International

The ceremony to welcome the first tourist to visit the Maldives in 2026 was held on Thursday, 1 January 2026, at Velana International Airport. Senior government officials and senior figures in the tourism sector participated in the event, and special gifts were presented to the first tourist of the New Year. This ceremony is an important event held every year to promote tourism in the Maldives and to symbolize the warm welcome given to tourists coming to the Maldives from all over the world. It was noted at the ceremony that the arrival of the first tourist of the New Year marks the beginning of a major boost for tourism in the Maldives in the coming year.

Minister Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed met with the Chief Advisor of the interim government of that country, Mohamed Yunus, during his official trip to Bangladesh today. In this meeting, which was held on January 1, 2026, they extensively discussed strengthening the relationship between the two countries and providing cooperation in the field of housing and urban development. The Minister's visit is an important step symbolizing the close relationship that the Maldives wants to establish with the new government of Bangladesh. While various matters of mutual interest to the two countries were discussed at the meeting, the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh assured full cooperation to the Maldivian government.

Today, Thursday, January 1, 2026, a major debate and heated concerns have arisen in the Maldives regarding the handover of the operations of Hanimadhoo International Airport to an Indian company. While some parties are portraying this decision as a threat to the Maldives' independence and sovereignty, calls for the disclosure of the details of the agreement to hand over the airport's operations have intensified. The government says this is an important step towards promoting tourism and the economy of the North, but opposition parties and some members of the public are protesting and questioning this. As the practical work of handing over the operation of the airport to India officially began today, many are expressing concern on social media that this is a threat to national security.

On January 1, 2026, Zohran Mamdani was officially sworn in as the new Mayor of New York City. This historic ceremony was held at City Hall, marking the beginning of a major shift in New York's political landscape. Mamdani's term aims to strengthen the city's social and economic affairs. With a large number of members of the public and politicians attending the ceremony, he has become a notable figure to take over the leadership of America's largest city.

On the occasion of the New Year, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has sent congratulations and best wishes to the leaders of various countries around the world and the heads of international organizations. In the messages sent by the President in connection with the beginning of the year 2026, he expressed his hope that the relationship between Maldives and those countries will be further strengthened, and that the new year will be a year of peace and prosperity for the world. In addition, these messages from the President highlight the importance of increasing cooperation in the international arena and maintaining friendship between countries.

On January 1, 2026, it has been decided to prohibit the use of Israeli passports in the international arena and to take strict measures against the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Reports say that this decision is a strong step taken by the international community to isolate Israel in connection with the actions it is carrying out. These العقوبات (sanctions) will create major obstacles for Israeli citizens in travelling, while the suspension of aid to the UN agency will have a major impact on regional humanitarian efforts. While some countries are supporting these measures, this is a major shift in the global political landscape at the beginning of this year.