On 28 September 2026, former MP Ali Hussain filed a constitutional case at the Supreme Court seeking to annul the agreement signed with the UAE's Eagle Hills company, stating that leasing over 500 hectares of land from Rasmale for 99 years violates Articles 250 and 251 of the Constitution. Amid calls to disclose the agreement, Housing Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib defended the project, stating that ownership of the land would remain with the Maldivian state and that foreign parties would not receive automatic visas or permanent rights. Speaking at the "Ahaa" forum, Home Minister Ali Ihusaan said that 17 drug-use dens have been closed down and that efforts are underway to amend the law to impose the death penalty and remove pardons for those who smuggle drugs above a certain quantity. Additionally, the minister revealed that 24 drug networks and 10 gang leaders are under investigation, while 26 safe houses used to recruit children into crime have been closed. Among the cases involving President Yameen, a hearing in the Fuggiri …
Read More →28 September 2026
Former MP Ali Hussain filed a constitutional case at the Supreme Court seeking to annul the government’s 99-year rent-free lease of over 500 hectares in Ras Malé to UAE developer Eagle Hills, alleging violations of the Constitution. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan announced plans to introduce capital punishment for major drug traffickers. On the global stage, the Maldives women’s chess team secured a historic Category 'E' gold medal on tiebreaks at the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand.
Following the signing of the agreement to implement the 20 billion dollar 'Maldives Waterfront and Marina' project in Rasmale, Chairman of Eagle Hills Mohamed Alabbar noted that the Maldives is a dream destination on Earth, stating that the work will be carried out adhering to the highest environmental standards and in a manner most beneficial to the people. Speaking at the government's 'Ahaa' forum, Minister of Fisheries Ahmed Shiyam said that by implementing robust quality control measures when unloading fish at Maldivian ports, the issue of fish exported by MIFCO being rejected has now been resolved. The National Bureau of Statistics has revealed that due to lower prices for electricity, international flights, and tobacco, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for August dropped to 1.15%. At the World Travel Awards held on September 27 at CROSSROADS Maldives, the Maldives won a total of four awards, including the title of the Indian Ocean's Leading Destination. Additionally, STO's stall participated in the Hotel Asia Exhibition.
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The Maldives women's chess team has achieved a historic victory by winning the gold medal in Category 'E' at the 46th Chess Olympiad held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. To decentralize sports facilities, the government has announced a project to develop 27 indoor sports complexes across various parts of the Maldives, including the Male' area. Additionally, practical work to completely remove the damaged synthetic track in Hulhumale' Phase 1 and replace it with a World Athletics-certified PU track is scheduled to begin on 1 October 2026 and conclude by January 2027.
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The manager of the GA. Vilingili Atoll Hospital, Ali Shameem, stated on 28 September 2026 that the digital X-ray machine sent to the hospital by the government in mid-2024 remains unused in storage because the upgrading of the electrical network and the necessary structural modifications to the building have not yet been completed.
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Following the Education Ministry's announcement seeking principals for Male' Vocational High School and the Sh. Atoll Education Centre, the opportunity to apply has been opened until 4 October 2026. The Teachers' Association of Maldives, on 28 September 2026, expressed concerns over the Education Ministry's silence and lack of initiative regarding celebrating the upcoming World Teachers' Day at a national level.
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While reports circulated on 28 September 2026 alleging that information on 15 Maldivians who spoke out on social media against the Rasmale project had been obtained and that the UAE had begun blacklisting them, no official authority has confirmed this. Following the passing of Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, wife of former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, at the age of 100 on 28 September 2026 at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur, a decision has been made to hold a state funeral. Furthermore, to further strengthen relations between the Maldives and Malaysia, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim have agreed to establish a joint commission between the two countries and to hold its first meeting before the end of 2026.
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At a special ceremony held on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), recognition awards were presented to employees who have served for over 35 years and those who have retired. A special coordinating committee has been formed to run the national initiative to show honor and respect. The Ministry of Defence has extended the deadline until 27 October to obtain permits for registering dangerous chemical storage warehouses and for sales via the "Makudi" portal. In a dangerous accident that occurred on the Haa Alif Hoarafushi airport road when the rear tire of a motorcycle burst causing it to lose control, two women aged 43 and 36 suffered serious injuries. STELCO has now restored the electricity supply that had been interrupted in some areas of Hulhumale' Phase 1.
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