AGP Executive Report

Tourism Awards: Kandooma Maldives was named Leading Family Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards, recognising its family offering, including activities for teenagers. Sri Lanka’s Fox Resorts also won SATA’s Leading Hospitality Development Company award at the ceremony in Malé. Island Stays: Maldivian-owned Sun Siyam highlights six all-inclusive resorts across the Maldives and Sri Lanka, with options ranging from family escapes to romantic retreats. Reef Care: Dhiraagu and Soneva Conservation and Sustainability Maldives are launching a community coral restoration programme in Dharavandhoo, training local residents and involving young people in reef monitoring. Maldivian Flavours: Chef Maha Naseer showcased traditional dishes at a Dhaka gala celebrating the Maldives’ tuna heritage and sustainable pole-and-line fishing. Youth and Culture: Registrations are open for the Dhiraagu Maldives Junior Open badminton tournament, while Crunchyroll Manga has launched more than 250 English-language titles for readers in the Maldives.

Family Travel: Kandooma Maldives was named Leading Family Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards, with the resort highlighting new activities for teenagers alongside its kids’ club. Ocean & Conservation: Dhiraagu and Soneva Conservation and Sustainability Maldives are backing community-led coral restoration in Dharavandhoo, including training residents and building a coral nursery. Maldivian Cuisine: Chef Maha Naseer showcased traditional dishes at a Dhaka gala celebrating the Maldives’ tuna heritage and sustainable fishing. Underwater Arts: Machchafushi will host Nikon photographers and international media from 14–17 October to capture the South Ari Atoll’s reefs and marine life. Culture & Entertainment: Crunchyroll Manga has launched in the Maldives, offering more than 250 English-language titles through its app and website. Youth Sport: Registrations are open for the Dhiraagu Maldives Junior Open badminton tournament, set for 13–19 December in Malé.

Youth Sport: Registration is open for the Dhiraagu Maldives Junior Open, bringing local and overseas badminton players aged under 9 to under 19 to Malé in December, with a category for para and Special Olympics athletes. Marine Life: Machchafushi Island Resort will host Nikon photographers and media from 14–17 October to document its house reef and South Ari Atoll marine life. Community Conservation: Dhiraagu and Soneva CSM are backing coral restoration in Dharavandhoo, training residents and establishing a community nursery near Hanifaru Bay. Maldivian Food: Chef Maha Naseer showcased traditional dishes at a Dhaka tuna gala, highlighting the country’s pole-and-line fishing heritage and culinary culture. Island Traditions: Swim Maldives’ first Odin Rashah open-water event filled all places within a day, reviving the tradition of swimming ashore; the series heads to Guraidhoo on 27 November. Resort Recognition: JA Manafaru has been selected for the 2026 MICHELIN Guide hotel collection.

Underwater Discovery: Machchafushi will host a Nikon-led photography experience from October 14 to 17, showcasing its house reef and marine life in the South Ari Marine Protected Area. Resort Recognition: JA Manafaru has been selected for the 2026 MICHELIN Guide hotel collection, recognising its island setting, dining and hospitality. Maldivian Culture Online: Crunchyroll Manga has launched in the Maldives, bringing more than 250 English-language titles to readers. Reef Stewardship: Dhiraagu and Soneva Conservation and Sustainability Maldives are backing community-led coral restoration in Dharavandhoo, including training, a coral nursery and youth activities. Food & Heritage: Chef Maha Naseer presented Maldivian dishes at a Dhaka gala highlighting the country’s tuna traditions and culinary heritage. Island Traditions: Swim Maldives’ first Odin Rashah event brought 50 swimmers and 25 teams to Villimale’ for a 500-metre open-water swim inspired by island life before ports and bridges. Cultural Celebrations: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu plans a festive programme celebrating Maldivian stories, music and food from December 22 to January 7.

Food & Heritage: Maldivian chef Maha Naseer brought traditional dishes to the Great Tuna Gala in Dhaka, where officials also highlighted the country’s sustainable pole-and-line tuna fishery and called for closer tourism and fisheries ties. Island Conservation: Dhiraagu and Soneva Conservation & Sustainability Maldives will train 10–15 Dharavandhoo residents in coral restoration and establish a community nursery, with local NGO Muraka Farm and island residents involved. Sea Traditions: Swim Maldives’ first Odin Rashah open-water event drew 50 swimmers and 25 teams in Villimale’, reviving the island tradition of swimming ashore; the series aims to reach more communities. Education & Wellbeing: On Teachers’ Day, the education minister said work is underway to make schools safer and strengthen mental-health support for teachers and students. Maldivian Culture: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu plans a festive “Roots & Tides” programme from December 22 to January 7, featuring traditional performances, local food and ocean-inspired activities.

