Special Cabinet Committee outlines measures to address impact of Middle East tensions

A Special Cabinet Committee established to respond to escalating tensions in the Middle East and Gulf region has briefed the media on measures being implemented to safeguard the Maldives from potential economic and security challenges.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the President’s Office, Committee Chair and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel said the Maldives, as an import-dependent Small Island Developing State (SIDS), faces potential risks from regional instability. He said the government is introducing both short-term and long-term measures aimed at maintaining national stability and strengthening economic resilience.

According to the committee, steps are currently being taken to ensure the availability of fuel and cooking gas, secure essential food supplies and address logistics disruptions in the region. The government is also coordinating assistance for Maldivians living in countries affected by the tensions.

Officials said Maldivian embassies across the region are closely monitoring the welfare of citizens and are providing support through dedicated hotlines and email channels. Students have been advised to re-register with their respective embassies, while efforts are under way to address challenges faced by Maldivian Umrah pilgrims in the region.

The committee also reiterated that Maldivian airspace has not been used for strikes against any country and confirmed that any such requests have been declined.

Cabinet members highlighted that food security initiatives introduced over the past two years have helped ease concerns about supply disruptions. Work is ongoing to expand national storage capacity and strengthen distribution networks to ensure essential commodities remain accessible across the Maldives.

Authorities are also taking steps to diversify energy supply sources to reduce reliance on a limited number of countries, thereby strengthening national fuel security. In response to airspace disruptions in the region, the government is exploring alternative transport routes and working to increase flight frequencies on existing routes.

The committee said diplomatic engagement with partner countries and international organisations is also being strengthened to support these efforts.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu established the Special Cabinet Committee on 28 February 2026 in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East. The nine-member committee has been tasked with coordinating government action to mitigate potential impacts on the Maldives.

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.