AGP Executive Report

Tourism Recognition: PATA has named MICE Bhutan CEO Lizam Dorji the 2026 PATA Face of the Future Grand Winner, spotlighting next-gen, sustainability-led leadership across Asia-Pacific travel. Education & Research: Maldives National University opened the ninth Theveli International Conference with a record 330 research papers from the Maldives and 25 other countries, spanning topics from climate and AI to gender and education. Digital & Policy Moves: The Cabinet decided to limit unskilled migrant workers to a maximum of one SIM card, with extra cards only via a police-cleared process, as part of efforts to regularise foreign workers. Cyber-to-Real-World Risk: A new warning highlights how cyber insurance gaps can leave factory damage and production shutdowns uncovered when ransomware reaches the physical floor. Culture & Food Experience: JA Manafaru launched Kuri, a treetop dining concept celebrating Maldivian cuisine with a small, intimate tasting format rooted in local ingredients. Community & Health: A school canteen in Vilingili was temporarily shut after rats were seen on food display racks, following a viral clip and a public health inspection. Sports Discipline: FIFA handed Bangladesh striker Al Amin a 15-match ban over the Maldives-Bangladesh brawl, with another player also suspended. Tech for Tourism: Visit Maldives Corporation will host the inaugural Digital Ownership Summit in December, exploring tokenised real-world assets for tourism and infrastructure.

Innovation & Education: First Lady Sajidha Mohamed opened Theveli International Conference 2026 at Maldives National University, saying real innovation only matters when it serves people—especially through better education, healthcare, and livelihoods—and urged women and girls to lead in science and technology. School Health & Safety: A school canteen at GA. Atoll Education Center in Vilingili was temporarily shut after rats were seen crawling over food display items, following a viral video and a public health inspection. Religious Events for Youth: UK-based Islamic scholar Sheikh Abu Taymiyyah is set to arrive for a nine-day “Enlighten” programme by Mahaldheeb Foundation, with sessions across Malé, Addu, and Fuvahmulah including youth, women-focused events, and public lectures. Sports Discipline: FIFA banned Bangladesh striker Al Amin for 15 matches after a confrontation involving the Maldives during a four-nation tournament in June. Culture & Heritage: President Muizzu inaugurated “Vaahaka Vau,” a walk-through heritage park in Utheemu depicting Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu’s independence struggle, alongside the Boduthakurufaanu Handhaanee Dhoroashi monument. Tourism Spotlight: Visit Maldives Corporation partnered with Maldives Airports Company Limited as aviation partner for the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean 2026, hosted at Crossroads Maldives on 27 September. Digital Future: Visit Maldives Corporation announced the inaugural Digital Ownership Summit 2026 in December, exploring how tokenised real-world assets could shape tourism and infrastructure under Maldives 2.0. Community Wellness: Physio Solutions opened registration for “PS Relay 2026” at Hulhumalé Central Park on 12 September, a five-person team relay promoting active lifestyles.

Food & Travel Culture: The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo spotlights how today’s luxury travellers increasingly plan holidays around serious dining, not just villas—raising the stakes for resort restaurants. Hospitality Business: IHG and Harilela Group signed a three-hotel deal bringing The Hari London, The Hari Hong Kong, and a conversion of Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre into The Hari Singapore under Vignette Collection. Maldives in the Spotlight: A Maldivian student pilot injured in a Spain crash is reported in stable condition after surgery, while an investigation into the crash is underway. Education & Health: Universal Foundation awarded four 2026 medical scholarships to support specialist training aligned with Maldives’ healthcare needs. Sports & Community: Physio Solutions opened registration for “PS Relay 2026” at Hulhumalé Central Park on 12 September, with team and individual prizes. Culture & Heritage: President Muizzu inaugurated Vaahaka Vau and the Boduthakurufaanu Handhaanee Dhoroashi in Utheemu, using immersive heritage storytelling to preserve national identity. Diplomacy: Jameela Ali Khalid was nominated as Maldives’ next high commissioner to the UK. Digital Future: Visit Maldives Corporation partners with CEGStake AG to host the inaugural Digital Ownership Summit 2026 on 12 December, focused on tokenised assets and tourism.

