News Desk
MALÉ, Maldives — President Dr Mohamed Muizzu marked the second anniversary of his administration with a sweeping set of commitments that touched nearly every corner of national life, from tourism and fisheries to healthcare, education, and youth rehabilitation.
Speaking at the Rayyithunnaa Eku Kuriah – Hafthaa 104 function held at the Youth Centre, the president outlined what he described as a comprehensive drive to resolve national issues at their roots and ensure lasting prosperity.
On tourism, President Muizzu announced that work will soon begin in underserved atolls with the lowest levels of tourism. “Work will soon commence in all underserved atolls with the lowest levels of tourism, with the aim of increasing bed capacity and employment opportunities so that local communities can benefit economically,” he said.
He noted that 6,223 tourism beds have already been registered and highlighted specific projects, including the development of HDh. Naagoashi, the reopening of the Shangri-La resort in Addu City by the end of this year, and the formalization of the Asseyri Tourism project. He added that the investor for the Hankede project, in Addu, is preparing to settle the lease acquisition cost and sign the agreement. Numerous parties, he said, have submitted bids following government incentives to expand tourism nationwide.
Turning to the fisheries sector, President Muizzu emphasized that fishermen had long been neglected but are now a priority. He detailed the repair of numerous ice plants, the opening of new plants on four islands, and work underway on six more.
Refrigerated Sea Water systems have been installed on vessels through loan schemes, with the Bank of Maldives opening opportunities for additional installations. Cold storage capacity, which stood at 9,500 tonnes at the start of his term, is projected to reach 24,500 tonnes by the end of his five-year tenure. “The Administration has cleared over MVR 200 million in outstanding payments to fishermen inherited from the previous government,” he said, adding that payments have been made consistently since December 2024. He also confirmed that fuel skids will be established on all announced islands by March 2026.
Healthcare was presented as a cornerstone of national development. “National development will remain incomplete unless healthcare is placed at the forefront of national policy,” President Muizzu declared. He pointed to preventive measures such as a national vape ban, a generational smoking ban, and increased tobacco prices.
He pledged to expand tertiary-level healthcare services across five regions, reducing reliance on Malé, and highlighted the upgrading of the air ambulance service.
By the end of 2026, he said, every inhabited island will have an upgraded, renovated, and fully staffed health centre. He noted that his administration has launched the highest number of health-sector infrastructure projects to date and promised significant advancements in diagnostic services within six months.
Education was framed as the foundation of holistic national development. “Fostering intellectual development, particularly in young children, is essential for holistic national development,” President Muizzu said. He announced that nationalism has been introduced into the academic curriculum from the earliest stages to nurture children with a strong sense of identity. He emphasized reducing reliance on expatriate teachers, noting that 190 students are currently undergoing teacher training with special allowances.
The national Grade 10 pass rate has risen from 31 percent in 2023 to 49 percent in 2025. Students completing secondary education now have three pathways: academic, vocational, and work-based apprenticeship. Graduation has been extended from Grade 10 to Grade 12, with more schools offering O-Level and A-Level education. The academic year has been reverted to January, correcting disruptions caused by the previous administration.
By the end of 2026, primary students will be assessed using an international test, with pilot benchmarking beginning this month. Infrastructure expansion includes a new school under construction in Hulhumalé, 65 new projects underway, and 150 ongoing ones.
Higher education is also a priority, with 26 projects to establish Maldives National University campuses and 12 projects approved for Islamic University of Maldives campuses. “Development should not be focused solely on Malé; all citizens, regardless of where they live, are equal in my eyes,” he said.
On social issues, President Muizzu stressed the need to rescue young people from drugs and gang crime. “The Administration’s primary objective is to resolve critical national issues at their very roots to ensure sustainable, permanent outcomes,” he said.
He appealed directly to youth: “I strongly appeal to the youth trapped in cycles of drug abuse and gang culture to distance themselves from these harmful habits and commit to serving themselves, their families, and the nation.”
He highlighted initiatives such as the Maldives National Service, National Apprenticeship Programme, Community Upskilling Programme, and financial assistance schemes. In sports, he pointed to the establishment of Fitness and Recreation Centres on every island, amendments to the Sports Act, increased remuneration for athletes and officials, and health insurance for national team players starting in 2026. “The single most significant step towards the advancement of national sports will be the establishment of a High-Performance Centre in the Maldives next year,” he said.
The ceremony marking two years in office was attended by Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Members of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers, State dignitaries, and senior government officials.
