AGP Executive Report

Anti-corruption through faith: Maldives authorities used synchronized Friday sermons in mosques nationwide to condemn corruption and bribery, with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments issuing a Quran-based message. Humanitarian support: The Maldives pledged $50,000 annually to UNRWA to help sustain education, healthcare, food aid and other services for Palestinian refugees. Drug crackdown: Homeland Security and Technology Minister Ali Ihusaan urged the Maldives Police Service to intensify action against illegal drugs, calling it the biggest threat to national security and stability. Culture preservation: Maldives is nearing completion of a nationwide effort to digitally document hundreds of heritage and archaeological sites, with a free online archive planned for students, researchers and the public. Tourism & lifestyle: Dusit Thani Maldives announced a resort-wide villa refresh in Baa Atoll, while Visit Maldives launched “This is My Maldives” to invite global photography submissions. Regional context: India’s maritime security focus and wider Indian Ocean tensions were highlighted, underscoring the Maldives’ strategic neighborhood.

Anti-Corruption Through Faith: Mosques across the Maldives delivered a synchronized Friday sermon warning that corruption and bribery are among Islam’s gravest sins, with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments issuing the message nationwide. Humanitarian Solidarity: The Maldives pledged $50,000 annually to UNRWA to support Palestinian refugees, calling for predictable funding to keep education, healthcare and food assistance running. Drug Crisis Focus: Homeland Security and Technology Minister Ali Ihusaan urged the Maldives Police Service to intensify action against illegal drugs, warning it threatens national security and urging officers to keep up with tech-enabled crime. Maldives Heritage Drive: The Maldives is nearing completion of a nationwide effort to document hundreds of heritage and archaeological sites, building a free online digital archive for conservation and research. Culture Partnerships: CROSSROADS Maldives hosted a Ministry of Culture and Heritage delegation to explore stronger collaboration for promoting Maldivian culture through performances, music events and creative experiences. Resort Lifestyle Refresh: Dusit Thani Maldives announced a resort-wide refresh, including refurbished villas and updated lifestyle imagery for a more polished guest journey. Wellness Tourism Spotlight: A feature highlighted the Iridium Spa at St Regis Maldives Vommuli—an overwater, ocean-inspired design shaped like a lobster. Travel & Culture Moments: Visit Maldives launched “This is My Maldives” as a global photography competition, inviting people to share personal stories of the islands.

Maldives Heritage & Research: The Maldives is nearing completion of a nationwide effort to document historical and archaeological heritage sites, with officials saying it will become the country’s first comprehensive digital archive—aimed at conservation, academic research, and long-term cultural preservation. Creative Economy Boost: Visit Maldives Corporation has launched Creatoll, a national digital marketplace where Maldivian photographers, filmmakers and other creators can sell visual and cultural content directly to international buyers, with verified profiles, self-set pricing, and full IP ownership. Culture Partnerships: CROSSROADS Maldives hosted a Ministry of Culture and Heritage delegation to explore stronger collaboration for promoting Maldivian culture, heritage, and creative experiences through events, music, and performances. Resort Lifestyle Upgrade: Dusit Thani Maldives announced a resort-wide refresh focused on refurbished villas and updated lifestyle imagery, positioning the Baa Atoll property for a more polished guest journey. Luxury Wellness Spotlight: The Iridium Spa at St Regis Maldives Vommuli is being showcased as an overwater, ocean-inspired design—shaped like a lobster from above—blending marine tribute with high-end wellness. Hospitality Careers & Operations: Corinthia Hotels appointed Peter Roth as president, hotel operations, with oversight spanning existing properties and upcoming openings including the Maldives. Travel & Culture Experiences: Centara is promoting more immersive stays across Thailand, Nepal and the Maldives, leaning into culinary journeys, cultural rituals, sustainability and family moments.

Maldives Heritage & Culture: The Maldives is nearing completion of a nationwide effort to document hundreds of historical and archaeological heritage sites, building a free online digital archive to support conservation, research, and long-term preservation. Local Creators & Economy: Visit Maldives Corporation has launched Creatoll, a national digital marketplace where Maldivian photographers, filmmakers and other visual creators can sell directly to international buyers, set prices, and keep full ownership of their work. Culture Partnerships: CROSSROADS Maldives hosted a Ministry of Culture and Heritage delegation to explore stronger partnerships for promoting Maldivian culture through museum experiences, performances, music events, and other creative programming. Resort Lifestyle Updates: Dusit Thani Maldives unveiled a resort-wide refresh with newly refurbished villas and updated guest journey materials, aiming for a brighter, more polished island stay. Travel & Lifestyle Context: UAE residents are increasingly choosing Asia and the Maldives for summer trips as visa hassles and costs push demand away from Europe.

