President Solih to Qatar to watch the World Cup as the Maldivian economy declines

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed have departed to Qatar to watch the World Cup semi-final match that will be held this evening.

Following criticism from the public, president Solih decided to take the ticket on his own during his visit to Qatar. President Solih's stay in the country and dinner will be arranged by the Qatari government, the president's office said in a statement.

However, the state will bear all the expenses of President Solih's security team and others accompanying him on the trip.

The president and first lady are scheduled to return to the Maldives on December 15 after concluding their two-day visit.