President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to establish prayer facilities at sports venues across the Maldives.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, President Dr Muizzu said the Government has decided to ensure that all sports facilities include designated spaces for prayer and facilities for ablution.

The President said it has become common for sporting activities to continue through prayer times, despite the Maldives being an Islamic nation. He stressed the importance of creating an environment that makes it easier for people to fulfil their religious obligations while participating in sports.

President Dr Muizzu noted that many existing sports facilities do not currently have suitable arrangements for prayer. He cited the Sports Arena in Malé as an example, saying one of the capital's most frequently used sports facilities lacks adequate facilities for both ablution and prayer.

To address the issue, the Government plans to establish prayer facilities at venues including the Sports Arena and Maafannu Stadium. Similar facilities will also be incorporated into all future sports complexes and sporting infrastructure projects developed by the Government.

The President said work on prayer facilities at Maafannu Stadium is nearing completion, while plans are also underway to introduce the same arrangements at sports venues nationwide.

President Dr Muizzu further announced that sporting activities will be temporarily halted when the call to prayer is made, allowing participants time to perform their prayers before activities resume.

He said the measures are being introduced to ensure sporting activities and public facilities are aligned with the Maldives' Islamic values and identity as a Muslim nation.