President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has inaugurated the Minivan Ufaa Carnival in Hulhumale'.
Upon their arrival at Central Park, President Solih and First Lady Fazna were welcomed by Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla and his spouse. The President and the First Lady were joined at the opening by Vice President Faisal Naseem, cabinet ministers, high-ranking officials of government offices and members of the public.
Following the inauguration of the carnival, President Solih and First Lady Fazna toured various attractions, including sports and game stalls. They also enjoyed stage performances, an eight-minute fireworks display, and the country's first drone show which featured over 300 drones.
The opening ceremony saw a multitude of attendees joining in the festivities. The first night of the carnival was met with a positive response from the public. The event showcased a diverse array of attractions, including sports and food stalls, performances by both local and international artists, acrobats and jugglers, a horror cave, karaoke, a float park, and a laser park. In addition, one of the attendants will get the chance to win a seven-day trip to Bali, Indonesia, through a lucky draw.
Ministry of Home Affairs organised the carnival in collaboration with Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Dhiraagu, Ooredoo Maldives, the State Trading Organisation (STO), State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) and the Male' Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC). The event is part of the Independence Day celebrations and will run until August 3. This year marks the 58th anniversary of Maldivian independence, achieved on July 26, 1965.