President Muizzu concludes official visit to UAE

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has concluded his official visit to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Maldivian leader departed to the middle eastern nation from Velana International Airport (VIA) on Sunday evening.

His visit came upon the official invitation of Vice-President, Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of UAE, Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Muizzu undertook the visit to attend the World Governments Summit 2024, which was convened from February 12 – 14 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.

The president touched down at Velana International Airport (VIA) on Thursday afternoon.

On Monday, he met the Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, where he expressed gratitude for the continuous assistance the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has provided to the island nation’s progress.

During the meeting the Maldivian leader and the ADFD Director General engaged in extensive discussions regarding the long-standing bilateral relations between the Maldives and the UAE.

The same day, he met Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva.

The meeting saw the IMF MD stressing on the grave necessity to implement inclusive fiscal structural reforms and consolidation strategies to fortify a versatile economy against external shocks and internal challenges for the Maldives.

The IMF MD commended the Maldivian leader’s proactive engagement with the public.

On Tuesday, Muizzu engaged in discussions regarding the trade relations between Maldives and UAE, with Sheikh Maktoum.

Muizzu and Sheikh Maktoum engaged in extensive discussions regarding multiple issues of mutual interest.

As such, they engaged in discussions regarding enhancing relations between the two countries in trade and tourism as well as development issues.

Delivering his address at the World Governments Summit 2024 on Tuesday, the president announced an ambitious vision for the sustainable development of Maldives.

In his opening remarks, President Muizzu praised the leadership and government of the middle-eastern nation for leading the path to promote inclusive, strong leadership, governance and partnership.

Shedding light on his vision to achieve sustainable development in the economic sectors under the Visitor Economy Concept, the president noted some of the development projects including the central maritime port with a free zone, expansion of the Velana International Airport (VIA) as well as the integration of maritime development in the northernmost atoll of Maldives, with a global shipping route.

Themed ‘Shaping Future Governments', the World Governments Summit welcomed governments, international organizations, thought leaders, and private sector leaders this year, where discussions took place on future challenges and empowering the next generation of governments.

The president also delivered a keynote speech at the Invest Maldives Forum 2024, held at Burj Al Arab, during which he said that private-sector-led growth is essential to achieving the transformation goals the government seeks.

Announcing his administration’s commitment to provide a safe, secure and efficient space to conduct business in the Maldives, Muizzu added that the development vision of his administration is one of engagement, partnership building and focused delivery.

In his keynote address, the president also shed light on some plans for diversifying the economy to making it more sustainable and resilient to future shocks.

As part of the visit, the president also met with the Maldivian community living in UAE, where he launched ‘Riveli’, a tailor-made online programme that carries the purpose of revitalizing the nationalistic identity of Maldivians by incorporating Dhivehi language and Islamic studies to teach Maldivians residing and studying abroad.