Reef Restoration: Dhiraagu, Soneva Conservation and Sustainability Maldives and local partners will train 10–15 Dharavandhoo residents in coral restoration, establish a community nursery and involve young people in protecting reefs near Hanifaru Bay. Maldivian Flavours: Chef Maha Naseer showcased traditional dishes at a tuna gala in Dhaka, where officials highlighted the Maldives’ sustainable pole-and-line fishery, culinary heritage and tourism ties with Bangladesh. Island Traditions: The first Odin Rashah open-water swimming event drew 25 teams and 50 individual swimmers to Villimale’. Inspired by how islanders once swam ashore, the 500-metre race will move to Guraidhoo on November 27. Education: On Teachers’ Day, President Mohamed Muizzu said the government would prioritise teachers’ wellbeing, working conditions and support for inclusive education. Maldivian Heritage: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu will celebrate island traditions, food and music through its “Roots & Tides” festive programme from December 22 to January 7.

Travel & Culture: Swim Maldives wrapped up the first Odin Rashah open-water swim, reviving a traditional island practice with 500m beach-to-boat races and plans to expand the series southward. Maldives Lifestyle: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is set to celebrate “Roots & Tides,” a festive programme built around Maldivian heritage, local flavours, and sea-led island traditions. Hospitality Awards: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands earned Two MICHELIN Keys, moving up from One Key and highlighting its culture-and-conservation approach. Education & Community: Teachers’ Day messages from the Education Ministry and President Muizzu focus on safer schools, teacher wellbeing, and stronger mental health support. Public Services: Maldives Immigration says passport services should return to normal next week after supply delays, with emergency issuance continuing for urgent cases. Family & All-Inclusive: Kandooma Maldives relaunches with a family-first all-inclusive concept, adding new villas and experience inclusions. Sports: Registrations are open for The Maldives LONG RUN 2026 in Hulhumalé on Dec 4.

Immigration Update: Maldives Immigration says passport services should return to normal next week, after a new stock delay and an earlier extension deadline that expired on Sept 27. Road Safety & Youth: A Malaysia crash involving two Maldivian students is under scrutiny after the taxi driver tested positive for methamphetamine. Culture & Family Travel: Kandooma Maldives relaunches with a family-first all-inclusive concept, adding new Family Beach Pool Villas and more included experiences. Hospitality Recognition: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands wins Two MICHELIN Keys, moving up from One Key last year. Maldivian Heritage Fest: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu launches “Roots & Tides,” a festive programme celebrating Maldivian traditions, food and ocean-led experiences. Education Focus: Teachers’ Day messages from Maldives leaders stress safer schools, teacher wellbeing, and stronger parent-teacher cooperation. Community & Rehabilitation: Red Crescent and the Maldives Correctional Service sign an agreement to run training programmes for inmates and prison personnel. Wellness Trend: Amilla Maldives announces autumn wellness residencies, blending Traditional Chinese Medicine with holistic coaching. Sports: Registrations open for The Maldives LONG RUN 2026 in Hulhumalé on Dec 4. Media Responsibility: MMBC urges broadcasters to share news responsibly on National Broadcasting Day.

Teachers’ Day Focus: Maldives leaders used International Teachers’ Day to push safer schools and teacher wellbeing, with the Education Minister highlighting mental health support and President Muizzu promising priority to teachers’ working conditions and inclusive education. Road Safety & Daily Life: The Greater Male’ Transport and Mobility Office and Police met to tackle rising traffic accidents, especially in Hulhumalé, aiming for stronger cooperation on road safety. Wellness & Lifestyle: Amilla Maldives announced autumn 2026 wellness residencies, while National Geographic Traveller spotlighted a wider Indian Ocean shift toward more immersive, nature-led wellness experiences. Culture & Community: MMBC urged responsible broadcasting on National Broadcasting Day, stressing Islamic values, Maldivian identity and accurate information. Family Travel & Resorts: Kandooma Maldives relaunched with an experience-led all-inclusive concept built around family stays, and Grand Park Kodhipparu rolled out “Celebrate More, Feel More” for Oct–Dec 2026. Social Support & Inclusion: The President personally stepped in after reports a child with down syndrome was rejected by five schools, and the Red Crescent and Correctional Service signed an agreement to train inmates and prison personnel. Crime & Enforcement: Police reported arrests over illegal liquor production in Malé, and a Maldivian received a 20-year sentence in Vietnam for drug smuggling. Sports & Events: Registrations opened for The Maldives LONG RUN 2026 in Hulhumalé on Dec 4.

