Good Morning Maldives: Thursday, 01 January 2026

Good Morning Maldives brings you your daily news briefing for Thursday, January 1, 2026. President Muizzu extended New Year greetings, highlighting the 900th anniversary of the Maldives' conversion to Islam and emphasizing the government's commitment to national development.Several new regulations are impacting government employees, including dress code changes and updated procedures for housing permits and foreign worker quotas. A recent amendment to the Civil Service Act has sparked debate over female employee attire.The Maldives is seeing expansion in aviation, with night flights now operational at all airports and airlines relocated to VIA. Housing initiatives are underway in Vilufushi and Thulaadhoo, and Aila has been designated as a special economic zone.In legal news, harsh prison sentences were handed down in a Ruqya abuse case, while the High Court has ordered a re-examination of the convictions in the Yameen Rasheed murder trial. The Asandha health scheme is expanding coverage for thalassemia patients, private hospitals, mental health, and eyeglasses.Finally, the MNDF assisted residents in Addu after storm damage, and a three-day New Year festival is happening in Hulhumalé.