Dhauru

Welcome to Episode 47 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa. This week, Hiriga Ahmed Zahir and Mohamed Usham are joined by macroeconomist Mohamed Imthinan Saudulla for an in-depth discussion on inflation, the rising cost of living, household financial management and the economic challenges facing families in the Maldives.

Imthinan examines how inflation affects household spending, reduces purchasing power and places increasing pressure on families trying to meet their everyday needs. He discusses the importance of building sound financial habits, managing expenses and making informed financial decisions that can help households navigate economic uncertainty and prepare for the long term.

The conversation also explores the growing reliance on credit, the risks of excessive borrowing and why families need to balance their financial commitments with their income. Imthinan discusses the responsibilities of the government and state institutions in managing inflation, protecting purchasing power and creating economic conditions that support household financial stability.

In this full episode, we discuss:

• Inflation and its impact on the cost of living in the Maldives.

• How rising prices affect household budgets, livelihoods and purchasing power.

• Building financial discipline and managing expenses during challenging economic conditions.

• The risks of excessive borrowing and how families can manage credit responsibly.

• Long-term financial planning and developing sustainable spending habits.

• The role of government policies and state institutions in managing inflation.

• What can be done to strengthen the purchasing power and financial security of Maldivian families.

Welcome to Episode 46 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa. This week, Hiriga Ahmed Zahir and Mohamed Usham are joined by lawyer Hamza Latheef for an in-depth discussion on public safety, the criminal justice system and the challenges faced by state institutions in addressing public nuisance, crime and concerns over public security in the Maldives.

Hamza examines why incidents affecting public safety continue to raise concerns despite the existence of laws and institutions responsible for maintaining law and order. He discusses the roles of the Maldives Police Service, Prosecutor General's Office and courts, questioning where shortcomings exist and whether institutional practices are preventing the justice system from responding effectively to public concerns.

The conversation also explores the legal procedures surrounding the arrest and remand of suspects, the challenges of enforcing existing laws, and whether the problems stem from gaps in legislation or failures in implementation. Hamza also discusses the reforms needed to strengthen accountability, uphold the rule of law and ensure greater protection for the public.

In this full episode, we discuss:

• Why public nuisance and other offences continue to raise concerns about public safety.

• The roles and responsibilities of the police, Prosecutor General's Office and courts in addressing crime.

• Institutional shortcomings and gaps in the criminal justice system.

• The legal procedures governing the arrest and remand of suspects.

• Whether existing laws are sufficient or stronger enforcement and implementation are needed.

• Reforms required to improve institutional accountability, protect public rights and ensure public safety.

Welcome to Episode 45 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa. This week, Hiriga Ahmed Zahir and Mohamed Usham are joined by former Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer for an in-depth discussion on the Ras Malé development agreement with UAE-based Eagle Hills, the financial implications of major development projects and the decisions made during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration.

Ameer examines the proposed Eagle Hills development and whether the planned construction of 5,000 housing units offers sufficient value to the Maldives in return for the proposed allocation of 500 hectares of land. He discusses how projects of this scale can be structured to maximise public benefit, whether engaging multiple contractors could offer better value, and the financial considerations that should guide such agreements.

The conversation also explores the importance of transparency, competitive bidding and accountability in awarding major development projects, alongside the financial decisions made during the Solih administration, when Ameer served as Finance Minister.

In this full episode, we discuss:

• Whether the Eagle Hills agreement offers sufficient economic value to the Maldives.

• The proposed 5,000 housing units and the allocation of 500 hectares of land in Ras Malé.

• Whether engaging different contractors could deliver better value for public resources.

• The importance of open bidding, transparency and accountability in major development agreements.

• How large-scale investment projects can be structured to maximise benefits for the country.

• The financial policies, spending decisions and economic challenges during President Solih's administration.

Welcome to Episode 44 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa. This week, Hiriga Ahmed Zahir and Mohamed Usham are joined by former Home Minister Imran Abdulla for an in-depth discussion on the controversial Ras Malé development agreement with UAE-based Eagle Hills, national sovereignty and the political debates surrounding the project.

Imran, who is leading the nationwide 'Maldivian Land for Maldivians' movement, discusses why opposition parties and government critics have come together to challenge the Maldives Waterfront and Marina project. He raises concerns over the terms of the agreement, the need for greater transparency and what the proposed development could mean for the country's land and sovereignty.

The conversation also revisits the Chagos sovereignty dispute and how it was used to criticise the previous administration, while examining the role of religion in political debates and whether religious sentiments are being used for political gain.

In this full episode, we discuss:

- Why the 'Maldivian Land for Maldivians' movement was launched.

- Concerns surrounding the Eagle Hills agreement and demands for transparency.

- The implications of the Ras Malé project for nationalsovereignty.

