The Old Friday Mosque and a fish market sit in this compact capital, the arrival point, where speedboats serve nearby resorts.
Old coral-stone mosque in the capital, noted for its finely carved wooden panels and lacquered details. It is among the most important historic buildings in the Maldives. Visitors dress modestly and enter only outside prayer times.
Museum in the capital showing the island nation's past, with royal regalia, carved coral stonework, old manuscripts and everyday objects. Helpful for understanding the culture beyond the resort islands.
Large mosque with a golden dome, standing by the waterfront in the capital. It is one of the city's most visible landmarks. Visitors should dress modestly, and entry for non-Muslims may be limited.
Large modern mosque in the capital, part of the city's cluster of religious buildings near the waterfront. Visitors should dress modestly, and entry may be restricted at prayer times.
A man-made island next to the airport island, with a long beach, cafes and guesthouses. Visitors come for open sand and a taste of everyday Maldivian life beyond the resorts.
It is about 3 km in a straight line from Male.
It is about 108 km in a straight line from Male.
It is about 117 km in a straight line from Male.
Taxi and scam advice for this country is on the Maldives page
Each month shows its average temperature in °C and its mm of rain per month.
Driest months: Jan, Feb, Mar. Wettest months: May, Aug, Nov.
Prices here are about 51% of US prices (World Bank, 2025). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.
culture
Male is the site of parades and celebrations.
Police 119. Ambulance 102. Fire 118.
local government
Helps with: Police unit set up in 2009 to protect visitors. It helps tourists with disputes, fraud and safety concerns and patrols airports, resorts and guesthouses. Its page gives a 24/7 assistance line.
Who qualifies: Tourists and other international visitors in the Maldives.
Phone: +960 979 0070
ngo
Helps with: The national Red Crescent society. It responds to emergencies, supports recovery, and teaches first aid, with volunteers in local units across the islands.
Who qualifies: People in the Maldives who need its emergency response, first aid or community services.
Phone: +960 3341009
Email: [email protected]
Address: Maldivian Red Crescent Building, 2nd Floor, Hithigasmagu, Hulhumale'
local government
Helps with: The Maldives' national disaster authority. Its site lists 115 as its emergency hotline and shares disaster preparedness information and help for people affected by incidents.
Who qualifies: Anyone in the Maldives affected by a disaster or incident.
Phone: 115
Address: Ameenee Magu, Male 20060, Maldives
un agency
Helps with: The UN migration agency, present in the Maldives since 2013. It supports migrants, displaced people, returnees and host communities.
Who qualifies: Migrants and other people on the move. It is not a help service for ordinary tourists.
Phone: +960 7757 646
Address: H. Fehi Aabadh, 9th Floor, Abadhah Fehi Magu, Male, Republic of Maldives