United Arab Emirates

UAE Eid Al Adha Break Could Offer Boost for Maldives Tourism Amid Slower Months

Maldives Civil Court Dismisses $92,000 Rent Lawsuit Against UAE Embassy

The Civil Court of the Maldives dismissed a lawsuit seeking over $92,000 in unpaid rent from the UAE Embassy. The embassy occupied three floors of the Newsha building in Galolhu from May 2020 to October 2022. The lease was initially with a third party but transferred to the building owner in August 2022. The landlord claimed unpaid rent and compensation for early termination. The UAE Embassy refused to cooperate. Judge Hafiza Abdul Sattar cited the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, granting diplomatic immunity. The court ruled the embassy cannot be sued, echoing a previous Supreme Court ruling involving the Indian Embassy.

Maldives Seeks to Secure Additional Funding via ADFD

Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer met with ADFD Director General Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi on 2 May 2024 to discuss financial assistance. Zameer highlighted UAE's contributions to development in Maldives, including ADFD-supported projects like Velana International Airport terminal and Maafaru International Airport.

President Muizzu, Sheikh Muhammed Discuss Forging Stronger Maldives-UAE Ties

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.

COP28 Summit Ends With Landmark Deal to ‘Transition Away’ From Fossil Fuels

The COP28 climate summit concluded with nearly 200 nations reaching a historic agreement to transition away from fossil fuels. The pact, passed by President Sultan Al Jaber, falls short of phasing out fossil fuels but sets net-zero emissions by 2050 and strengthens the 1.5°C target. Key pledges include tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. A loss and damage fund was operationalized. The deal was criticized by some for loopholes, and the Alliance of Small Island States was absent during adoption. China and others objected to a 2025 emissions peak goal. COP29 is scheduled for November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

COP28: Loss and Damage Fund Operationalised, Over $420 Million Pledged on First Day

COP28 delegates operationalised the Loss and Damage Fund after years of negotiations. Over $420 million was pledged on the first day, with contributions from the UAE ($100m), Germany ($100m), Britain (up to £60m), US ($17.5m), Japan ($10m), and EU (at least €225m). The fund is seen as a lifeline for climate-affected communities, but success depends on disbursement speed. Vulnerable countries may face $580 billion in damages by 2030. The US was criticized for its small contribution, with Power Shift Africa director Mohamed Adow calling it inadequate and embarrassing. The World Bank is proposed to host the fund, with conditions for transparency.