Government monitoring economic impact of Middle East unrest: Zameer

Finance Minister Moosa Zameer has said the government is closely monitoring the potential economic fallout from escalating tensions in the Middle East, following Iran’s missile strike on a US military base in Qatar.

In a post on X, Zameer stated that the government is actively assessing the situation’s implications for Maldivian economy, including its effects on energy markets, food security, and overall financial stability.

"The government, under the leadership of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, is working with relevant institutions to closely monitor market prices, inflationary trends, and disruptions in trade flows. Appropriate measures will be taken to mitigate any damage," Zameer said.

United States got actively involved in Israel-Iran conflict on Sunday, after which Iran launched a retaliatory attack on the al-Udeid air base in Qatar. In response, several Gulf nations, including Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia temporarily closed their airspace, suspending flights. Both Qatar and the UAE have since resumed operations after conducting monitoring the situation.

Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim also said authorities are monitoring the situation, particularly its potential impact on Maldives tourism sector.

Flights from Qatar and the UAE were briefly suspended, leading to temporary disruptions. Qatar Airways and Emirates, two of the main carriers for European tourists to Maldives were among those affected.