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Shopping
Shopping is the favorite activity for the locals especially in the
evenings, when it is cooler. The Majeedhee Magu, which is the main
road on the island, has along its sides various shops selling goods
from the smallest commodities to virtually everything you could think
of. The shops are well stocked with garments, perfumes and cosmetics,
jewelry, watches or electronics, to name just a few. Many find it a
pleasant experience to join the throngs of shoppers on the main
shopping streets in the evenings. All shops are open until 11.00 in
the night, except for prayer times, when they are closed for 15
minutes.
The Local Market
The “Local Market” is located on the Northern waterfront, a block away
from the Male Fish Market. When compared to the frenzy of activity in
the rest of the neighborhood, a peaceful atmosphere prevails on the
block.
The market is divided into small stalls, with each stall selling local
products from the atolls. Some of the produces on display are
different kinds of local vegetables, fruits, yams and packets of
sweetmeat, nuts and breadfruit chips. Bottles of pickles, home made
sweets and banana bunches hang on coir ropes from ceiling beams.
The Majeedhee Magu
On the main road of the island is the “Majeedhee Magu”. Its sides are
lined with shops selling products ranging from garments, handbags and
cosmetics to electronic items. You can shop till 11.00 in the night
with the shops closing only during prayer times in between.
The Chaandanee Magu, Male
A major commercial center, the “Chaandanee Magu” is mostly frequented
by those wishing to buy imported products. A large number of imported
products coming mostly from Singapore earned it the name the Singapore
Bazaar.
The northern end of Chaandanee Magu is lined with souvenir shops. Some
of the best products include the ‘Thudu Kuna’ – a Maldivian mat woven
with local natural fibres in elegant geometric designs. Wooden
miniature Dhonis are also famous.
Note :
Export of items made of Turtle shell, coral and pearl oyster shell is
prohibited.
Shopping Hours: Saturday-Thursday 8 am-11 pm.
Banking Hours: Sunday-Thursday 9 am-1 pm.
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