Heena Waleed

Heena Waleed is a Maldivian politician who is currently serving as the Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage of the Maldives since 2026. She is also the spokesperson of the People's National Congress.

She previously served as the spokesperson for The President's Office and managing director for the National Social Protection Agency as well.

Career Heena previously served as a Council member for the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) before she became a Spokesperson for PPM's partner, People's National Congress (PNC).

On 14 April 2026, Waleed was appointed by President Mohamed Muizzu as the Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage.

Corruption allegations

In 2024, Heena Waleed faced corruption allegations as Managing Director of the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA). Protests demanded her resignation, citing mismanagement and difficulties in accessing social services under her leadership.

A key allegation involved leasing office space for NSPA through Maldives Media House, linked to President Mohamed Muizzu. NSPA reportedly agreed to pay MVR 580,000 per month, totaling MVR 34.8 million over five years, raising concerns about transparency and misuse of funds.

Reports revealed that the funds were used to establish MMTV, a TV channel allegedly created to promote President Muizzu. Maldives Media House, which leased the building, was linked to Muizzu through Abdulla Zahir, a family member managing his residence. Two floors were rented to NSPA while the other floors housed the TV station. The contract was only terminated after public criticism following its exposure on social media by Hassan Kurusee. The case is still under investigation, and no actions have been taken against those involved.