A powerful display of international friendship and cooperation is taking shape at the VARA Expo 2025 in Hulhumalé, as Saudi Arabia showcases its commitment to supporting the Maldivian youth through education, tourism, and innovation. The Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the Maldives, H.E. Yahya Hassan Al Qahtani, emphasized this commitment during a special interview with PSM News at the event, commending the expo as a vibrant and inspiring initiative.
Taking place from November 6 to 8 at Central Park, Hulhumalé, the National Skills and Career Expo, branded as the VARA Expo 2025, is a large-scale event designed to connect job seekers, students, employers, and institutions offering higher education and vocational training. The event is organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development and runs throughout the weekend, closing on Saturday evening at 10:00 p.m.
Ambassador Al Qahtani expressed his appreciation for the warm ties between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia, stating that the Kingdom’s participation in the expo is a reflection of the deep and enduring relationship between the two nations. He noted that Saudi Arabia continues to provide 350 fully-funded scholarships annually to Maldivian students, underscoring the Kingdom’s long-standing investment in human capital development in the Maldives.
“This expo offers a crucial platform to inform Maldivian youth about opportunities available abroad, and every year, Saudi Arabia extends 350 scholarship opportunities to Maldivians to help expand access to quality higher education,” Ambassador Al Qahtani explained.
At the Saudi Arabia pavilion, visitors can explore an extensive array of information related not only to education and scholarships but also to the Kingdom’s tourism, innovation efforts, and the “Visit Saudi” programme. In addition, the stall is highlighting the “Makkah Route Initiative”, an important program that facilitates easier travel for pilgrims heading to the Holy Cities of Saudi Arabia by streamlining immigration processes before departure.
In parallel, the Bank of Maldives (BML), the main sponsor of VARA Expo 2025, has established an interactive and informative stall focused on youth empowerment. The bank’s initiative includes presenting internship programs, scholarship opportunities, and industry placements, alongside expert guidance and coaching for job seekers attending the expo. BML emphasized that their goal is to create a single, inclusive platform where educational and employment pathways are clearly accessible to the youth of the Maldives.
Last year’s edition of the VARA Expo drew an impressive crowd of over 10,000 visitors, and this year’s event is on track to attract similar, if not greater, engagement from students, graduates, and professionals alike.
With strong international participation, including from Saudi Arabia, the VARA Expo 2025 exemplifies the growing global collaboration in education and tourism development in the Maldives. The presence of leading institutions and international partners reaffirms the country’s dedication to investing in its youth, building stronger bilateral partnerships, and promoting knowledge-sharing and career readiness for the next generation.
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