Economy

Statistics released on December 29th show that December 28, 2025, has been recorded as the day with the highest number of tourists visiting the Maldives so far this year. With this significant progress in the tourism industry, the occupancy of resorts and guesthouses in the Maldives has greatly increased towards the end of the year. Relevant authorities note that this record number highlights the popularity of the Maldives from different parts of the world, coinciding with the holiday season. This historic day, with the highest number of tourists arriving in the Maldives in a single day, is a major boost to achieving the main tourism goals of 2025.

It was revealed on 29 December 2025 that the State revenue of the Maldives has reached an amount between 36 billion and 37 billion Maldivian Rufiyaa. Statistics show that this is a positive change in the revenue received by the State during the current financial year, which includes money received as taxes and income from other sources. These figures reveal that the State's financial situation is improving, and this is an important achievement for the country's economic progress. Economic experts believe that this increase in income is a major boost for carrying out development projects.

Regarding the debt burden of the Maldives, China stated on Monday, December 29, 2025, that it would not bear the responsibility for the debts that the Maldives needs to pay. The Chinese government revealed this at a time when discussions are taking place in the international arena regarding the economic situation of the Maldives and its foreign debts. In this statement, China emphasized that the financial transactions between the two countries are conducted according to the principles agreed upon by both parties, and that the independent responsibility for debt management lies with the Maldivian state. With this decision, the financial institutions and relevant parties in the Maldives are further discussing the challenges of debt repayment.

Maldivian has announced on December 29, 2025, that the decision to increase flights to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was made in response to the great reception from Umrah pilgrims. With this decision, arrangements for Maldivians going for Umrah pilgrimage will be facilitated, and this is an important step taken to strengthen the airline's operations in conjunction with the Umrah season. Due to these additional flights, a large number of Umrah pilgrims will have the opportunity to travel at once.

Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam said today that doubling the income from fishing before the end of the current term of the government is a target, and special projects have been planned to achieve this goal. The Minister noted on December 29, 2025, that the government will prioritize empowering fishermen and bringing modern changes to the fishing industry to achieve this goal. Under this effort, it has been decided to take many steps to obtain good prices for fisheries products and expand the market.

The government disclosed the latest statistics and updated information on expenditures related to the infrastructure development projects and the Public Sector Investment Program (P.S.I.P) of the Maldives on December 29, 2025. These updates include detailed information on the amount spent from the budget on ongoing infrastructure development projects in various regions of the Maldives, and the current status of those projects. The main objective of these disclosures is to increase the transparency of state budget expenditures on infrastructure development, and to inform the public of the progress being made towards achieving development goals. As such, with the information released today, the overall picture of total investments made in infrastructure projects by the end of the year has become clearer.

Aeroflot, the Russian national airline, officially moved its operations to the new terminal (Terminal 1) of Velana International Airport on 29 December 2025. With this change, Aeroflot passengers will begin receiving services from this modern terminal, and this is a decision made as part of efforts to expand and improve the quality of airport services. It is believed that the relocation to the new terminal will further expedite and facilitate the services provided by the airport to tourists traveling between Russia and the Maldives.

The President has announced important measures on December 29, 2025 to promote small and medium enterprises (SMEs), effective tomorrow. These measures include easing loan disbursement procedures and introducing a special grant scheme to increase financial assistance for new businesses. The President noted that the main objective of this decision is to accelerate the economic pace of Maldives and facilitate entrepreneurs to bring Maldivian productivity to the international market. In addition, it was also decided at today's meeting to expedite services through a digital platform to address administrative difficulties faced by SMEs.

Reports published on 29 December 2025 have revealed that expenditure has exceeded the amount allocated from the budget of the Dhivehi government, and the amount of money that needs to be given for subsidies has increased significantly. According to these reports, due to the state of the state's finances, it is noted that economic challenges are being faced due to budget overspending. In particular, the cost of subsidies for basic services being higher than estimated is stated in these reports as something that requires financial reform measures to be taken. This information reveals the importance of taking immediate steps to manage these government expenditures.

The opportunity to apply for the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Maldives Pension Administration Office has been opened on 29 December 2025, due to the vacancy of the position. A capable individual with higher education and experience in the financial field is required for this position, which plays an important role in managing the financial affairs of the Pension Office and making strategic decisions. The office has announced that eligible candidates should apply before the deadline.