Maldives Heritage & Culture: The Maldives is nearing completion of a nationwide effort to map and digitally archive hundreds of historical and archaeological sites, with 400+ already catalogued and remaining atolls due to finish in July—aimed at conservation, research access, and long-term cultural preservation. Local Culture in Action: CROSSROADS Maldives hosted a Ministry of Culture and Heritage delegation to explore partnerships for promoting Maldivian culture through interactive visitor experiences, performances, and music events. Creative Economy Boost: Visit Maldives Corporation launched Creatoll, a national digital marketplace for Maldivian photographers and filmmakers to sell content directly to international buyers, with a new “This is My Maldives” global photo competition (MVR 50,000 prize) tied to the platform. Tourism Lifestyle Shift: UAE travellers are increasingly choosing Asia and the Maldives over Europe due to visa hassles and higher costs, with the Maldives leading bookings. Regional Context: India’s tourism growth is being held back by licensing overload and visa restrictions, while Bangladesh prepares a December discount shopping festival featuring brands including the Maldives.

Maldives Culture & Creators: Visit Maldives Corporation has launched “Creatoll” and a global photo competition, “This is My Maldives,” inviting photographers to submit original work on places, people, culture, nature and experiences, with a MVR 50,000 prize and creator-friendly copyright terms. Culture Partnerships: CROSSROADS Maldives met the Ministry of Culture and Heritage to explore stronger collaboration for showcasing Maldivian culture, heritage and creative experiences, including cultural performances and music events. Digital Economy Boost: Creatoll is a national digital marketplace for Maldivian photographers, filmmakers and visual creators to sell directly to international buyers, set their own prices and retain ownership of their intellectual property. Family Lifestyle Spotlight: Hilton Maldives Amingiri’s Krakengiri Kids’ Club won “Support Team of the Year” at the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026, highlighting how kids’ programmes build trust, safety and tailored engagement for families. Diplomacy Through Sport: The Maldives and India marked 60 years of diplomatic relations with a friendly futsal match, blending people-to-people ties with official celebrations. Local Governance & Security: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening national security services, praising the Maldives Police Service and pointing to legislative reforms, modern technology and human resource development.

Digital Economy & Arts: The Maldives has launched Creatoll, a national digital marketplace by Visit Maldives Corporation to help local photographers, filmmakers and creators sell directly to international buyers, with verified profiles, creator-set pricing, and full ownership of intellectual property. Culture Spotlight: VMC also rolled out “This is My Maldives”, a global photography competition tied to Creatoll, inviting entries on places, people, culture, nature and experiences, with a MVR 50,000 prize for the winner. Local Governance & Safety: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the Maldives Police Service and national security services, citing legislative reforms, modern technology and human resource development. Family Lifestyle: Hilton Maldives Amingiri’s Krakengiri Kids’ Club won Support Team of the Year at the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026, highlighting how children’s programmes build trust, safety and tailored engagement. Diplomacy Through Sport: The Maldives and India marked 60 years of diplomatic relations with a friendly futsal match, celebrating people-to-people ties beyond formal meetings. Hospitality Experiences: Centara is marketing more immersive, destination-led stays across Thailand, Nepal and the Maldives, focusing on culinary journeys, cultural rituals and sustainability.

Visit Maldives & Creatoll: Visit Maldives Corporation has launched “This is My Maldives,” a global photography competition inviting creators to share the Maldives through themes of places, people, culture, nature and experiences, with a cash prize of MVR 50,000 for the winner. Family & resort culture: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi was ranked No. 2 in the Maldives for Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific’s Best Family Resorts, highlighting its multi-generational “curated island sanctuary” and shared experiences like Maldivian Roots and Cinema by Moonlight. Sports diplomacy: The Maldives and India marked 60 years of diplomatic relations with a friendly futsal match in Malé, blending community spirit with official celebration. Local security focus: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the Maldives Police Service, citing legislative reforms, modern technology and human resource development. Pride & community: The Belgian embassy held an IDAHOBIT Pride evening featuring author-chef Suvir Saran, spotlighting LGBTQI+ equality through conversation and memoir storytelling. Kids’ club recognition: Hilton Maldives Amingiri’s Krakengiri Kids’ Club won Support Team of the Year at the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026, praising its safety-first, trust-building approach for families.

