President concludes trip to Qatar without meeting the Qatari Emir

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has arrived in the Maldives today after concluding his visit to Qatar at the invitation of the Emir of Qatar.

However, he returned to the country without meeting the Qatari Emir. The president, first lady, and a huge delegation visited Qatar to watch the Fifa World Cup semi-finals. The government claimed that the visit was an official trip and that the president was invited to the country by Qatari Emir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Other than watching the semi-final matches, the president visited the headquarters of the Ooredoo group. The President's Office did not disclose whether President Solih met with any Qatari government official during the visit. Shahid, who poses for pictures with all those who meet during foreign visits did not mention meeting any Qatari officials.

The government justified the president's visit to Qatar claiming that it will strengthen the relations between Maldives and Qatar.

A budget of MVR 4 million was allocated for the president's visit to watch the World Cup semi-finals. When the public started criticizing the president for going to watch a football match at a time of economic crisis and people's hands, the president decided to take a ticket at his own expense. The government, however, did not disclose how much tickets and other expenses were met for the large delegation that accompanied the president.