When the state-owned telecommunications company Dhiraagu was launched in 1988, there were just a few telephone lines in the capital Malé and nearby islands. Today, visitors can travel to the outer reaches of the Maldives and be able to upload photos of paradise for their friends and connections in a matter of seconds.

This is handy for tourists, but the expansion of services and investment opportunities is absolutely crucial for business. Ismael Rasheed, Dhiraagu's CEO and managing director, says he is leading the company into a new era of digital integration.

"We provide comprehensive enterprise ICT solutions and managed services to our business clients. Connectivity is crucial to the development of the tourism industry and we are proud to have played a key role in its development."

The company has established an international submarine cable to the outside world and strengthened its core network with a fibre connection spanning the length of the archipelago, providing high-speed internet access and a new TV service.

Dhiraagu is also the pioneer telecommunications and ICT provider in Hulhumalé, playing a key role in the new city's vision of becoming a digital finance hub.