Former President Mohamed Nasheed has underscored the Maldives’ longstanding financial ties with Saudi Arabia and Gulf nations, stating that the country has largely depended on concessional loans from members of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
In a message shared in the Tourism Industry Maldives WhatsApp group, Nasheed said it is understandable for the Maldivian government to express concern over any instability or threats facing Saudi Arabia and other GCC member states, given their role in supporting the island nation’s development financing.
“The Maldives has primarily received its concessional loans from Saudi Arabia and the member states of the GCC. Consequently, it is understandable for the Maldivian government to express concern regarding any challenges or harm facing these nations,” Nasheed stated. He added that Iran has not provided any significant assistance to the Maldives.
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have historically contributed to major infrastructure and development projects in the Maldives through soft loans and financial cooperation. The GCC, comprising Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain, has maintained close diplomatic and economic ties with Malé for decades.
Nasheed’s remarks come at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with regional security developments drawing international attention. The Maldives, as a small island developing state reliant on external financing and tourism flows, remains sensitive to shifts in global and regional stability.
The comments have sparked discussion within business and tourism circles, particularly as regional developments continue to influence travel patterns, investment flows, and diplomatic alignments across South Asia and the Gulf.
