The government has suspended overseas trips funded by the state as part of cost cutting measures linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Finance Minister Moosa Zameer said today.
Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, Minister Zameer said all government funded travel has been halted, despite requests from ministries. Only trips financed by external parties will go ahead.
“Future engagements are being advised to take place online,” he said, adding that officials are encouraged to participate in meetings virtually.
Minister Zameer said Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel would continue to undertake necessary official visits abroad.
Minister Zameer also added that he had cancelled his own overseas trip, opting instead to attend a signing ceremony virtually.
The event concerned the rollover of a USD 100 million facility from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), which has now been finalized online.
The move forms part of broader efforts to reduce government spending amid economic uncertainty caused by the conflict. Minister Zameer said some projects may also be delayed as part of these measures.
He added that the finance ministry is preparing a cost-cutting plan to be submitted to President Mohamed Muizzu within a week. Analysts expect it could take at least four months for economic conditions to stabilize, even if the conflict subsides, he said.
