The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has announced comprehensive traffic arrangements for Eid al-Adhaa, implementing road closures and parking restrictions across multiple areas of greater Male' to ensure the safety and smooth movement of worshippers attending Eid prayers and participating in celebrations.
Chief Inspector of Police Ibrahim Imran, Head of the Traffic Police, told PSM News that the annual measures are designed to create a secure environment for citizens observing Islamic traditions during the festive period.
Roads surrounding the Maafanu Stadium, the primary venue for Eid congregational prayers, will be completely closed to public traffic beginning at 6:00 am and extending until the conclusion of prayers. The affected routes include Maafaiythakurufaanu Magu, Amenee Magu, and Hilaalee Magu. Authorities have urged worshippers to utilise designated entry points when proceeding to the stadium. Male worshippers will be permitted through the main gate opposite FAM House on Hilaalee Magu, as well as the gate situated in front of Iskandhar Koshi. Female worshippers can access the dedicated women's section through the front gate and the synthetic track entrance, also reachable via Maafaiythakurufaanu Magu and Boduthakurufaanu Magu.
In addition to the stadium grounds, the areas surrounding the Islamic Center and Salman Mosque will be subject to closure protocols similar to those implemented during Friday prayers. Police have emphasised the importance of vehicle removal from these zones, requesting owners to relocate their vehicles without delay to facilitate prayer arrangements.
Chief Inspector Imran clarified that while vehicles will not be towed, they will be relocated to alternative areas to ensure complete vacating of prayer spaces before services commence. The police have published detailed charts indicating no-parking zones to assist vehicle owners in complying with these requirements.
The traffic arrangements extend beyond the morning prayer period, with several key roads scheduled for closure daily from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm throughout the four-day celebration period beginning from Eid day. Sultan Park, the Marble Area of the Islamic Centre, Republic Square, and Izzuddeen Jetty will all be closed during these afternoon hours. Public transportation operators have been advised to take particular note of these changes, and motor vehicle owners are cautioned against parking in the restricted zones during the specified times.
This year, Eid prayers will be conducted at four principal locations throughout the capital region, namely the Maafannu Stadium area, Villimale Football Stadium, the Synthetic Track in the first phase of Hulhumale', and Masjid Hassan Adam in Hulhumale's second phase. An additional open-air prayer area has been designated around Nirolhu Magu, Heenaamaa Magu, Feyruggas Magu, and Dhunburigas Magu to accommodate the expected congregation. Beyond these larger gatherings, officials have confirmed that Eid prayers will also be offered at a total of 25 mosques throughout the greater Male' region, providing worshippers with numerous options for observing the occasion.
To support the implementation of these arrangements, the MPS will deploy traffic officers, police cadets, and girl guides throughout the affected areas to manage crowd control and facilitate smooth movement of worshippers. Authorities have appealed to the public to cooperate fully with the deployed personnel and to adhere to the announced traffic guidelines to ensure a safe and orderly Eid celebration for all residents.