National Day Heritage: President Muizzu inaugurated “Vaahaka Vau” and the Boduthakurufaanu Handhaanee Dhoroashi in Utheemu, using immersive walk-through storytelling and mosque-inspired pillars to keep Ghaazee Bandaarain’s legacy alive through culture-led heritage tourism. Diplomacy & Representation: Jameela Ali Khalid was nominated as Maldives’ new high commissioner to the UK, following the reshuffle that elevated former envoy Iruthisham Adam to foreign minister. Digital Economy & Tourism: Visit Maldives Corporation announced the inaugural Digital Ownership Summit 2026 in December, exploring how tokenised real-world assets could shape the future of resorts, infrastructure and investment under Maldives 2.0. Healthcare & Education: Universal Foundation awarded four 2026 medical scholarships to address specialist shortages, while Bank of Maldives urged customers to contact the bank if exam payments fail due to merchant coding issues. Sports & Community: Physio Solutions opened registration for “PS Relay 2026” at Hulhumalé Central Park on Sept 12, a five-person, five-kilometre team run with cash prizes. Culture & Lifestyle: Velaa Private Island unveiled a redesigned Ocean Pool House, and Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa begins its evolution into Mondrian Maldives. International Spotlight: A Maldivian student pilot injured in a Spain crash has undergone surgery and is in stable condition as investigators look into the cause.

Shark-safety warning: Maldives-linked coverage highlights how influencers are being urged to stop chasing “perfect” shark selfies after a rise in bites, with experts pointing to people swimming too close, touching, or even riding sharks. Community sport: Physio Solutions has opened registration for “PS Relay 2026” at Hulhumalé Central Park on Sept 12, with teams of five running 1km each, cash prizes, and limited slots. Diplomatic appointment: Jameela Ali Khalid has been nominated by President Muizzu as Maldives’ new high commissioner to the UK, moving from ambassador-at-large and prior education/media roles into top envoy work. Digital economy push: Visit Maldives Corporation will host the inaugural Digital Ownership Summit 2026 on Dec 12, exploring tokenised assets for tourism and infrastructure under Maldives 2.0. Heritage in Utheemu: President Muizzu inaugurated “Vaahaka Vau” and the Boduthakurufaanu Handhaanee Dhoroashi, walk-through heritage projects designed to preserve national history and link it to tourism. Women’s policy voice: A new national platform will bring women’s perspectives into policy-making, feeding atoll and city concerns into an Annual Women’s Policy Agenda. Education payments help: Bank of Maldives says exam and education online payments may be declined due to merchant coding, and asks customers to contact the bank for correct classification. Football legacy: Saanthi (Ihusan Abdul Ghanee) received a posthumous National Award for decades of coaching and training in Maldivian football.

Diplomacy & Representation: Jameela Ali Khalid has been nominated by President Muizzu to become Maldives’ new high commissioner to the UK, after the previous envoy was moved to the foreign ministry in a cabinet reshuffle. Digital Economy & Tourism: Visit Maldives Corporation will host the inaugural Digital Ownership Summit 2026 on 12 December at CROSSROADS Maldives, exploring tokenised real-world assets and how they could shape tourism, infrastructure and investment under “Maldives 2.0”. Human Rights Governance: Two names—Samaau Ahmed Najeeb and Shamoon Hameed—have been submitted to Parliament for appointments to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, with priority reportedly given to Shamoon. National Heritage: President Muizzu inaugurated “Vaahaka Vau” in Utheemu, a walk-through heritage park and “Boduthakurufaanu Handhaanee Dhoroashi” honouring the heroes of the independence struggle. Culture & Awards: Football coach Ihusan “Saanthi” has received a posthumous National Award of Recognition, while litterateur Ahmed Shakir (“Kashima Shakir”) was conferred the Order of Dhiyamigili Dynasty. Women’s Participation: A new national platform will feed women’s voices into policy-making, translating atoll and city concerns into an Annual Women’s Policy Agenda. Education Access: Bank of Maldives says online exam payments may be declined due to merchant coding, and urges customers to contact the bank for correct classification. Hospitality Spotlight: Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva Secret were named to Forbes Travel Guide’s Edge List 2026. Tourism Branding: Visit Maldives Year 2027 unveiled “Islands Are Us” as its official theme. Lifestyle & Travel: Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa is rebranding to Mondrian Maldives, positioning the change as “evolution, not revolution.”

