President defends Aarah visits, cites football as reason

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has defended his frequent visits to the presidential retreat island of Aarah, stating that the trips are primarily for playing football—something he says is difficult to do in the congested Male’ city.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office on Saturday, Muizzu said he has visited Aarah 116 times since assuming office, with 85 of those visits specifically for playing football and 31 with his family. The total government expenditure for fuel used in these trips amounts to MVR 844,635, he confirmed.

“The island is designated by law for presidential use. There’s a proper stadium in Aarah, and it’s hard to play football in Male’ with the traffic,” Muizzu said. “I love football. It helps me stay healthy.”

The President shared these figures in response to public criticism and social media speculation regarding the costs of his travel and meals. He noted that all meals arranged at Aarah are covered under the Muliaage budget, which last year amounted to MVR 565,700 for food, with an additional MVR 175,500 spent this year as of last month.

Calling the circulating rumours “lies,” Muizzu emphasized transparency by disclosing these expenses himself. He also noted that some media inquiries into the details of his family's presence on Aarah were denied due to security concerns.