hajam.ai
8 September 2026

International

The Maldivian Foreign Ministry, in a statement issued on September 8, 2026, strongly condemned the attacks carried out by the Houthis targeting civilians and economic centers in the southern Saudi Arabian cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran, describing them as acts violating the country's sovereignty. In addition, during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's official visit to the Maldives from September 14 to 15, 2026, two memorandums of understanding regarding defense and Islamic affairs were signed, and an agreement was reached to provide the Maldives with 100 million US dollars in financial assistance.

On September 8, 2026, the Maldivian government strongly condemned an attack by Yemen's Houthis targeting Saudi Arabia. The Maldivian government stated that such attacks pose a threat to regional peace and security and are completely unacceptable. The government also reaffirmed that, at such a time, the Maldives will always stand in full solidarity with the government and brotherly people of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, it was stated that the Maldives will always fully support the measures taken by Saudi Arabia to defend its security and sovereignty.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, arrived in the Maldives on an official visit on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. This visit aims to further strengthen the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries and increase cooperation in bilateral areas. Upon arrival in the Maldives, he was accorded a warm welcome by senior officials of the Maldivian government. Official discussions between the leaders of both countries are scheduled to take place during this visit.

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Politics

On September 8, 2026, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu sent a letter to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom sharing the Maldives' concerns regarding the UK's ongoing negotiations with Mauritius over the Chagos issue and requesting to hold official talks. Additionally, stating that the public must say no to liars, the PNC's High Council invited leaders of other parties. Following remarks by former President Abdulla Yameen claiming that the fire incident at the building housing government ministries was intentional arson, he rejected and sent back the summons chit sent by the police. Looking at other political activities, in addition to holding the PNF's "Green Signal" rally, the political atmosphere has heated up following Nasheed's remarks regarding the MDP primary and the arrest of the party's activist Shamin. After removing Abdulla Faiz from the post of MTDC Chairman, the PCB appointed Ahmed Shaheer to the post. Regarding the alleged low-cost sale of a 1,250-square-foot plot in Hulhumale' Phase 2 at a rate of MVR 375 per square foot for a total of MVR 468,750, Housing Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib stated that it was a decision made to deliver justice to an elderly person who had been deprived of justice since 2003. Furthermore, various allegations related to STELCO and MACL employees, as well as concerns regarding press freedom, have also surfaced.

Economy

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced decisions to increase the government's stake in Dhiraagu from 41.8 percent to 51 percent, and to acquire the 20 percent stake held by Japan's Hitachi in MWSC, making it a 100 percent state-owned company. The government has also initiated efforts to designate 10 islands and lagoons from Male' Atoll and other regions to develop 10 Maldivian-owned resorts. Allied Insurance has introduced a Sharia-compliant "Debt Protection Takaful" scheme that pays off remaining debts to financial institutions and releases mortgaged assets in the event of a borrower's sudden death. Amid policies aimed at cutting expenses and preventing corruption in state-owned enterprises, former STO Managing Director Hussain Amr expressed concern that STELCO might have to bear Fenaka's financial burden. WAMCO stated that the primary foundation for the expansion and success of its services is the public's trust in the company. A poll was also conducted to gauge public opinion on potential solutions to the dollar shortage facing the Maldivian economy.

Sports

On September 8, 2026, important activities related to the work on the Hdh. Kumundhoo football pitch were carried out. Under this project, work is underway to develop the island's sports facilities and establish a complete football pitch for the youth.