The Special Cabinet Committee, set up in response to ongoing Middle East and Gulf tensions, has updated media on the Government's measures to address potential challenges facing the Maldives.
Speaking at a press briefing at the President's Office today, Committee Chair and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel stated that the Maldives, as an import-dependent Small Island Developing State (SIDS), faces potential economic and security risks from regional instability, and that the Government is implementing both short and long-term measures to safeguard national stability and strengthen economic resilience.
The Minister and other Cabinet members outlined efforts currently under way to safeguard the nation, ensure the availability of fuel and gas, secure essential food supplies, address regional logistics challenges, and coordinate assistance for Maldivians living in the affected areas.
The Committee confirmed that Maldivian embassies in the region are actively monitoring the well-being of citizens and providing assistance, with dedicated hotlines and email channels established for this purpose. Students have been advised to re-register with their respective embassies, and measures are being taken to address challenges faced by Umrah pilgrims in the region. They further assured that Maldivian airspace has not been used for strikes against any nation, and that any such requests have been and will continue to be declined.
Officials also noted that the Government's food security efforts over the past two years have helped mitigate supply concerns during the current situation, with work under way to expand national storage capacity and strengthen distribution networks to ensure essential commodities remain accessible across all regions of the Maldives.
They further highlighted that measures are being taken to diversify energy supply sources, reducing reliance on a limited number of countries to strengthen national fuel security. In response to airspace disruptions, authorities are also exploring alternative transport routes and increasing flight frequencies on existing routes.
The Committee also stated that efforts are under way to strengthen diplomatic engagement with partner countries and international organisations in support of these initiatives.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu established the Special Cabinet Committee on 28 February 2026 in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East. The Committee comprises nine Cabinet ministers tasked with coordinating Government action to mitigate the potential impact of the situation on the Maldives.
In addition to the Committee Chair and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the press briefing was attended by Minister of Finance Moosa Zameer; Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed; Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen; Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim; Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed; and Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed.