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One third of Maldivians multidimensionally poor, new study finds

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Almost one third of the Maldives population is multidimensionally poor, a joint study has found.

The first ever Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) of the Maldives, released Thursday, showed that 28 per cent of the country’s population was multidimensionally poor — meaning they lack access to health care, education, proper nutrition, or adequate housing — in 2016.

A regional comparison revealed that 10 per cent of the population in capital was multidimensionally poor whereas 40 per cent of the population is poor in the atolls.

Even though only 61 per cent of the population lived in the atolls, 87 per cent of the Maldives’ poor population lived in the atolls. Only about 13 per cent of the country’s multidimensionally poor lived in the capital, disproportionately less than the city’s population share.

“This implies that in order to improve the condition of the poor, better targeted poverty reduction programmes need to be carried out for the population living in the atolls,” the joint study by the National Bureau of Statistics, Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and UNICEF read.

The new findings are a stark contrast from traditional poverty indexes which are based on monetary indicators and uses data from household income surveys.

According to income poverty, only eight per cent of the population was poor. Close to 13 per cent of the population was poor in the atolls and less than three per cent were poor in Male.

“The large difference between the two measures illustrates the vital importance of using both measures to inform policy and planning, as they convey information about people who are poor in different ways and thus inform different policy interventions,” the report said.

According to the study, children in the Maldives have a higher likelihood of being multidimensionally poor than any other age group; 34 per cent of 0-17 year olds live in multidimensionally poor households. Among the youth, aged 18-35, this rate is around 22 per cent.

But the good news is that the study did not find any major difference in the level of multidimensional poverty between male and female headed households.

Multidimensional poverty has also reduced significantly. Between 2009 and 2017, the index has decreased to one third of its original value – from 0.425 to 0.145.

“Over the 8 years, education and living standard dimension showed the most visible improvement,” the report read.

“Eighty percent of the indicators have shown improvement over the years, immediate action is needed to improve the health condition of the population given that health indicators remained without much improvement.”

The study follows a decision by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in February to adopt the MPI as the assessment tool for poverty in the Maldives.

The MPI, which covers over 100 developing countries, complements traditional monetary-based poverty measures by capturing the acute deprivations that each person faces in education, health and living standards.

Photo: Corporate Maldives

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Dhigali Maldives closes festive season with dynamic New Year’s Eve party

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The festive season at Dhigali Maldives concluded on a vibrant and memorable note, offering guests a series of celebrations that blended tradition, creativity, and island spirit. From a uniquely Maldivian take on Santa’s arrival to thematic experiences inspired by the elements, the resort transformed into a setting designed for joy and togetherness.

Christmas Eve brought guests to Capers, where a traditional buffet featuring a wide range of global flavours was accompanied by live music that set the festive tone. On Christmas Day, Santa Claus made his entrance not by sleigh but aboard a traditional bokkura, a gesture that delighted families gathered along the shoreline.

In the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, Dhigali Maldives presented a programme themed around “The Four Elements of Nature.” The series began on 27 December with Earth, featuring a jungle trail, grounded yoga sessions, and spa treatments. On 28 December, the celebrations moved to East for Water, highlighted by a floating bar and zorb ball acrobats performing across the pool. Air followed on 29 December with an aerial silk performance on the beach, and Fire brought the energy to a peak on 30 December with traditional Bodu Beru drumming and a fire dance illuminating the night sky.

The festivities culminated on New Year’s Eve at East Beach, where all four elements converged for an immersive celebration. Fire dancers, live performers, and a pyrotechnic display lit up the sky in vibrant colours. Hungarian DJ Regán Lili headlined the night with a set described as electric, her soundscapes resonating across the island and drawing guests to the dance floor as they welcomed the new year. It marked a striking finale to a season of celebration at Dhigali Maldives.

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Kuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar

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Kuramathi Maldives has announced the arrival of esteemed holistic wellness practitioner Imron Zulfikar, who will undertake an exclusive residency at the resort from 15 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to participate in bespoke wellness experiences crafted by a recognised expert in integrative health.

Throughout his residency, Imron will conduct a series of private wellness sessions designed to restore balance, promote renewal, and enhance long-term wellbeing. His practice brings together ancient therapeutic traditions and contemporary fitness science, resulting in personalised programmes that support harmony, mobility, and emotional resilience. Signature offerings include:

  • Watsu Water Healing Journey: A restorative treatment conducted in warm water, combining elements of shiatsu, massage, and gentle movement to release deep tension, soothe the nervous system, and foster a sense of tranquillity.
  • Chakra Balance Therapy: A holistic session that aligns mind and body through crystal healing, guided meditation, and calming massage techniques.
  • Meridian Deep Release Massage: A therapeutic blend of deep tissue massage and acupressure aimed at easing chronic tension, improving flexibility, and stimulating energy flow.
  • Accu Glow Facial: A rejuvenating facial incorporating acupuncture and customised skincare to activate collagen production, detoxify the skin, and enhance natural luminosity.
  • Oriental Slim Detox Massage: A treatment grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture and massage to promote lymphatic drainage and support detoxification.

Imron is an accomplished wellness lifestyle coach and holistic fitness specialist with more than ten years of experience in acupuncture, tension release therapies, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. His integrative methodology nurtures physical alignment, emotional balance, and overall vitality.

He has worked with numerous luxury resorts and an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Serena Williams, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Celebrated for his intuitive approach and refined technique, Richard Branson has previously referred to Imron as having “golden hands.”

Kuramathi Maldives looks forward to offering guests this exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative, individually tailored wellness experiences during Imron’s residency.

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Felice Capasso brings award-winning mixology to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli this February

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, Felice Capasso, for an exclusive Tastemaker Series collaboration from 4–5 February. The partnership further strengthens the resort’s position as a destination for discerning travellers seeking craftsmanship, cultural depth, and refined experiences.

Located on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives has established a contemporary interpretation of island glamour. Its signature villas include some of the most coveted accommodations in the Indian Ocean, notably the John Jacob Astor Estate—one of the Maldives’ largest overwater residences—and the tranquil, beachfront Caroline Astor Estate. Each estate offers generous living spaces, expansive pools, and panoramic views, reflecting the resort’s dedication to elevated, residential-style luxury.

Within this sophisticated environment, The Whale Bar—an iconic overwater structure—will serve as the setting for Capasso’s arrival. As evening falls, the venue will adopt a vibrant Latin-inspired ambience, where guests will enjoy family-style small plates, bespoke cocktails, and rare vintages on tap while the sunset illuminates the lagoon. In this atmospheric setting, Capasso will unveil an exclusive cocktail menu for his bar takeover, blending classical technique with modern creativity.

On the following day, the resort will host an intimate Masterclass led by Capasso, centred on rum. The session will explore the spirit’s history, its regional expressions, and the narrative approach that distinguishes exceptional mixology. His expertise—rooted in precision, intuition, and storytelling—offers guests a rare opportunity to engage with a leading figure in the global bar industry.

This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential creators and innovators to the island. By welcoming talents such as Felice Capasso, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to craft immersive, evocative experiences that embody the distinctive spirit of St. Regis.

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