Social
Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed announced on 24 September 2026 that the Imam of Masjid al-Haram, Dr. Yasser Al-Dossary, is scheduled to make an official visit to the Maldives. MNDF Coastguard divers rescued a 31-year-old foreigner who jumped off the Sinamalé Bridge while he was clinging to a pillar. Minister of Construction Dr. Abdulla Muththalib stated that a technical inspection conducted following an incident where vessels collided with a bridge pillar confirmed that no damage was caused to the bridge's structure. Police have arrested a youth in connection with a dangerous accident on Sosun Magu in Malé. Due to increasing behavioral issues among minors, HA. Baarah Council has banned children under the age of 18 from being outside after 9:00 PM without a guardian. A court has sentenced a man to 15 years in prison after he was found guilty of sexually abusing a child. A person attempting to smuggle drugs into Fuvahmulah has been taken into police custody. A court has ordered a fine for an individual who obstructed duty and assaulted a police officer. The Police Service has achieved notable major successes in halting scam schemes that obtain money through fraud. Relevant authorities urge the public to be vigilant against a new scam operated by sending links under the guise of booking cancellations. Former Vice President Faisal Naseem's family has denied rumors spread about him on social media. HDC has decided to develop a bowling arena and a gaming arcade in Hulhumalé specifically for youth.
The Imam and Khatib of Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Dr. Yasser bin Rashid Al-Dawsari, arrived in the Maldives on an official visit on Thursday, 24 September 2026. Upon his arrival in the Maldives, he was accorded a very warm welcome at Velana International Airport by senior officials of the Maldivian government. This visit is an important trip aimed at further strengthening the Islamic ties between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia and participating in various religious activities. During this visit, special programs are scheduled to be conducted to meet with Maldivian citizens and propagate Islamic Da'wah.
The MNDF Coastguard conducted an operation to rescue an expatriate man who jumped into the sea from the Sinamalé Bridge on 24 September 2026. Upon receiving information regarding this incident at the MNDF Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, Coastguard divers immediately attended the scene and succeeded in pulling the man from the sea and rescuing him. Following the rescue of this Bangladeshi national who jumped into the sea, he was promptly taken to the hospital to begin receiving treatment, and he has been taken into police custody for further investigation into the matter. Relevant authorities consistently appeal to the public to refrain from such dangerous acts and to respect the bridge's safety standards.
A decision has been made to prohibit children from being outside after 9:00 pm in HA. Baarah on 24 September 2026. This decision is an important step taken to ensure the safety of children and to establish a positive social environment. In addition, parents have been urged to keep the island peaceful in accordance with this notice and to closely supervise the affairs of their children.
Maldives Police Service has achieved remarkable success in its efforts to prevent scams and fraudulent activities involving money obtained through various tactics. At a time when scam cases are on the rise, police special investigations and measures have prevented financial losses for a large number of people. Furthermore, as the results of the robust measures taken by the police using modern resources to identify perpetrators and curb such crimes are becoming evident, the police also urge the public to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures.
The family of former Vice President Faisal Naseem has stated that the allegations being made against him by various parties are baseless and false. The family stated that such stories circulating in connection with Faisal Naseem are contrary to the truth and hold no factual basis whatsoever. The family has also appealed not to spread such misleading information and to refrain from disseminating false stories without verifying the facts.
In connection with the dangerous accident that occurred on Sosun Magu in Malé, a young man who had previously been fined four times for driving without a land transport driving license has been taken into police custody and arrested. The young man involved in this accident was arrested following an investigation into the matter, after noting his repeat record of illegal driving. Police are currently conducting further investigations to determine the cause of the accident and the damages incurred in this incident. Relevant authorities are therefore continuing to push for further strengthening of legal actions against those who drive illegally and without a license.
