21 years ago, Ooredoo Maldives (then Wataniya) emerged in Maldives, bringing new options to telecommunications services in the country. Ooredoo Maldives services provided customers with multiple telecom options for the first time in a market previously lacking private competitors.
Ooredoo brought to Maldives its first 3G, 4G and 5G networks and has invested in world-class submarine cable systems, digital financial services, AI-powered customer experiences, and global digital partnerships.
Ooredoo is the first company to bring to Maldives several new and emerging technologies in the country, such as wireless broadband, prepaid broadband, video broadcast via 3G, 4G LTE, 4G LTE Advanced, and 5G services.
In just a short window of time, Ooredoo launched fibre broadband, 5G Air Fiber across the country as well.
Two decades on, the public has embraced Ooredoo Maldives’ Digital Maldives’ vision, recognizing the company as a leader in introducing innovative, state-of-the-art digital services and products. Ooredoo Maldives is widely regarded as the company that revolutionized Maldives’ digital architecture.
"As we celebrate 21 years in the Maldives, we celebrate the trust our customers have placed in us and the incredible journey we have shared together. Every milestone we have achieved has been made possible by the people of the Maldives, our partners, and our dedicated employees. While we are proud of what we have accomplished together, our focus remains firmly on the future as we continue building a smarter, safer, and more inclusive Digital Maldives powered by innovation," said Shadi Qawasmi, CEO and Managing Director of Ooredoo Maldives during a press conference held on July 30.
Erasing distance with connectivity and digital services
The journey began with Ooredoo Maldives establishing itself as a telecommunications company which swiftly expanded connectivity to all corners of the archipelago. The journey then evolved into Ooredoo Maldives asserting itself as not simply a telecom partner, but rather Maldives’ leading technology company.
Ten years ago, Ooredoo Maldives unveiled the Digital Maldives initiative. With this, the company invested in AI solutions, cloud services, cybersecurity, managing ICT, Fintech, enterprise connectivity, AI-powered customer experiences and digital services catering to government, businesses and SME.
2016 saw Ooredoo start mobile money and digital financial services in the Maldives with the launch of m-Faisaa, which later transitioned under the Ooredoo Fintech framework when it was officially established in 2022.
Two years on, m-Faisaa began offering international money transfers via global partnerships. This year, Ooredoo brought customers the much anticipated integration of PayPal services through m-Faisaa.
In October 2019, Ooredoo’s AI chatbot Evee was first launched. By 2022, Evee was upgraded to interact in local Dhivehi language as well. In July 2026, Evee was further enhanced and appeared in customers’ pockets, acting as the conduit to providing fast, convenient and reliable customer service instantly.
Over the years, Ooredoo Maldives has entered numerous partnerships with global technology leaders and its initiatives have helped businesses become smarter and more competitive.
Ooredoo Maldives' role is no longer limited to just a provider of telecom and internet connectivity, but is a key partner contributing to building the Maldives’ digital economy.
Ooredoo states that their vision is to become the country’s preferred digital transformation partner. They remain committed to leading digital change as they march alongside Maldives into the future.