Border & Tech Modernisation: Japan has donated 48 facial recognition systems to Maldives Immigration for Velana International Airport, aiming to speed up identity checks and strengthen border control. Culture & Creative Economy: Visit Maldives Corporation launched “This is My Maldives,” a global photography competition tied to Creatoll, inviting submissions on places, people, culture, nature and experiences, with a MVR 50,000 prize. Family Lifestyle in Resorts: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi was ranked No. 2 in Maldives for Best Family Resorts in Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific, highlighting family-focused “Maldivian Roots” heritage experiences and multi-generational wellness. Sports & Community: A friendly futsal match marked 60 years of Maldives–India diplomatic relations, with officials celebrating friendship through sport. Local Governance & Public Safety: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu pledged continued strengthening of national security services, speaking at the 93rd anniversary ceremony of the Maldives Police Service. Education & Skills: Maldives’ hospitality ecosystem gets a boost as Hilton Maldives Amingiri’s Krakengiri Kids’ Club won “Support Team of the Year,” spotlighting how children’s clubs build trust, safety and tailored programmes. Travel & Lifestyle Deals: Dhiraagu added Eeezap as an Elite Club partner, bringing 5%–15% discounts and on-demand services like food and grocery delivery.

Maldivian Creative Economy: Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) has launched “This is My Maldives,” a global photography competition tied to Creatoll, inviting creators to submit original shots on places, people, culture, nature and everyday experiences, with a cash prize of MVR 50,000. Culture & Media Infrastructure: VMC and Public Service Media (PSM) are partnering to feed Creatoll with PSM’s vast audiovisual archives—photography, documentaries, historical footage and interviews—so Maldivian stories can be licensed and discovered in one digital marketplace. Public Safety & Modernisation: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu pledged continued strengthening of the Maldives Police Service, including legislative reforms, modern technology and human resource development. Border Tech Upgrade: Japan has donated facial recognition systems to Maldives Immigration for Velana International Airport to speed identity checks and strengthen border control. Sports & Community: The Maldives–India friendship was marked with a friendly futsal match for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Lifestyle & Hospitality: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi was ranked No. 2 for Best Family Resorts in Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific, highlighting Maldivian heritage experiences for families. Education Tech (Regional): MAXHUB showcased smart classroom and AI-in-higher-education plans at a South Asia leadership dialogue that included Maldives National University. Tourism Events: Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa launched the second Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2026, set for 18 September.

Border & Tech Modernisation: Japan has donated facial recognition systems to Maldives Immigration for Velana International Airport, aiming to speed identity checks and strengthen border control. Tourism & Culture: VMC and MAYA welcomed the first Chinese cruise ship to the Maldives, with passengers greeted by Boduberu and cultural experiences—another push to diversify arrivals. Hospitality Awards: The Standard, Maldives (by Hyatt) earned Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice 2026, placing it in the top 10% worldwide based on guest reviews. Lifestyle & Community Content: VMC partnered with PSM to expand Creatoll, integrating audiovisual archives to help Maldivian creators access and sell authentic cultural content. Local Economy: The Maldives Monetary Authority temporarily increased USD supply to banks by 25% for three months to ease foreign exchange pressure during the tourism off-season. Sports & Development: Dhiraagu added Eeezap as an Elite Club partner, offering members discounts on on-demand services. Wellness Run: Hideaway Beach Resort launched the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2026, set for 18 September with routes across beaches, trails and villas.

Border Tech & Travel Flow: Japan has donated 48 facial recognition systems to Maldives Immigration for Velana International Airport, aiming to speed up identity checks and strengthen border control as visitor numbers keep rising. Local Economy & Lifestyle: Dhiraagu welcomed eeezap as an Elite Club partner, letting members get 5%–15% discounts on the Maldives’ multi-service “super app” for on-demand services like food and grocery delivery. Creative Heritage Marketplace: Visit Maldives Corporation and Public Service Media partnered to expand Creatoll, adding PSM’s audiovisual archives—photos, documentaries, interviews and historical footage—so Maldivian creators can license and sell authentic cultural content. Student Support: Bank of Maldives introduced a dedicated card limit policy for students abroad to pay overseas visa fees more easily, with USD 1,200 monthly limits for eligible students via its Student Portal. Culture & Community Events: Hard Rock Cafe Maldives and Alliance Française de Malé’ wrapped up their second music festival, mixing Maldivian acts with international performers supported by embassies. Hospitality Recognition: The Standard, Maldives (by Hyatt) earned Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2026, placing it in the top 10% globally based on guest reviews. Tourism Expansion: Hideaway Beach Resort launched the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2026, set for 18 September 2026 across island trails and beach routes in Haa Alifu. Food & Identity: Chef Tipa’s Southern Thai menu is now running at Saffron Maldives (Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru) until 17 July, blending regional recipes with locally sourced Maldivian ingredients.