National Day Heritage: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated “Vaahaka Vau” in Utheemu, a walk-through heritage park telling Boduthakurufaanu’s independence struggle, and also unveiled the Boduthakurufaanu Handhaanee Dhoroashi with six pillars symbolising the six heroes—both projects aim to preserve national identity and link heritage with tourism. Sports & Culture Honors: The President also presented national recognition awards during the same National Day programme, including posthumous recognition for football coach “Saanthi” (Ihusan Abdul Ghanee) and honors for Maldivian litterateur Ahmed Shakir (Kashima Shakir). Women & Policy: A new national platform will bring women’s voices into policy-making, turning atoll and city concerns into an Annual Women’s Policy Agenda. Education Access: Bank of Maldives issued guidance for customers whose online education payments (like exam fees) get declined due to merchant coding, urging people to contact the bank for correct classification. Tourism Branding: Visit Maldives Year 2027 unveiled “Islands Are Us” as its theme, positioning island life, culture, nature and hospitality under one campaign identity. Global Spotlight: India’s Independence Day “Suryapath Tiranga” relay included Maldives among 54 Indian missions/posts, with the tricolour hoisted across time zones from Fiji to San Francisco. Lifestyle Buzz: A viral shark-bite story highlights how influencers’ close encounters with sharks are raising safety concerns.

Islam & Lawmaking: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu says his administration will submit new legislative changes to ensure no laws contradict Islam, calling for a stronger system to check religious alignment. National Culture & Sports: Football coach Ihusan Abdul Ghanee “Saanthi” receives a posthumous National Award of Recognition, while litterateur Ahmed Shakir “Kashima Shakir” is conferred the Order of the Dhiyamigili Dynasty for decades of work in Dhivehi literature and history. Luxury Travel Spotlight: Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva Secret make Forbes Travel Guide’s 2026 Edge List, highlighting “Curated Journeys” across Maldives nature and culture. Education Access (Lifestyle/Practical): Bank of Maldives urges customers facing failed online payments for exam fees and education services to contact the bank so merchants can be correctly classified. Women’s Participation: A new national platform will bring women’s voices into policy-making, feeding island-level concerns into an Annual Women’s Policy Agenda. Tourism Branding: “Islands Are Us” is unveiled as the theme for Visit Maldives Year 2027, positioning island life as the country’s shared identity. Community & Youth: President Muizzu reiterates youth empowerment goals on International Youth Day, stressing education-to-work opportunities and national apprenticeship and service programmes. Resort Festivities: Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives announces four festive island celebrations for the Christmas and New Year season.

Banking & Education Payments: Bank of Maldives (BML) says some exam and education payments (including IELTS) may be auto-declined because merchants are coded as non-education or left uncategorised; customers who face failed transactions are urged to contact BML with details so the merchant can be correctly classified, with the bank stressing daily limits are meant to protect foreign currency availability without blocking essential education, healthcare, and critical subscriptions. Tourism Branding: Visit Maldives Year 2027 gets its official theme, “Islands Are Us,” unveiled at VMC’s Q3 2026 briefing, tying the campaign to island identity, culture, nature, and experiences beyond the usual sun-sea-sand image. Women in Policy: The Ministry of Social and Family Development launches a national platform to bring women’s voices into policy-making, turning atoll and city concerns into an Annual Women’s Policy Agenda as part of President Muizzu’s pledge. Youth & Education Funding: Student loan spending is down sharply—only 15.7% of this year’s student loan budget has been disbursed so far, with the Finance Ministry citing MVR 776.6m allocated and just MVR 121.8m released as of Aug 6. Community & Learning: BML completes seven staff-led Community Impact Grant projects across education and environmental initiatives, including reading and study areas, school play and walkway upgrades, and a student resource hub at Dharumavantha Hospital. Sports & Fitness: Dhiraagu opens registration for the Dhiraagu Maldives Road Race 2026 on 20 November at Hulhumalé Central Park, adding new corporate, resort, running club, and university team categories plus cash prizes. Health Partnerships: Maldives’ Health Ministry signs an MoU with Suwasevana Hospitals in Sri Lanka to place 20 Maldivian medical graduates in clinical internships each year. Public Safety: Maldives Police report seizing 144kg of narcotics and arresting 1,875 people during drug enforcement operations in the first seven months of the year. Legal Appointments: Five judges are sworn in for the Civil and Criminal Courts, with appointments including two additional civil judges and two additional criminal judges. Hospitality Leadership: Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa appoints Mark Eletr as General Manager, bringing 30+ years of island and international hospitality experience.

