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To mark the Day of Unity in 2025, a special ceremony was held today with the participation of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and state officials to commemorate those who were lost in the 2004 tsunami disaster. At the ceremony held on December 26, the President highlighted the importance of the unity that must exist among Maldivians and noted the exemplary relations shown by Maldivians during the disaster. On this occasion, a moment of silence was observed at the Tsunami Bina area, condolences were offered to the families of the deceased, and a special prayer related to the day was held.

In a special operation conducted by the Maldives Customs Service on December 26, 2025, 40 kg of hashish oil, which was being smuggled into the Maldives hidden inside a chocolate shipment, was seized. Customs has revealed that the street value of these items is approximately MVR 30 million, and this is a large drug shipment seized in recent history. Further investigations are currently underway by the police and customs in connection with this case.

Three men were arrested today in connection with a case of assaulting and threatening a police officer in Male'. The police informed that the three men arrested on suspicion of obstructing the police officer's duty and engaging in a fight in this incident that occurred on Friday, December 26, 2025, are Maldivians. Police are currently further investigating the case, and it has been revealed that legal measures will be taken to maintain the city's security. Security measures in Male' have been further strengthened in connection with this attack targeting the officer.

The government has decided on 26 December 2025 to bring positive changes to the financial assistance provided to single mothers and fathers in the Maldives, increasing the single parents' allowance to MVR 12,000 per month and capping it at that amount. Under this amendment, the financial assistance received by single parents will increase, which is an important step towards improving the living standards of such families and ensuring social security. With the increase in the allowance from the previous amount, the maximum amount received each month is now set at MVR 12,000, which will not exceed the currently stipulated maximum. It is believed that this decision by the government will provide significant economic relief to a large number of single parents.

The two newly built mosques, Masjid-ul Imaan and Masjid-ul Rayyaan in Hulhumalé Phase 2 and Maradhoo in Addu City, were officially opened on Friday, December 26, 2025. With the opening of these two mosques, convenient arrangements for prayer have been made for the residents living in those areas, and these mosques were inaugurated at special ceremonies attended by senior government officials. These two mosques, built with modern designs, are designed to provide the space needed for the population of those areas. The opportunity for the general public to pray in these mosques has been opened from today's Friday prayer onwards.

Today's Friday sermon, delivered in various parts of the Maldives, highlighted the dangers of participating in non-Islamic religious festivals and customs that contradict the beliefs of Muslims. Calling for staying away from celebrations observed by people of other religions in order to protect the Islamic Ummah's identity, the sermon advised not to forget the Hereafter by being swayed by the world's materialism. In addition, all mosques in the Maldives today issued a strong warning not to deviate from religious principles due to material desires, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing Islamic education and traditions.

Today (26 December 2025), Hassan Mamdooh (Mandey), involved in the K-Park Residence project case, has been arrested under a court order due to his failure to appear for the hearing held to pronounce his sentence. The Criminal Court took this action because Mamdooh did not appear for the time scheduled to pronounce the sentence for the many charges of fraud against him, considering that he might flee the trial, and to present him to court while in custody. Police have now located him and taken him into custody, and it has been arranged to proceed with the hearing in connection with this matter.

Police have launched an investigation after a dead newborn was found in a trash bin at Cinnamon Velifushi Resort, a resort in V. Atoll, in the block where female employees live. A 27-year-old Maldivian woman who works at the resort's front office has been arrested in connection with the case, and police received a report of the incident on December 26, 2025, at dawn, after employees searched the block due to a foul odor emanating from the area. Although initial information indicated that the child was stillborn, police are further investigating the case as a possible incident of a child being born and then thrown into the trash bin.

Emergency response equipment worth 2.6 million Rufiyaa required for the work of the Maldives Police Service was handed over to the institution on December 26, 2025. These items were donated with the aim of increasing the operational capabilities of the police in emergency situations and incidents, and accelerating the services provided to the public. With this assistance, the police service will have access to modern resources, and this is a major step forward in the efforts to ensure the safety and security of the Maldives. Senior police officials participated in the handover ceremony, and these resources will further strengthen the police response in emergency situations.

A large fight broke out today on a street in Male' between women who are from Nepal. In this incident that occurred on Friday, December 26, 2025, the women involved attacked each other on the street and caused major unrest, and videos of this scene have been circulating on social media. While the reason for this unrest is not yet clear, police are further investigating the matter.