- The Chagos sovereignty dispute and how it was used in political criticism of the former government.

- The use of religion and national identity in political campaigns.

- The movement's objectives and what comes next in its opposition to the project.

Welcome to Episode 43 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa. This week, Hiriga Ahmed Zahir and Mohamed Usham are joined by tourism consultant Abdulla Rasheed (Eyesee) for an in-depth discussion on local tourism, its economic impact on island communities and the future of community-based tourism in the Maldives.

Eyesee examines the growth of tourism on inhabited islands, the successes and challenges of the current local tourism model, and whether the economic benefits of the industry are reaching the communities that host visitors.

The conversation also explores how local tourism can generate more income and employment opportunities for island populations, the changes needed to make the existing model more sustainable, and how tourism development can be balanced with the social and cultural needs of local communities.

In this full episode, we discuss:

• The successes and challenges of the Maldives' local tourism model.

• How inhabited islands can generate greater revenue from tourism.

• Ensuring tourism income and economic opportunities benefit local communities.

• Changes needed to improve the existing local tourism model.

• Balancing tourism development with community cohesion, local culture and everyday island life.

• The future of local tourism and its role in supporting island economies.

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In today’s episode of Fannuveri Ekuverin, we sit down with makeup artist Lalla as she reflects on her journey from starting out to building a thriving career. She gives us an inside look at the real challenges behind the scenes, how she overcame them, and the crucial takeaways every creative needs to hear.

Welcome to Episode 42 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa. This week, Hiriga Ahmed Zahir and Mohamed Usham are joined by lawyer Fathimath Eama Hassan for an in-depth discussion on human trafficking, forced labour, discrimination against expatriate workers and the challenges of protecting migrant workers’ rights in the Maldives.

Eama examines the realities faced by expatriate workers in the Maldives, from workplace discrimination and exploitation to circumstances in which forced labour can constitute human trafficking.

She discusses how vulnerabilities within the employment and immigration systems can leave workers exposed to abuse and prevent them from seeking protection or justice.The conversation also explores the legal and institutional reforms needed to address human trafficking, strengthen the enforcement of labour laws and ensure that the rights and dignity of expatriate workers are protected.

Welcome to Episode 41 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa. This week, Hiriga Ahmed Zahir and Mohamed Usham are joined by former Supreme Court Justice and legal expert Husnu Suood for a discussion on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), judicial independence and the reforms he believes are needed within the Maldivian judiciary.

Suood examines the current structure and composition of the JSC and discusses how the institution’s role and decision-making can affect the functioning and independence of the judiciary.

Drawing on his experience within the judicial system, he also discusses the structural changes he believes are necessary to reform the JSC, strengthen accountability and better protect judges and the courts from external influence.

In this full episode, we discuss:

The current structure and composition of the Judicial Service Commission.

How the JSC’s role affects the judiciary and judicial independence.

Concerns surrounding political and institutional influence over the judiciary.

Changes Suood believes are needed to reform the JSC.

What is required to strengthen an independent and impartial judicial system in the Maldives.

Welcome to Episode 40 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa. This week, Hiriga Ahmed Zahir Mohamed Usham are joined by Ahmed Ameel, Managing Director of Dhivehi Insurance, for a discussion on Aasandha, health insurance and the future of healthcare financing in the Maldives.

Ameel discusses the current structure of the state-funded Aasandha scheme, the changes he believes are needed to make the system more sustainable, and the role private insurance providers can play alongside government-funded healthcare.

The conversation also looks at the Maldives’ continued dependence on overseas medical treatment, whether stronger insurance coverage can reduce the financial burden on individuals and the state, and how the country can build a more effective healthcare financing model.

In this full episode, we discuss:

The current structure and future of the Aasandha scheme.

Changes needed to strengthen state-funded health insurance.

The role of private insurance providers in healthcare.

The Maldives’ dependence on travelling abroad for medical treatment.

How insurance can better support individuals, families and the wider healthcare system.

Welcome to Episode 39 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa. This week, Hiriga Ahmed Zahir and Mohamed Usham are joined by former Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam for a discussion on climate change, urban planning and the choices the Maldives faces as environmental pressures continue to shape development.

Aslam discusses the impact of climate change and the current El Niño conditions on the Maldives, and how rising environmental risks should influence the way islands, cities and infrastructure are planned.

The conversation also examines whether development policies are adapting quickly enough to changing climatic conditions, the role of long-term planning, and the political will required to make difficult decisions on infrastructure and climate adaptation.

In this full episode, we discuss:

The impact of climate change and El Niño on the Maldives.

How climate risks should be incorporated into urban planning.

Planning infrastructure for changing environmental conditions.

The balance between development priorities and climate adaptation.

Whether there is sufficient political will to pursue long-term climate-resilient development.