To expand entertainment opportunities for residents living in Hulhumalé as well as visitors to the city, the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) decided on September 24, 2026, to develop a bowling arena and a modern gaming arcade. This project is an important initiative decided to be carried out with the aim of providing an arrangement where youth and families can spend time together in an enjoyable environment. In addition, HDC is carrying out special efforts to open opportunities for interested parties to establish these facilities and to make Hulhumalé a complete and vibrant city in every aspect.
On Thursday, September 24, 2026, the relevant authority decided to fine a man convicted of assaulting and threatening a police officer who was performing his duties. Following the proof that the individual assaulted, intimidated, and threatened the police officer in this incident, paying a fine was determined as his punishment within the legal framework. Along with this decision made to take action against those who obstruct the statutory duties of the police and commit such violent acts, the party has been ordered to pay the fine within the designated period.
A person attempting to smuggle drugs into Fuvahmulah City by air has been taken into police custody, and an investigation into the case has begun. This operation was carried out during a special activity conducted by police in the Fuvahmulah Airport area following information received alleging that narcotics were being smuggled into the island by air. Suspected drugs were found in the possession of the individual arrested in this incident, and the substances have now been taken into police custody. Police are investigating further matters requiring examination in this drug case.
On Thursday, 24 September 2026, important questions arose and opened discussions regarding "Knock Group." While relevant sectors are examining the matters that require scrutiny concerning this issue, it has been noted that there is information requiring clarification regarding that group's activities and works. Furthermore, relevant authorities are working to gather more details and disclose the facts in connection with this topic.
Following a dangerous accident involving a vehicle on the Sinamalé Bridge, relevant authorities have conducted a special technical inspection to determine if there has been any damage to the bridge's structure and roadway. The main objective of this inspection is to ensure the safety of the accident area and identify whether there are any conditions that may pose a hazard to commuters. While engineers and technical experts have inspected the area, measures that need to be taken to maintain the safety of motorists are also being reviewed. Conducting prompt technical studies following such incidents is essential to providing safe, uninterrupted service on the bridge.
In the topic highlighted on Thursday, 24 September 2026, the supreme significance of placing trust in Almighty Allah, or Tawakkul, in Islam was explained. Accordingly, it was noted that putting in all possible efforts and means available to human beings in all matters of life, and then leaving the ultimate outcome to Almighty Allah, is an important part of faith. Additionally, it was stated that practicing Tawakkul brings peace of mind and patience, serving as the strongest spiritual power for Muslims to overcome various challenges and difficulties encountered.
A man named Abdun-Nafiu Isa was sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Criminal Court on 24 September 2026 after being found guilty of sexually abusing a child. The state charged him under the Act on Special Procedures for Perpetrators of Child Sexual Abuse. In this case, the court determined that the offense of committing a sexual act against a child while in a position of trust, as stated under Section 9 (a) of the Act, was proven against him beyond a reasonable doubt. Therefore, the court ordered him to be imprisoned for a period of 15 years as punishment for the offense.
Police warned on 24 September 2026 to remain vigilant regarding a new type of scam targeting Maldivian resorts, hotels, and guesthouses involving deceit and fraudulent booking cancellations to seek refunds. As police revealed at a press conference, scammers in this scheme first book a room, send a fake transfer slip indicating payment was made, and then request a refund claiming they need to cancel the booking due to an emergency. Consequently, some businesses have suffered losses by sending money without verifying whether funds were actually deposited into their accounts, and 80 such cases have been reported to the police so far. Therefore, police urged businesses not to refund money to any party without officially verifying that the funds have been credited to the account to protect themselves from such incidents.
A dangerous accident occurred on Thursday, September 24, 2026, when a moving motorcycle collided with a motorcycle parked on the Sinamalé Bridge. The incident took place when the motorcycle traveling along that road at the time lost control and collided with the motorcycle that was stopped or parked on the bridge. The accident disrupted traffic in the area and caused varying degrees of damage to the motorcycles. While parking or stopping vehicles in high-speed zones such as bridges often leads to dangerous accidents, relevant authorities are currently investigating this incident.