President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with the North Ari Atoll Council on Sunday afternoon at the Council Secretariat to discuss the atoll's needs and development plans. During the meeting, the President assured that Women's Development Committees (WDCs) will not be dissolved, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting local governance.

The council members asked for Passport and National Identity Card services to be made available in the atoll. They also suggested including lagoons under the council's control to help with economic activities and asked for more government support. Strengthening decentralised governance was also discussed.

President Dr Muizzu assured the council that the government is committed to the atoll's development. He highlighted the airport project as an important initiative and promised that Passport and National Identity Card services would be available in all atolls next year.

He also reiterated his plan to give a share of tourism tax revenue to councils, which would provide them with more funds for development projects.