AGP Executive Report

Youth & Jobs: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu says youth empowerment stays central to government plans, with work on education, employment, entrepreneurship and sports infrastructure, plus expanded mental health support and loan schemes to back young entrepreneurs. Tourism Demand: Maldives Visitor Survey shows India is the biggest source of business travellers, with 55% of Indian arrivals travelling for business; the US follows at 49%, while professionals and private business owners make up 58% of visitors. Aviation & Connectivity: Maldivian airline IASL has signed an LOI with De Havilland Canada for two Twin Otter Classic 300-Gs, reinforcing inter-island links. Health Alert: Maldives health authorities note dengue risk linked to mosquito breeding conditions, urging bite and breeding prevention. Business & Investment: Emerald Corporates and Blue Synergy Investments form a strategic partnership to develop a USD 175M sustainable mega-project in the Maldives. Wellness & Community: Maldives will mark World Wellness Weekend (18–20 Sept) across 47 venues with free activities for guests and locals. Sports & Banking: BML named exclusive banking partner for Maldives Half Marathon 2026, supporting Save the Beach’s reef protection campaign.

Aviation & Connectivity: Maldivian airline IASL signed an LOI with De Havilland Canada for two DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-Gs, reinforcing its inter-island network. Diplomacy: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu received Qatar’s non-resident ambassador credentials and also took in letters of credence from several other envoys, including Cuba, Kosovo, Slovenia, Somalia, Namibia and Fiji—talks focused on tourism, investment, trade, climate and cooperation. Tourism & Resorts: Niva Dhigali unveiled its 2026 festive programme, while Grand Park Kodhipparu launched “Life in Residence” for direct bookings and World Wellness Weekend will bring free activities to 47 Maldives venues in September. Business & Banking: Bank of Maldives is set to modernise core systems with Finastra, and BML rolled out an Aaya update to improve customer banking requests. Luxury Travel Deals: Go Ocean launched private island buyout experiences for fully customised group stays.

Diplomatic Updates: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu received the credentials of Qatar’s non-resident ambassador Hamad bin Mohammed Al Dosari, with both sides stressing deeper cooperation on economy, tourism, investment and infrastructure. More Diplomatic Appointments: Muizzu also received letters of credence from five other non-resident ambassadors—Dominican Republic, Cuba, Kosovo, Slovenia and Somalia—signalling continued push to expand ties across sectors. Energy Security: Maldives inaugurated a 6.4MW solar hybrid system across 25 islands in Raa and Baa, aiming to cut diesel use and emissions while boosting clean power under the outer-islands sustainability project. Banking Digital Upgrade: Bank of Maldives began rolling out updates to Aaya on its mobile and internet banking, changing how customers submit requests for faster support. Tourism & Hospitality: Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives launched “Life in Residence,” a direct-booking offer built around its Grand Residence villa with butler service and a private infinity pool. Travel Access Lists: Henley Passport Index coverage noted Maldives as visa-on-arrival for Nigerian passport holders, alongside a wider set of visa-free and VOA options. Local Tech & Community: Dhiraagu’s DGG x Zero Point Rocket League tournament registration closes Wednesday, with free entry and a MVR 10,000 prize pool. Coral Conservation: Villa Nautica and diveOceanus started a coral restoration and citizen science programme with Finland International School students.

Diplomacy & Regional Ties: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu received credentials from Qatar’s ambassador and also welcomed five more non-resident envoys, with talks focused on expanding cooperation in tourism, investment, infrastructure, healthcare and climate action. Aviation & Connectivity: Maldives and Ethiopia signed an air services agreement to enable scheduled direct flight connectivity, with Ethiopian Airlines already showing interest in launching Addis Ababa–Maldives routes. Tourism Partnerships: Maldives and Qatar discussed boosting investment and tourism cooperation, while the Maldives also held talks with Namibia and Fiji on deeper collaboration across tourism, trade, fisheries and sustainability. Hospitality & Awards: Sheraton Maldives marked the graduation of seven associates from Marriott’s Kurimagu Leadership Programme, highlighting local talent development. Banking Update: Bank of Maldives rolled out updates to Aaya on its mobile and internet banking apps, changing how customers submit requests for faster support. