I am delighted to express these words on the occasion of the launch of the “Maldives” website, which aims to introduce the Maldives by delivering accurate and authentic information directly from the Maldives to the Arab world, especially for Arab tourists and youth. We will provide you with accurate information through all social media platforms while you are at your homes, encouraging you to visit your second home, the Maldives, to witness its beauty, beaches, and its kind people, close to the hearts of Arabs.
My Arab brother! The Maldives is an Islamic state with a rich history spanning nine centuries. The Maldivian people embraced Islam under the guidance of a Moroccan Arab preacher named Sheikh Al-Hafiz Abu Al-Barakat Yusuf Al-Barbari. This occurred on the second day of Rabi’ al-Awwal in the year 548 AH (1153 CE). After the introduction of Islam, the country was ruled by a series of sultans for about eight hundred years. Later, it transformed into a republic on the eleventh day of November in 1968.
The renowned Arab traveler Ibn Battuta visited the Maldives and provided a beautiful description of its people. He said, “Do not harass them, O Indian thieves, and do not frighten them because they have experienced that whoever takes anything from them suffers an immediate calamity. When the enemy’s ships approach them, they do not harm any of them. If anyone, even for a lemon, takes something from them, their leader punishes them, subjecting them to severe punishment for fear of the consequences. If it were not for this divine kindness towards them, they would have become a target for enemies and would not have been able to face the forces of the enemies.”
Thus did Ibn Battuta describe the people of the Maldives.
Dear Arab! The fraternal, historical, and cultural relationship between the Maldives and the Arab world is ancient and strong. Among the previous rulers of the Maldives were sultans from Yemeni Arab lineages. Arabic was an official language in the Maldives in the past. The people of the Maldives also have their own language called “Dhivehi,” and the islanders have various dialects, many of which include numerous Arabic words.
Dear Arab! The Maldives is renowned for tourism, attracting visitors from both the Arab and Western worlds. Over a million tourists come to the Maldives annually from every corner of the globe. They document their visits in their books and poetry, creating unforgettable memories. Some have described the Maldives as God’s paradise on Earth, and those who have visited often return.
And whatever it may be; the Maldives is famous as a honeymoon destination, and no one can find words to express the beauty of its seas, the whiteness of its beaches, and the tranquility of its serenity. It is one of the most important tourist destinations chosen by many tourists and those who love marine activities and relaxation on beaches and marine resorts. It is known for activities such as surfing, beach sports, marine paragliding, and many water sports that tourists can enjoy.
The Maldives has almost entirely relied on tourism economically, where tourism is considered the backbone of the Maldivian economy. The Maldives was economically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and made every effort to overcome this crisis that hit the global economy and disrupted all financial and commercial plans.
After overcoming the pandemic, the Maldives is striving to rise again with all its strength. The Maldives will reopen international airports and all entry points on July 15, 2020, preparing to welcome tourists anew. We invite Arabs and Muslims to visit the Maldives and support the Maldivian people in overcoming this adversity. Arabs hold a special place in the hearts of all Maldivians.
The light has shone, and here we are welcoming those who come to us *** Welcome, oh visitor, to a place in the heart.
