A digest of news and opinion from the Maldives.
Hong Kong [China], Dec 19 : President Abdulla Yameen’s rush to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China during his recent visit to Beijing without following constitutional/legal norms has generated considerable anti-China sentiment in the Maldives. The lopsided nature of the FTA, loaded as it is heavily in favour of the Chinese, would adversely […]
Island country spending heavily on infrastructure development in quest to look beyond tourism, minister says DUBAI: Apart from the serene beaches and blue lagoons, Maldives is sending a message to the world: It’s open for business. Through presenting its multi-million projects to further develop the infrastructure, mainly the international airport, the South Asian Island country […]
Former President Mohamed Nasheed — Photo by: Sabra The actions of the present administration pose the Maldives to risk of war, says former President Mohamed Nasheed. In a tweet posted on Monday morning, penned in Dhivehi, the former President noted that the Parliament was hijacked and the Yameen administration was engaging in activities that harmed […]
Bain Capital is buying the world’s largest seaplane fleet operator Trans Maldivian Airways from Blackstone for around $550 million to cash in on booming high-end leisure travellers flocking to the Indian Ocean archipelago, known for its pristine blue lagoons, white beaches, ring-shaped atolls and extensive reefs, said people aware of the development. The two sides […]
Although recent numbers had shown receding China market numbers, accumulated tourist count is expected a rise by 7% in 2017 compared to last year. | Photo: Ahmed Shurau/Avas Tourist visitor figures of 2017 are expected to float 7% higher than last year’s total visitor count according to Tourism Ministry. Minister of Tourism, Moosa Zameer claims […]
Among the Maldives are local islands revealing a traditional lifestyle rarely seen by tourists. The sign on the little white and blue painted school says it’s committed to bringing up students to love Islam, to be disciplined and to develop the country honestly. “Sulthan Mohamed is dedicated…to obey the school’s and country’s rules and regulations.” […]
After upsetting news for the Indian foreign policy establishment from Sri Lanka (99-year-long lease of Hambantota port to China) and Nepal (China-leaning Left alliance poised to form government after winning elections), there is yet another blow to South Block (India’s power corridors) from its neighbour and SAARC member, Maldives. The Indian Ocean nation, comprising 1,192 […]
The Maldives Government has had talks with the opposition in Sri Lanka. Joint opposition Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa tweeted saying he had talks with the Maldives Minister of Tourism and Vice President of the Progressive Party of the Maldives Moosa Zameer and the Maldives Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mohamed H. Shareef. “A great discussion today with #Maldives Minister […]
An aerial view of Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa You’re my North Star when I’m lost and feeling blue,” croons Tom Waits in Little Trip to Heaven, playing on a loop in my head. It is only after two turbulent flights, with an overnight stopover in Thiruvananthapuram, that I get my first sight of the […]