPL CEO Wajeeh noted additional business opportunities for residents.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 9 months ago | positive

FM Zameer Wraps Up UAE Visit, Meets Counterpart and ADFD DG

Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer concluded a two-day official visit to the UAE, meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He delivered a letter from President Mohamed Muizzu to UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Zameer also met with ADFD Director General Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi and visited the Maldives Embassy in the UAE.

Avas English | 2 years, 1 month ago | neutral

President and First Lady depart on an unofficial visit to Singapore

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed departed on an unofficial visit to Singapore. The President's Office did not disclose details due to the informal nature. This is Muizzu's second unofficial visit to Singapore since taking office in November 2024. His previous visit was on March 21. He has also made official visits to Turkey, UAE, and China.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 2 months ago | concerned

Government Lacks Clarity on Health Insurance Expansion Timeline

The Maldivian government lacks clarity on expanding the Aasandha health insurance scheme to the UAE and Thailand. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu expressed high expectations for expansion within the year, but no specific timeline. Social and Family Development Minister Dr Aishath Shiham faced parliamentary questions without providing a clear start date. The scheme currently covers Sri Lanka and India. Aasandha costs have increased 60% over five years, with MVR 1.9 billion allocated this year. Dr Shiham assured the expansion won't reduce beneficiaries. The government is working on a policy aligning with the budget, but a launch date is absent.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 4 months ago | concerned

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.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 4 months ago | optimistic

Aasandha in Discussions to Expand Coverage to Thailand, UAE

Aasandha, the state-funded health scheme, is in discussions to expand coverage to include hospitals in Thailand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). President Mohamed Muizzu expressed desire to expand coverage and include accommodation expenses. Aasandha clarified that recent speculation about refusing coverage outside India and Sri Lanka was due to a misattributed statement by Managing Director Aminath Zeeniya during a parliamentary committee hearing.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | positive

President Muizzu Nominates Veteran Diplomats to Key Embassies

President Muizzu nominated Iruthisham Adam as UK High Commissioner, Mohamed Hussain Shareef as UAE Ambassador, and Dr Ali Naseer Mohamed as UN Permanent Representative. The nominations, announced at Monday's parliament sitting, are part of Muizzu's strategy to realign diplomacy under a "pro-Maldives" foreign policy. Shareef has extensive diplomatic experience; Adam is a veteran diplomat and former minister; Naseer has served as Foreign Secretary. Parliament will vote after review by the foreign relations committee.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | optimistic

President Outlines Vision to Promote Culture, National Identity Among Maldivians Abroad

President Mohamed Muizzu, while meeting with the Maldivian community in the UAE, outlined a vision to promote culture and national identity among Maldivians abroad. He stated that ambassadors appointed under his administration will prioritize serving Maldivians, and diplomatic missions will be more attuned to their concerns. Muizzu emphasized focusing on national sentiment and tasked the Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage with planning activities to instill love for the Dhivehi language and Islamic faith. He invited the community to share concerns, promising to address them.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | neutral

President Muizzu Heads to Türkiye, UAE After Postponing Saudi Arabia Visit

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, along with First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, left for Türkiye on Sunday, 26 November 2023, for his first official visit abroad, breaking tradition of visiting neighboring countries. The visit follows an invitation from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to strengthen diplomatic ties. Earlier, a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia was postponed, with new dates to be announced. Communications Minister Ibrahim Khaleel confirmed the change. After Türkiye, President Muizzu will attend COP28 in the UAE starting 30 November 2023. The Saudi cabinet, chaired by King Salman, approved initiating trade agreement talks with the Maldives, involving the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Saudi's Economic Minister. The Maldives is seeking external funding from Middle Eastern countries.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | optimistic

President Muizzu Pledges to Strengthen Maldives-UAE Relations, Commits to Climate Action

President Mohamed Muizzu pledged to strengthen Maldives-UAE relations in a speech commemorating the UAE's 52nd Union Day. He noted the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties and cited UAE's commitment to fund Velana International Airport expansion. Muizzu announced his attendance at COP28 in Dubai, calling for operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund and ambitious outcomes at the global stocktake. He expressed Maldives' support for the UAE's COP28 presidency.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 7 months ago | optimistic

President-Elect Returns From UAE With Promises of Investment

President-elect Dr Mohamed Muizzu returned from an unofficial visit to the UAE with a promise of MVR 1.2 billion from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) to expedite the Velana International Airport (VIA) new terminal. The Saudi Fund also committed an additional $100 million loan. The project, started in May 2016 with a $350 million budget, aims to serve 7.5 million passengers by September 2024. Muizzu's first official visit will be to Saudi Arabia.