Border Tech & Travel: Japan has donated 48 facial recognition systems to Maldives Immigration for Velana International Airport, aiming to speed up identity checks and strengthen border control. Tourism & Culture Partnerships: VMC and PSM have teamed up to expand Creatoll, a digital marketplace for Maldivian creative content, by adding PSM’s audiovisual archives—photography, documentaries, interviews and heritage footage. Lifestyle & Local Economy: Dhiraagu welcomed eeezap as an Elite Club partner, offering 5%–15% discounts on the on-demand “super app” for services like food and grocery delivery. Sports & Community: Hideaway Beach Resort launched the second Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2026, with the main race on 18 September and a wellness-focused weekend programme. Hospitality Recognition: The Standard, Maldives (by Hyatt) and OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru both earned Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice awards, highlighting guest-loved service and experiences. Education & Skills: Chennais Amirta in Chennai held a graduation for 800+ hospitality students, underlining the push for globally employable service talent. Money & Student Support: Bank of Maldives introduced a dedicated card limit for overseas students to pay visa fees, easing foreign currency access for education.

Border Tech & Travel: Japan has donated 48 facial recognition systems to Maldives Immigration for Velana International Airport, aiming to speed up identity checks and strengthen border control. Money & Daily Life: Maldives Monetary Authority will temporarily boost USD supply to commercial banks by 25% from June 28 for three months to ease foreign exchange pressure during the tourism off-season. Local Lifestyle Partnerships: Dhiraagu welcomed eeezap as an Elite Club partner, offering 5%–15% discounts on the super-app’s on-demand services. Culture & Media Marketplace: VMC and Public Service Media (PSM) partnered to expand Creatoll, adding PSM’s audiovisual archives so creators can access and license Maldivian visual and cultural history. Resort Recognition: The Standard, Maldives by Hyatt and OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru both earned Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice “top” rankings, highlighting guest-loved service and experiences. Wellness & Community Events: Hideaway Beach Resort launched the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2026, set for Sept 18 in Haa Alifu Atoll. Music & Cultural Exchange: Hard Rock Cafe Maldives and Alliance Française concluded their second music festival, blending Maldivian and international acts. Hospitality Careers: Chef Fathimath Umar (Chef Fathun) was profiled for her long-running role in training and judging Maldivian hospitality talent.

Border Tech & Travel: Japan has donated 48 facial recognition systems to Maldives Immigration for Velana International Airport, aiming to speed up identity checks and strengthen border control. Tourism & Culture: VMC and MAYA welcomed the first Chinese cruise ship to the Maldives, with passengers greeted by Boduberu performances and local cultural hospitality. Creative Economy: VMC partnered with Public Service Media to expand Creatoll, integrating PSM’s audiovisual archives so Maldivian creators can access and sell authentic cultural content. Lifestyle & Connectivity: Dhiraagu added eeezap as an Elite Club partner, offering 5%–15% discounts on the Maldives’ multi-service “super app” for on-demand services. Money & Education: Bank of Maldives introduced a dedicated USD card limit for students abroad to pay visa fees more easily, supported by MMA guidance. Wellness Run: Hideaway Beach Resort launched Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2026, set for 18 September 2026 at Dhonakulhi in Haa Alifu Atoll. Hospitality Spotlight: OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort received Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travellers’ Choice “Best of the Best” recognition.

Tourism & Culture: Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) and the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA) welcomed the first Chinese cruise ship to the Maldives, Viking Yidun, with Boduberu performances and cultural hospitality at Jetty 1, Male—another push to diversify arrivals through cruise tourism. Digital Creative Economy: VMC partnered with Public Service Media (PSM) to expand Creatoll, integrating PSM’s audiovisual archives so Maldivian creators can access and sell authentic visual, documentary, and historical content. Lifestyle & Connectivity: Dhiraagu added eeezap as an Elite Club partner, giving members 5%–15% discounts on the on-demand “super app” for local services like food and grocery delivery. Hospitality & Recognition: OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort earned Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travellers’ Choice “Best of the Best,” placing it among the top 1% of all-inclusive resorts worldwide. Immigration Tech: Japan donated a facial recognition system to Maldives border management to speed up identity checks at entry and exit points. Banking for Students: Bank of Maldives (BML) introduced a dedicated card limit for overseas students to pay student visa fees more easily.