Road Safety in Greater Malé: The Transport and Mobility Office and Maldives Police met to tackle rising traffic accidents, with Hulhumalé flagged as the hotspot and cooperation plans aimed at safer roads. Teachers’ Day Focus: Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu said schools are being made safer and happier, with stronger mental health support; President Muizzu added that teachers’ wellbeing and inclusive education for children with disabilities will be prioritized. Parent-Teacher Partnership: Sun Siyam Group chairman Ahmed Siyam urged parents to work hand-in-hand with teachers and back their religious and national duty. Teacher Recognition Story: A Maldivian-linked teaching legacy made headlines as a national award recipient reflected on family generations of education. Inclusive Education Case: President Muizzu personally stepped in after a child with down syndrome was reportedly rejected by five schools, calling for better support and trained teachers. Rehabilitation Training: Maldivian Red Crescent and Maldives Correctional Service signed an agreement to run training for inmates and prison personnel to support reintegration. Liquor Crackdown: Police arrested two Indian nationals in Malé over illegal liquor production and sales, seizing 906 bottles and cash. Real Estate Law Clarification: Attorney General Ahmed Usham said the new real estate law is not drafted for Eagle Hills specifically, aiming to build a market separate from tourism. Culture & Lifestyle: Resorts rolled out fresh family and festive experiences, from Kandooma’s new all-inclusive family chapter to Grand Park Kodhipparu’s “Celebrate More, Feel More” seasonal campaign. Community Events: Registrations opened for The Maldives LONG RUN 2026 in Hulhumalé on Dec 4.

Rehabilitation & Rights: The Maldivian Red Crescent and the Maldives Correctional Service signed an agreement to run training for inmates and prison personnel, aiming to boost skills and support reintegration through religious education, literacy, ICT, vocational training, and counselling. Broadcasting & Culture: The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission marked National Broadcasting Day by urging responsible news sharing, highlighting broadcasting’s role in protecting Islamic values and Maldivian identity. Education Access: President Muizzu said he will personally look into the case of a child with down syndrome reportedly rejected by five schools, after meeting the child and her mother. Tourism & Family Lifestyle: Kandooma Maldives rebranded after 17 years as Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma, launching an experience-led all-inclusive concept with new family villas and added activities. Hospitality & Food: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa unveiled its Masters of Food & Wine series, bringing six Michelin-starred chefs to “Our Living Island” from Oct 2026 to Apr 2027. Sports & Community: Registrations opened for Maldives LONG RUN 2026 in Hulhumalé on Dec 4, with 5K to full marathon distances. Energy & Sustainability: RAH GILI MALDIVES highlighted its 2MW solar installation as part of a hybrid power model to cut diesel dependence.

Sports & Community: Registrations are open for The Maldives LONG RUN 2026 in Hulhumalé on Dec 4, with 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Full Marathon distances aimed at both first-timers and seasoned runners. Media & Culture: The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission marked National Broadcasting Day by urging responsible news sharing, highlighting broadcasting’s role in protecting Islamic values, Maldivian identity and culture. Family Tourism: Kandooma Maldives has relaunched after 17 years as Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma, unveiling a refreshed experience-led all-inclusive concept with new Family Beach Pool Villas and added family activities. Human Rights: President Muizzu appointed Shamoon Hameed, H. Minaz, to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, with a background in HRCM investigations and child-rights work. Resort Leadership: Cora Cora Maldives promoted Muizz Mohamed to General Manager effective Oct 1, 2026, citing his focus on equal opportunities and guest experience. Food & Lifestyle: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa announced its Masters of Food & Wine Series (Oct 2026–Apr 2027), bringing six Michelin-starred chefs for seasonal culinary chapters. Education Inclusion: President Muizzu said he will personally look into a case of a child with down syndrome reportedly rejected by five schools. Hospitality Tech: MIRA launched the Maldives Guest Information System (MGIS) to help guesthouses and tourism businesses submit guest information more efficiently.

