Malé: The Vibrant Heart of the Maldives

• Helloމިއަށް
  [miāsh]
• Goodbyeކަމަށް
  [kamaash]
• Yesއާ
  [aa]
• Noނައި
  [nai]
• Please/You're welcomeޝައްދުވަރުތައް
  [juadhurudhā]
• Thank youޝައްދުތައް
  [shukuriyaa]
• Excuse me/Sorryޝުކުވެރައް
  [maafuraai]
• How are you?ކުރަތައް ތުރެވުން
  [kura dhuravehun]
• Fine. And you?ދިނެ. އިފުރުން?
  [dheenee. ifurun?]
• Do you speak English?އިފުރިން ބުލަންވުން?
  [ifirin balandhun?]
• I don't understandއަދުނެވުން
  [adhuvehun]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseމިވަކުތް މެނުނައިވުން
  [mivakuv menuvadhin]
• I don't eat meatމި މަތުނެވުން
  [mi maadhenehun]
• Cheers!ޝައްމާ
  [shamaa]
• I would like to pay, pleaseމި ދައުތުނެވުން
  [mi fadenehun]

• Help!ދުއަބު!
  [dhuabu!]
• Go away!ޤުޔައި!
  [haadhi!]
• Call the Police!ޕޮލިސް ކައިދުވުނު
  [polis kai dhivehun]
• Call a doctor!ޑޮކިތައް ކައިދުވުނު
  [dokithaai kai dhivehun]
• I'm lostމި ފުލުއިވުން
  [mi fuleehun]
• I'm illމި އިލްލެވުން
  [mi irulehun]

• I'd like to buy...މި ދައުތުނެވުން...
  [mi fadenehun...]
• I'm just lookingމި މެއެންތައް
  [mi meendhuve]
• How much is it?ކައިނު ދިއުބާ?
  [kaainu dhiveya?]
• That's too expensiveތައް ދައިތުނު ނަބޭ
  [va fahidhu nabi]
• Can you lower the price?ކަލު ދައިތުނު ނަބޭ?
  [kalu dhiveya nabi?]

• What time is it?ކަނޑު ދިއުބާ?
  [kaandhu dhiveya?]
• It's one o'clockއިތުރު ދިއުބާ
  [ifiru dhiveya]
• Half past (10)ނައިދުރު (މަނަދު)
  [nai dhifru (manadhu)]
• Morningދިނެ
  [dheenee]
• Afternoonއަފިއް
  [aafi]
• Eveningމަތަން
  [maadhu]
• Yesterdayއިންވިއަށް
  [inviash]
• Todayއަގަން
  [aviga]
• Tomorrowއުޓަތަން
  [udhaadhu]
• 1ދިނެ
  [dheenee]
• 2ދިކުރު
  [dhikuruh]
• 3ތެއި
  [behi]
• 4ފެރު
  [feyru]
• 5ކޭތު
  [kaidhu]
• 6ފުސް
  [fashi]
• 7ވާނެލް
  [vaimale]
• 8ބަރު
  [baru]
• 9ނަބްތަ
  [nabudha]
• 10މަނަދު
  [manadhu]

• Where's a/the...?ކައިނެ ގޮތު މައިނަލް؟
  [kaane gothu maaivan?]
• What's the address?ކައިނެ ސަކުނާއިވުން?
  [kaane saagandhevun?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?ކަލު ނައިބޯޓުވުން (މަފުލްއުތުވުން)?
  [kalu nibeudhuve (maafudhavah hamaai)?]
• When's the next (bus)?ކައިނެ ދޫތައްތައް?
  [kaane dhuvan?]
• A ticket (to ....)އައިޓަރަ މައިނަލް (....އަތަން)
  [aiidharu maivan (....avandhu)]

Malé, the capital city of Maldives, traces its origins to ancient times. It is believed to have been founded by the first settlers, the Dravidian people from the Indian subcontinent, around 500 BC. The city served as the royal seat for the Maldivian sultans and was known as the King's Island for centuries.

From the 12th century until the 20th century, Malé was the epicenter of the Maldivian Sultanate. The city flourished as a hub of Islamic culture, trade, and politics. The conversion to Islam in 1153 marked a significant transformation, leading to the establishment of Islamic architecture and institutions that still influence the city today.

In 1558, the Portuguese invaded and occupied Malé, marking a turbulent period in the city's history. Their rule was characterized by harsh measures and widespread resistance from the Maldivians. This occupation lasted until 1573, when the local hero Muhammad Thakurufaanu led a successful rebellion, restoring Maldivian independence.

In the late 19th century, Malé came under British protection. This period, from 1887 to 1965, saw significant changes in the city's infrastructure and governance. The British influence led to modernization efforts, including the introduction of western education and administrative reforms, which laid the groundwork for the Maldives' eventual independence.

Malé became the capital of an independent Maldives on July 26, 1965, following the end of the British protectorate. The city witnessed the establishment of the Republic of Maldives in 1968, transitioning from a sultanate to a republic. This era brought about significant political and social changes, including the development of modern governmental institutions.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Malé underwent rapid economic transformation. The city's economy shifted from traditional fishing and agriculture to tourism and services. The development of international airports and luxury resorts around Malé turned it into a bustling urban center, attracting visitors from around the globe.

Despite modernization, Malé retains a rich cultural heritage. The city is home to historic mosques, such as the Hukuru Miskiy (Friday Mosque), built in 1658, and the Maldives National Museum, which houses artifacts from the pre-Islamic period to the present day. Malé's cultural festivals, traditional music, and dance also reflect the city's vibrant history and traditions.

Today, Malé is a bustling metropolis that continues to evolve. The city faces challenges such as rapid urbanization and environmental threats, but it remains the heart of Maldivian life. Contemporary Malé is a blend of old and new, with modern skyscrapers standing alongside historic sites, symbolizing the city's enduring legacy and dynamic future.

Malé, the capital city of Maldives, is primarily accessed via Velana International Airport (MLE), located on Hulhulé Island, adjacent to the capital. Numerous international airlines offer flights to Velana International Airport from major cities around the world. From the airport, you can reach Malé by a short ferry ride, speedboat, or a domestic flight if you are headed to other atolls.

Malé is a small and densely populated city, making walking one of the best ways to explore it. For longer distances, taxis are readily available and are relatively inexpensive. Ferries and speedboats are common modes of transport to nearby islands. Bicycle rentals are also an option for those who prefer cycling. Public buses operate within the city, providing an affordable means of transport.

The official currency of Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). While major hotels, restaurants, and shops in Malé accept credit cards, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available throughout the city. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels.

Malé is generally considered safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur in busy areas like markets and ferry terminals. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 119 for police services and 102 for medical emergencies. Velana International Hospital and ADK Hospital are the main medical facilities in Malé. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing in public areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering mosques and dress conservatively. Public Transport: Do be respectful and polite when using public transport. Don't eat or drink on buses and ferries. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'As-Salaam-Alaikum'. A handshake is common, but avoid physical contact with the opposite gender unless initiated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't consume alcohol in public places, as it is prohibited outside licensed establishments.

To experience Malé like a local, visit the vibrant local markets such as the Malé Fish Market and the Local Market where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Maldivian goods. Engage with locals who are often friendly and eager to share their culture. Don't miss a visit to the Maldives Islamic Centre, one of the most important religious landmarks. For a unique experience, take a stroll along the Artificial Beach, a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy the sunset.