Judicial Appointments: Five judges were sworn in at Maldives’ Civil and Criminal Courts, with new appointments adding capacity across both benches. Women’s Participation in Policy: A new national platform is set up to bring women’s voices into policy-making, translating island-level concerns into an Annual Women’s Policy Agenda. Tourism Identity: Visit Maldives Year 2027 unveiled its theme, “Islands Are Us,” aiming to spotlight Maldivian culture, nature and hospitality beyond the usual sun-and-sea image. Sports & Community: Dhiraagu opened registration for the Dhiraagu Maldives Road Race 2026 (20 Nov), adding new team categories for corporate, resorts, running clubs and colleges. Public Safety: Maldives Police reported seizing 144kg of narcotics and arresting 1,875 people in counter-narcotics operations over the first seven months. Education & Youth: President Muizzu reaffirmed youth empowerment on International Youth Day, stressing education-to-work opportunities through programmes like apprenticeships and national service. Hospitality Careers: Centara Maldives partnered with the SAILS Project to build hospitality talent pipelines via apprenticeships, internships and an open day in Malé. Faith & Giving: The Islamic Waqf Fund collected over MVR 3 million in donations via MIRA’s website donation links this year. Health Sector Link: Maldives and Sri Lanka signed an MoU to place 20 Maldivian medical graduates in clinical internships in Sri Lanka annually.

Judiciary & Rule of Law: Five judges appointed to the Civil and Criminal Courts have taken their oaths at the Supreme Court, with the Judicial Service Commission naming two additional Civil Court judges and three Criminal Court judges. Women’s Participation: The Ministry of Social and Family Development has launched a national platform to bring women’s perspectives into policy-making, turning atoll and city concerns into an Annual Women’s Policy Agenda. Education & Youth: Student loan spending is down sharply this year, with only 15.7% of the student loan budget disbursed so far, while youth-focused initiatives like apprenticeships and national service are highlighted for smoother education-to-work transitions. Tourism Identity: Visit Maldives Year 2027 unveiled its theme, “Islands Are Us,” positioning island life, culture, nature and hospitality under one national campaign. Public Safety: Maldives Police report seizing over 144kg of narcotics and arresting 1,875 people in counter-narcotics operations across the first seven months of the year. Community & Faith: Islamic Waqf Fund donations have topped MVR 3 million this year via MIRA’s website links, earmarked for Islamic education, mosques, scholarships and humanitarian support. Sports & Lifestyle: Dhiraagu opened registrations for the Dhiraagu Maldives Road Race 2026, adding new team categories and offering MVR 296,000 in cash prizes.

Festive Season Culture: Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives is rolling out four themed Christmas and New Year celebrations across its island resorts, from a “Galaxy of Dreams” starry theme at Velifushi to global-inspired festivities at Hakuraa Huraa, with live entertainment, special dining and beachside programming. Sports & Community: Dhiraagu Maldives Road Race 2026 opens registration for 20 November at Hulhumalé Central Park, adding new team categories for corporate teams, resorts, running clubs and colleges/universities, with cash prizes across distances. Public Safety: Maldives Police Service reports major counter-narcotics results, seizing over 144kg of drugs and arresting 1,875 people in the first seven months of the year. Disability Rights Reform: Maldives begins a sweeping overhaul of disability rights law, aiming to replace the 2010 framework with clearer responsibilities, better access to services, and stronger economic inclusion. Youth & Activism: Maldivian youth are defending mangroves and reefs through kayak protests and beach cleanups, pushing back on development impacts and plastic pollution. Education & Health Links: A new MoU will place 20 Maldivian medical graduates in Sri Lanka for annual clinical internships, strengthening supervised training pathways. Hospitality Talent Pipeline: Centara Maldives partners with the World Bank-funded SAILS Project to build hospitality apprenticeships, internships and job placements, with an open day in Malé on 23 August. Governance Note: State minister Fairoosh resigns from his Home Ministry role, ending a public service chapter.

Regional Investment & Business: Sri Lanka’s High Commission and Port City Colombo hosted an invitation-only investor forum in Malé, pitching the 269-hectare master-planned city and Special Economic Zone as a bridge for Maldivian businesses to expand across South Asia. Sports & Community: Dhiraagu Maldives Road Race 2026 opened registration for 20 November at Hulhumalé Central Park, adding four new team categories (Corporate, Resort, Running Clubs, College/Universities) and MVR 296,000 in cash prizes. Travel Curation: Forbes Travel Guide unveiled its 2026 Edge List, spotlighting “curated journeys” that blend luxury with culture and stewardship, including a Maldivian escape in the lineup. Youth, Culture & Music: The International Artists Project announced its second major album release on 28 August, with Maldivian artist Ahmed Adhuham featured from the first “World Album” effort. Health & Training: The Maldives Health Ministry signed an MoU with Suwasevana Hospitals in Sri Lanka to place 20 Maldivian medical graduates in annual clinical internships. Public Safety: Maldives Police reported seizing 144kg of narcotics and arresting 1,875 people during counter-narcotics operations in the first seven months. Disability Rights Overhaul: Maldives began rewriting disability rights legislation after more than 15 years, aiming to improve access to services and strengthen economic inclusion. Jobs & Skills: The World Bank-backed “SAILS” project launched the My Career Portal to connect jobseekers, employers, and career advisors in one place. Local Education Support: Kulhudhuffushi City Council pledged MVR 100,000 grants to each of its three public schools to fund school proposals and PTA activities.

