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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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Dive into Baa Atoll’s manta ray season with The Westin Maldives

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Nature takes centre stage in the Maldives as manta ray season graces the protected waters of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, continuing until November this year. At the heart of this celebrated atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort — a five-star holistic wellness sanctuary poised on the edge of Hanifaru Bay — invites guests to witness the mesmerising cyclone feeding phenomenon, where hundreds of manta rays glide and spiral in an extraordinary underwater ballet.

Just 40 minutes by speedboat from the resort lies Hanifaru Bay, one of the world’s most renowned manta aggregation sites. Guided snorkelling excursions, led by The Westin Maldives’ resident marine experts, allow visitors to encounter this rare natural spectacle first-hand. With over 1,800 manta rays recorded in the bay, the chance to swim alongside these graceful creatures offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for marine life enthusiasts from around the globe.

Beyond Hanifaru Bay, the resort provides access to more than 20 exceptional dive sites across the Baa Atoll, famed for its thriving reefs and diverse marine life. Among the highlights is Dhigali Haa, a protected submerged reef, or thila, distinguished by coral-draped overhangs, narrow canyons, and abundant sea life. Divers may encounter schooling snapper, fusilier, giant trevallies, eagle rays, and even inquisitive dolphins. Nearby, Nelivaru Thila reveals a labyrinth of coral pinnacles and ledges, home to moray eels, turtles, and reef sharks weaving through vibrant soft coral gardens. With over 250 recorded species, Baa Atoll offers endless diving rewards for enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Guests can also enjoy a variety of unforgettable ocean experiences without leaving the resort, from spotting playful spinner dolphins directly from their villa to using complimentary snorkelling gear and canoes. Those seeking more adventure can opt for jet ski rides, private snorkelling with turtles, sunset dolphin cruises, or traditional Maldivian line fishing. As part of the #PlayWell programme, the resort’s Marine Biologist offers insights into marine ecosystems, conservation, and responsible tourism.

After a day of discovery, guests can enhance recovery through the WestinWORKOUT® Gear Lending Programme, which includes the Hyperice Recharge and Recovery Kit, designed to soothe muscles and restore energy. For a deeper sense of calm, the Heavenly Spa by Westin™ offers rejuvenating treatments accompanied by sweeping ocean vistas.

As night falls, tranquillity awaits in one of the resort’s 69 spacious villas. Each promises a restorative night’s sleep with the award-winning Heavenly® Bed, featuring a plush pillow-top mattress, the soothing Sleep Well Lavender Balm, and a specially curated Westin Sleep Well Menu.

With wellness at its heart and adventure woven into every experience, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort provides a front-row seat to some of the ocean’s most magical moments.

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Golden hour bliss with Zoe London and Giorgio Chiarello at Dhigali Maldives

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This November, Dhigali Maldives will transform its iconic Haali Bar into a lively stage for music and mixology, as British DJ Zoe London and Italian Flair Bartending Champion Giorgio Chiarello join forces for an unforgettable sunset residency from 11 to 15 November 2025.

Each evening, Zoe London will take to the decks, delivering her distinctive mix of house, classic remixes, and uplifting energy to the shores of the Raa Atoll. With more than 15 years’ experience performing at venues such as Soho House and The Ned, as well as at prestigious events including the Formula 1 Paddock Club and festivals like Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, and Latitude, Zoe’s sets promise the perfect soundtrack to golden hour in paradise.

As the sun slips beneath the horizon, guests will be treated to masterfully crafted cocktails from Giorgio Chiarello, Italy’s most decorated Flair Bartender. Renowned for his captivating performances and expertise in American-style mixology, Giorgio will present a bespoke menu featuring three classic cocktails alongside three of his own original creations, each prepared with precision and flair at Haali Bar.

Nestled in the heart of the remote Raa Atoll, Dhigali Maldives is an exclusive Premium All-Inclusive resort that seamlessly blends contemporary minimalist design with the island’s natural beauty. From overwater villas and beachfront suites to snorkelling adventures, fine dining, and rejuvenating spa rituals, the resort offers an immersive and refined escape. With its vibrant house reef just steps away, every element is designed for effortless relaxation and indulgence.

Together, Zoe London and Giorgio Chiarello will infuse the island’s evenings with rhythm, flavour, and artistry, creating an immersive fusion of music and mixology framed by the serene backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

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Huvafen Fushi introduces soulful stays for rest, reconnection and renewal

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Huvafen Fushi has unveiled a soul-stirring escape created for women who appreciate the power of pause. Whether bringing together a close circle of friends or seeking cherished solitude, this retreat has been designed to smooth the edges and awaken the spirit. Behind closed doors lies the quiet seclusion of Huvafen’s renowned two- and three-bedroom Pavilions, where privacy is paramount, barefoot elegance is assured, and time moves to a rhythm entirely one’s own.

There is little need to leave – unless by choice. Mornings may begin with floating breakfasts on the deck, sunrise yoga by the sea, or tranquil hours drifting in a private pool. With personal butlers, customised mini bars, private coral garden snorkelling, and candlelit feasts, every detail encourages guests to soften, settle, and reconnect with themselves.

Accommodation options include:

  • Two Bedroom Ocean Pavilion with Pool – Overwater and sunset-facing, this private retreat sleeps up to six and features a unique indoor–outdoor pool that opens directly into the sea, ideal for dusk dips and long, starlit evenings.
  • Two Bedroom Lagoon Pavilion with Pool – Bathed in morning light, this sunrise-facing pavilion offers an uninterrupted view of the lagoon. With space for six, a vast sundeck, and serene water vistas, it invites both connection and clarity.
  • Three Bedroom Beach Pavilion with Pool – Positioned directly on the beach and facing the sunset, this expansive hideaway sleeps up to nine. Ocean views, a private pool, and generous indoor and outdoor living areas make it ideal for multigenerational escapes or milestone celebrations.
  • Two Bedroom Beach House with Pool – A private sanctuary on the sand, this beach house accommodates up to six. Guests can unwind in their own pool, take in panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, and embrace a slower pace of life.

This is a stay for long conversations and easy silences, for secrets shared over cocktails, for saltwater swims that soothe, for laughter, solo sunrises, and the rare luxury of simply being oneself. Whether with friends, family, or alone, it is not merely a getaway – it is a return to one’s own tide. 

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