Culinary Culture: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa launches its Masters of Food & Wine Series, bringing six MICHELIN-starred chefs to “Our Living Island” from Oct 2026 to Apr 2027, with each chapter tied to seasonal celebrations and local ingredients. Heritage & Identity: A new Maldives-focused MasterChef Sri Lanka destination episode spotlights Maldivian cuisine, culture and hospitality for a regional audience. Tourism & Hospitality: Kandooma Maldives rebrands from Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, rolling out an experience-led, family-friendly all-inclusive refresh with new villa options and private pools. Sustainability in Style: RAH GILI MALDIVES highlights a large-scale 2MW solar installation and hybrid power model aimed at cutting diesel dependence. Inclusive Education: President Muizzu personally steps in after a child with down syndrome was reportedly rejected by five schools, pushing for stronger support in education. Digital Governance: Maldives Inland Revenue Authority launches the Maldives Guest Information System (MGIS) to streamline guest data reporting for guesthouses and tourism businesses. Geopolitics & Memory: A deep dive revisits the Chagos dispute, now including the Maldives’ own historical claim tied to Foalhavahi.

Masters of Food & Wine: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa launches a six-chef MICHELIN-star series running Oct 2026–Apr 2027, with each chapter tied to seasonal moments and local Maldivian ingredients. UNGA 81 Explainer: A look at what South Asian countries told the world at the UN General Assembly—climate justice, conflict diplomacy, AI sovereignty, and UN reform, with no single regional agenda. Tourism & Culture Spotlight: Maldives features in a special destination episode of MasterChef Sri Lanka on 3 Oct, highlighting Maldivian cuisine and hospitality for a regional audience. Inclusive Education: President Muizzu steps in after a child with down syndrome was reportedly rejected by five schools, raising questions about real inclusion and support in both private and public systems. Energy & Sustainability: RAH GILI MALDIVES shares how a large-scale 2MW solar installation is reducing diesel dependence as part of its hybrid power model. Resort Updates: Kandooma Maldives rebrands with a refreshed, experience-led all-inclusive concept, while Coco Bodu Hithi rolls out “Island Glow” festive programming. Digital Tourism Admin: MIRA launches the Maldives Guest Information System (MGIS) to streamline guesthouse and tourism reporting and link data to state financial institutions.

Wellness Trends in the Indian Ocean: A new wave of Maldives-style wellness is moving beyond spa menus—full-moon rituals, ocean-tide practices and deeper body diagnostics are becoming the “encounter” travellers want. Inclusive Education: President Muizzu says he will personally look into a Maldivian child with down syndrome reportedly rejected by five schools, after the family raised concerns about real support and trained teachers. Resort Culture & Family Life: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is leaning into Maldivian heritage and daily wellness as part of an expanded all-inclusive experience, while Coco Bodu Hithi’s “Island Glow” festive programme brings together local food, music and ocean adventures. Energy & Sustainability: RAH GILI MALDIVES highlights a large-scale 2MW solar installation as part of its hybrid power model to cut diesel dependence. Tourism Tech for Guesthouses: MIRA launched the Maldives Guest Information System (MGIS), a centralized platform to help guesthouses submit tourist data and link it with state financial systems. Hospitality Updates: Kandooma Maldives begins a new experience-led all-inclusive chapter under its refreshed brand.

Education & Inclusion: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu says he will personally look into reports that a Maldivian child with down syndrome was rejected by five schools, after meeting the girl and her mother on the “Rayyithunge Adu” programme. Tourism Tech: MIRA launched the Maldives Guest Information System (MGIS), a centralized digital platform to help guesthouses and tourism businesses submit guest information more efficiently and link it with state financial institutions. Diplomacy: Japan marked 10 years of its Maldives embassy with a ceremony in Malé, featuring speeches on closer cooperation and consular services. Resort Culture & Festivities: Coco Bodu Hithi rolls out “Island Glow” for 22 Dec–7 Jan, blending Maldivian traditions, music, coral planting and family activities. Sustainability in Hospitality: RAH GILI MALDIVES highlighted a large-scale 2MW solar installation with battery storage to cut diesel dependence. Brand & Family Travel: Kandooma Maldives begins a new chapter with a refreshed, experience-led all-inclusive concept and new family villas. Travel Infrastructure: Maldivian opened its modernised seaplane terminal with lounges, a children’s play area and a Maldivian-branded kiosk.