State of Maldives

08/06/2026

BREAKING: Tsunami hits Japan And Philippines Coast After 7.8 Mag Earthquake.

01/06/2026

The "Enama" boat tragedy, which stands as one of the most heartbreaking maritime disasters in Maldivian history, claimed the life of Mariyam Faiza from GD. Thinadhoo—a woman remembered not only for her tragic end but for her extraordinary courage in prioritizing her grand daughter's life over her own during those terrifying final moments.

​The incident occurred on the night of March 17, 2004, when the Enama boat, carrying 122 passengers from GA. Villingili to GD. Thinadhoo, capsized in rough seas. The disaster resulted in the deaths of 22 people, with two others missing at sea. In the chaos of the sinking vessel, Faiza’s grandchild, Zaain, was being held by the late Maldivian film star Ameera Ahmed. As the boat flipped and plunged the passengers into the pitch-black ocean, Faiza instinctively fought through the panic to secure her grandchild.

​Reflecting on the trauma in past interviews, Faiza recounted the harrowing moments following the capsizing. She had initially managed to grab hold of Zain, but as she struggled in the water, someone approached and requested she hand the child over. In that frantic transition, Zaain was taken from her, and in the overwhelming darkness, she lost sight of the child.

​Mariyam Faiza’s passing has deeply affected the community of Thinadhoo and all those who remain haunted by the memories of the Enama disaster. Her story of selfless love and the immense bravery she demonstrated in a moment of desperate survival continues to be a poignant legacy, reminding many of the profound sacrifices made during one of the nation's darkest days.

31/05/2026

Maldivian artist Raya Mansoor has been named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026 list under The Arts category. Raya is the co-founder of Oevaali Art Shop, a Maldivian lifestyle art brand she established with her sister Raniya Mansoor in 2015.

A self-taught painter and Economics graduate, she works primarily in acrylics and oil. Her work is held in institutional collections including the TMA VIP Lounge at Velana International Airport. Oevaali Art Shop now operates in both Malé and Singapore.

The 11th edition of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list features 300 honourees across 10 categories from the Asia-Pacific region. Mansoor's inclusion adds to the growing record of Maldivian creative talent earning recognition on the regional stage.

28/05/2026

The upcoming MDP Chairperson election is not a contest of personalities—it must be a contest of principles. Galolhu South MP has stepped up with the "Ithubaaru" (Trust) campaign to unify the party and pave the way for victory in 2028.

Here is what Shaanih Ali Naseem says about .

28/05/2026

Renowned veteran diver Hussain "Sendi" Rasheed has issued a poignant call for stricter regulations within the diving industry, emphasizing that the inherent beauty of the sport and profession must never come at the cost of human life.

Speaking in the wake of a recent diving incident in the Maldives, Rasheed—who has trained more than 1,500 professional divers throughout his distinguished career—underscored that passion alone is insufficient for navigating the underwater world. He stressed that safety, uncompromising discipline, and robust regulatory frameworks must remain the absolute priorities for both recreational and professional diving operations.

As the Maldives continues to be a premier global destination for ocean enthusiasts, Rasheed's advocacy highlights a critical need for systemic reform. By championing stronger enforcement and higher safety standards, the veteran instructor aims to protect the lives of divers while safeguarding the vibrant marine ecosystem that defines the coral reef islanders' way of life.

27/05/2026

Maldivian Dive Legend Hussain Sendi Calls for Rigorous Safety Reforms Following Recent Incident

MALE, Maldives — Renowned veteran diver Hussain “Sendi” Rasheed has issued a poignant call for stricter regulations within the diving industry, emphasizing that the inherent beauty of t…

27/05/2026

The items were seized during a joint operation conducted by the Maafushi Police Station and Counter Narcotics Intelligence last Sunday night at around 12:45 AM. Police stated today that five rubber packets containing substances suspected to be drugs were recovered and taken into police custody during the operation.

Readmore: https://stateofmaldives.com/2026/05/27/66554/

27/05/2026

Man uses drone to supply drugs into a prison in Maldives

Illicit drugs attempted to be smuggled into Maafushi Prison , Maldives using a drone have been intercepted. The items were seized during a joint operation conducted by the Maafushi Police Station a…

27/05/2026

Nasheed Targets 100,000 Members for MDP Without Losing Current Base Ahead of Chairperson Race

Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed has announced that his primary objective is to reach a milestone of 100,000 members for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) without losing any of its cur…

27/05/2026

BREAKING: Journalist Shahzaan Freed after 15 days in Imprisonment.

Adhadhu journalist Mohamed Shahzan has been released today after completing a 15-day prison sentence for questioning President Mohamed Muizzu after a Criminal Court order prohibiting discussio…