President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has merged the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy with the Ministry of Tourism to form a new Ministry of Tourism and Environment, appointing Thoriq Ibrahim as its head.

The decision comes after the dismissal of Ibrahim Faisal as Minister of Tourism on January 28, 2025.

The appointment ceremony took place this afternoon at the President's Office. Thoriq Ibrahim took his oath of office before Chief Justice, Hon Uz Ahmed Muthasim Adnan. after which President Dr Muizzu formally presented him with the ministerial appointment letter.

Following the ceremony, the President held a meeting with Minister Thoriq Ibrahim. During their discussion, President Dr Muizzu emphasised the importance of promoting the Maldives through an integrated approach that aligns environmental sustainability with the growth of the tourism industry. He highlighted the need to leverage the natural synergy between the nation's environmental heritage and its tourism sector to achieve sustainable development.

Earlier, on January 28, the President's Office announced the dismissal of Ibrahim Faisal as Minister of Tourism. In the interim, the responsibilities of the Ministry of Tourism were temporarily assigned to Mohamed Saeed, the Minister of Economic Development and Trade, until a permanent replacement was appointed.