Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim states the Ministry's priority amid developing conflicts in the Middle East is to safeguard the seamless operation of the tourism sector and ensure the safety and well-being of all travelers.
In a retaliatory move, Iran launched an attack on a US military base in Qatar late Monday, responding to earlier American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Shortly before the strikes, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and several other Middle Eastern countries closed their airspace.
The tit-for-tat attacks follow more than a week of exchange of fire between Iran and Israel.
Minister Thoriq, via a post on X early Tuesday morning, said the Ministry is working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including tourism industry partners, to monitor the developing situation in the Middle East.
We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including our partners across the tourism industry, to monitor the developing situation in the Middle East. Our thoughts are with those who are impacted and our priority is to safeguard the seamless operation of our tourism…
— Thoriq Ibrahim (@Thoriqibrahim) June 23, 2025
He added that the Ministry’s priority is to safeguard the seamless operation of the tourism sector and ensure the safety and well-being of all travelers.
 
Many long-haul flights to Maldives transit at Middle Eastern airports. As such, there is concern regarding delays in flights to the Maldives.