News Desk
MALE’ — The Maldivian economy grew by 6.3 percent in real terms in 2025, exceeding growth targets set by both the Ministry of Finance and the Maldives Monetary Authority by 0.9 percentage points, according to the MMA’s latest annual report.
The figure marks a significant acceleration from the 3.5 percent growth recorded in 2024 and was driven primarily by a record year for tourism. Total visitor arrivals reached 2.2 million, with the highest quarterly arrival figures in the country’s history recorded during 2025 and a historic peak in December. The tourism sector’s value-added contribution to the economy grew by 8 percent over the year.
Growth was not limited to tourism. The fisheries sector posted a 30.8 percent increase in value-added contribution, the strongest sectoral performance of the year. Construction grew by 3.7 percent, real estate by 3.1 percent and financial services also contributed positively.
The MMA said the results align with the Quarterly National Accounts published in April 2026 and reflect both sustained tourism demand and a broader recovery across key industries.
The strong 2025 numbers provide a useful baseline against which the current year will be measured. Tourist arrivals have slowed in 2026 due to disruptions at Middle Eastern transit hubs caused by the regional conflict, with arrivals dropping 15 to 20 percent in March and April. Whether the momentum built in 2025 can be sustained through a more difficult 2026 is the question the government and the central bank are now working through.
