Javaabu Launches DhivehiVaahaka Mobile App with Maldives’ First Dhivehi Drama Reels Experience

Javaabu has officially launched the DhivehiVaahaka mobile app on 27 October 2026, bringing a new way to read, listen to, and watch Dhivehi stories on smartphones. The app introduces the Maldives’ first Dhivehi Drama Reels experience, combining visual storytelling, expressive narration, and an immersive short-form video format inspired by platforms such as TikTok.

The app is now available on the Google Play Store, while the iOS version is currently accessible through Apple TestFlight as it undergoes App Store review. Users can access the download links for both platforms at dhivehivaahaka.com/app.

One of the biggest highlights of the new app is Drama Reels, an entirely new way to experience Dhivehi fiction. Rather than simply reading or listening to a story, users can watch stories unfold through visualised scenes, narrated storytelling, and character dialogues delivered with emotion.

The experience follows a familiar vertical scrolling format, allowing users to swipe up to discover and watch the next reel, much like TikTok. Each reel brings a scene to life by combining visuals, narration, and dialogue, creating an engaging experience that blends traditional Dhivehi storytelling with modern short-form entertainment.

Users can also pause a reel to explore the full details of the story, discover other episodes, and continue following the series. The feature offers a new way for audiences to discover Dhivehi fiction while giving local stories a visually engaging format.

Beyond Drama Reels, the DhivehiVaahaka mobile app offers a complete reading and listening experience, allowing users to enjoy their favourite stories in whichever format suits them best.

For readers, the app provides a customisable reading interface with six different Dhivehi fonts and adjustable text sizes. Users can also choose between light mode, dark mode, and e-ink mode, making it easier to read comfortably across different lighting conditions and personal preferences.

The listening experience allows users to enjoy narrated Dhivehi stories while following along with real-time word highlighting. As each word is spoken, it is highlighted in the text, helping users keep track of the narration. Readers can also tap on any word to begin playback from that exact point, making it easy to revisit a particular sentence or continue listening from wherever they choose.

Audio playback continues even when the app is in the background or the phone is locked. Users can control playback through a convenient mini player in the notification panel, allowing them to listen to stories while travelling, multitasking, or going about their day without keeping the app open.

The mobile app also introduces offline access, allowing users to download episodes for reading and viewing without an active internet connection. This is particularly useful for people travelling between islands, commuting, or spending time in areas with limited connectivity.

By making stories accessible offline, DhivehiVaahaka aims to make Dhivehi literature and entertainment more convenient for readers across the Maldives, whether they are at home, on a ferry, or travelling abroad.

The mobile app builds on DhivehiVaahaka.com, Javaabu’s digital storytelling platform, which was first announced in September 2026. The platform was created to bring Dhivehi writers and readers together, make local fiction more accessible, and create new opportunities for storytellers to earn from their work.

DhivehiVaahaka.com allows authors to publish stories in an episodic format, giving readers the opportunity to discover and follow their favourite series. The first two episodes of each story are available free of charge, with subsequent episodes available to unlock for MVR 5 each. During the platform’s initial launch, authors receive 60% of the earnings generated from each paid episode read, supporting a sustainable creator economy for Dhivehi literature.

The platform also integrates Dhivehi text-to-speech technology developed through DhivehiGPT, Javaabu’s flagship Dhivehi artificial intelligence platform, bringing spoken narration and word-level highlighting to the reading experience.

DhivehiVaahaka has already received national recognition, winning second place in the ICT Sector Other Sub-category at Maldives Expo 2026. The recognition highlights the platform’s contribution to digital innovation and its potential to support Dhivehi literature and local creators.

Development of the DhivehiVaahaka mobile app was led by Javaabu Co-Founder and CEO Mohamed Jailam, who also led the development of the original DhivehiVaahaka.com platform.

The mobile app marks another important milestone in Javaabu’s efforts to combine local language, creativity, and modern technology. By introducing new ways to read, listen to, and visually experience Dhivehi stories, the platform aims to reach a wider audience, including younger generations accustomed to consuming content through mobile-first digital experiences.

With Drama Reels, customisable reading options, background audio playback, and offline access, DhivehiVaahaka brings together literature and entertainment in a single app, making it easier than ever to enjoy Dhivehi stories anytime and anywhere.

The Javaabu team invites everyone to explore the new DhivehiVaahaka mobile app, discover their favourite stories, and support local storytellers. Download the app today at dhivehivaahaka.com/app.