President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih declared February 4 a government holiday, as it marks the formal opening of the Maldivian parliament for the year 2021.
The president's spokesperson Ibrahim Hood made the announcement on Tuesday, noting that the new government holiday falls on a Thursday, marking a three-day weekend.
President Solih will give his annual presidential address on the day.
Announcing a government holiday on the first day of parliament is a longstanding practice in Maldives.