A national project to train 250 Dhivehi therapists to expand and strengthen therapy services in the Maldives officially began on December 26, 2025. This program is an important undertaking initiated by the government to build skilled Maldivians needed for the country's health sector and to increase treatment opportunities for those who need special assistance. At the inauguration ceremony, it was noted that these trainings will provide a permanent solution to the challenges faced in providing therapy services in various parts of the Maldives.

Relevant authorities have expressed concern on 26 December 2025 about potential demographic shifts in the future, considering the increasing proportion of the foreign population residing in the Maldives. Statistics and projections released on this day indicate that significant changes in the composition of the Maldivian population are likely, potentially leading to adverse social and economic consequences. These reports highlight the importance of taking decisive measures to control the number of foreigners living in the Maldives and to maintain population stability in connection with this issue.

Coinciding with this year's big holiday, a large number of Maldivians have started traveling to Saudi Arabia today to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. As many people have given priority to going for Umrah with their families during the school holidays, a large number of people under the supervision of various Umrah groups have departed from Velana International Airport today alone. These trips are being carried out with prior planning in connection with the December holidays, and the airport witnessed a great reception from families gathered to bid farewell to the pilgrims. Various companies in the Maldives have organized these Umrah trips in a way that school children and parents can make the most of this opportunity.

In special operations conducted by the Maldives Police Service on 26 December 2025, a large amount of property and money involved in theft and robbery cases was recovered. These search operations are activities carried out as part of the special efforts initiated by the police to reduce crime and recover stolen goods, according to police statistics. A large amount of electronic equipment and cash were found in the places searched during these operations, and some people suspected of being involved in these cases have been taken into police custody. The police are now carrying out the administrative work of handing over these goods to their original owners.

On Friday, December 26, 2025, the Maldives Police Service has released important notices regarding individuals needed to appear in court and missing persons being searched for due to a lack of contact with their families. As such, the police have requested public assistance in locating individuals who need to appear in court for various cases, with details of these individuals included, but who have not been served summons because their whereabouts are unknown. In addition, these notices also include information about some individuals who have been reported missing, and the public is urged to contact the police hotline without delay to share any information regarding these individuals. These announcements are important notices issued today to locate individuals needed for cases proceeding through legal procedures.

Special events were held in the Maldives on 26 December 2025 to mark the 148th birth anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. The ceremony, initiated by the Pakistan High Commission in Malé to celebrate this day, highlighted the close ties between Pakistan and the Maldives and Jinnah's services. The event was attended by Pakistani citizens living in the Maldives and some senior officials of the Maldivian government, and it was an opportunity to further strengthen the cultural and political ties between the two countries. In addition, information sessions on Jinnah's vision and his work were also held on the occasion.

As part of the efforts by the police against drugs, strong operations targeting different areas of the Maldives and networks abroad were conducted on December 26, 2025. These operations were special activities carried out jointly by relevant authorities to prevent drug trafficking and the spread of drugs in different parts of the Maldives. Under this effort, in addition to local groups active in the Maldives, connections with foreign networks have been identified, and important steps have been taken to dismantle such dangerous networks. It is also noted that these operations have hindered many drug traffickers and made significant progress in ensuring national security and public safety.

The long school holiday in the Maldives has been moved back to December after four years, and this long holiday officially started on December 26, 2025. With this change brought to the educational calendar, the academic year is scheduled to begin in January, and this is the first time the Maldivian education system has reverted to its former practice after many days. This decision will give students and parents the opportunity to spend family holidays at the end of the year, and this holiday, which started today, is a holiday that proceeds according to the schedule publicized to include all schools in the Maldives.

The Maldives Police Service has officially launched the "New Year Special Operation" today with the aim of ensuring the safety and security of various seas and land areas of the Maldives in connection with the upcoming New Year. Under this operation, which began on the 26th of this month, it has been decided to increase police activities in the atolls in addition to the Male' area, and to maintain road safety and public safety. Police also informed that strengthening the safety of boats, vessels, and places where people gather, as many people will be traveling in connection with the New Year holidays, is an important goal of this operation.

On December 26th of this year, various noteworthy pieces of information from the social and cultural sectors were made public. In this regard, this report highlights various customs that have taken place within the community, and important matters related to the way of life. Due to this information, the current social situation and cultural advancements are very clearly understood. In addition, this is an important opportunity to highlight the solidarity of the community and cultural heritage.