International Youth Day: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu pledged an enabling environment for young Maldivians, stressing shared goals like quality education, dignified work, and better futures, and pointing to apprenticeship and national service pathways. Community & Education: Bank of Maldives (BML) wrapped up seven staff-led Community Impact Grant projects across atolls, backing school reading and study spaces, play areas, safer walkways, and student resource support. Health & Skills: The Ministry of Health signed an MoU with Sri Lanka’s Suwasevana Hospitals to place 20 Maldivian medical graduates in annual clinical internships. Public Safety: Maldives Police reported seizing 144.341kg of narcotics and arresting 1,875 people in drug enforcement operations from January to July. Disability Rights Overhaul: Maldives began rewriting disability rights law after 15 years, aiming clearer agency responsibilities and stronger education, healthcare, and employment access. Jobs & Career Support: The World Bank-backed “My Career Portal” launched to connect job seekers, employers, and career advisors in one place. Tourism Talent Pipeline: Centara Maldives partnered with the SAILS Project to build apprenticeship and internship routes into hospitality, with an open day in Malé on 23 August. Islamic Giving: The Islamic Waqf Fund collected over MVR 3 million via donation links on the MIRA website. Culture & Lifestyle: Oaga Art Resort Maldives reopened on 1 August with refreshed villas, an expanded main restaurant, and new guest experiences.

Health & Education: The Maldives Ministry of Health signed an MoU with Sri Lanka’s Suwasevana Hospitals to place 20 Maldivian medical graduates in annual clinical internships, aiming for structured, supervised training. Public Safety: Maldives Police reported seizing 144.341kg of narcotics and arresting 1,875 people in counter-narcotics operations across the first seven months, with cases forwarded for prosecution. Culture & Lifestyle: Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa appointed Mark Eletr as General Manager, bringing 30+ years of hospitality leadership and a focus on guest experience and team culture. Religion & Community: The Islamic Waqf Fund says it has collected over MVR 3 million in donations this year via MIRA’s website, to be spent strictly on its trust-listed initiatives. Disability Rights: Maldives plans a sweeping overhaul of disability rights law, replacing the 2010 framework with clearer responsibilities and stronger access to services and economic inclusion. Youth & Environment: Maldivian youth activists are using kayaks, cleanups, and awareness campaigns to challenge mangrove-damaging reclamation and tackle plastic pollution. Jobs & Skills: The “My Career Portal” was launched under the SAILS project to connect job seekers, employers, and career guidance in one place. Tourism & Work: Centara Maldives partnered with the World Bank-funded SAILS Project to build apprenticeship and internship pathways for Maldivian hospitality talent. Healthcare Workforce: In Parliament, Health Minister Geela Ali said 60% of doctors working in Maldives are foreign nationals, while training efforts aim to increase local participation. Marine Conservation: InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort recorded its first green sea turtle hatchlings of the season, with monitoring and research tied to conservation partners.

Hospitality & Culture: Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa appoints Mark Eletr as new GM, bringing 30+ years of island and resort leadership and a renewed focus on guest experience and team culture. Faith & Community Giving: The Islamic Waqf Fund has collected over MVR 3 million in donations this year via MIRA’s website links, earmarked for Islamic education, mosque support, scholarships, and humanitarian work. Public Safety: Maldives Police report 144kg of drugs seized and 1,800+ arrests in counter-narcotics operations over the past seven months. Disability Rights: Maldives begins a sweeping overhaul of disability rights law, aiming to replace the 2010 framework with clearer agency responsibilities and stronger education, healthcare, and employment support. Health Workforce: Health Minister Geela Ali tells Parliament that 60% of doctors in Maldives are foreign nationals, while training efforts aim to grow the local workforce. Jobs & Skills: The new My Career Portal launches to connect jobseekers, employers, and career advisors, with guidance tools and job matching. Language & Identity: Dhivehi Bahuge Academy marks its 15th anniversary, renewing efforts to protect and modernize the national language. Atoll Services: Passport services expand to Gadhdhoo, adding more collection points so island residents spend less time and money traveling to Malé. Youth & Climate Activism: Maldivian youth are using kayaks, protests, and cleanups to defend mangroves and fight plastic pollution, pushing a stronger culture of environmental responsibility.