President Muizzu Merges Environment and Tourism Ministries; Appoints Thoriq Ibrahim as Minister

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has merged the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy with the Ministry of Tourism, forming the Ministry of Tourism and Environment. Thoriq Ibrahim has been appointed as the minister of the newly established ministry.

The appointment ceremony was held at the President's Office on Saturday afternoon, where Minister Thoriq took his oath of office before Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan. Following the oath, President Muizzu presented him with his letter of appointment.

During a meeting with Minister Thoriq after the formal appointment, President Muizzu underscored the strategic importance of integrating environmental sustainability with tourism promotion. He emphasized that the Maldives' natural heritage is central to its global tourism appeal and must be protected and marketed accordingly.

The decision to merge the two ministries comes just five days after President Muizzu dismissed former Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal from his post. The President’s Office has not disclosed any reasons for Faisal’s removal, which marked the first ministerial dismissal of Muizzu’s administration. Faisal had served as Minister of Tourism since November 17, 2023.

Thoriq Ibrahim, the new minister, previously served as Minister of Environment and Energy from 2013 to 2018 and brings extensive experience in environmental policy and sustainable development. His leadership will now oversee the dual mandate of advancing the Maldives' tourism sector while ensuring environmental conservation.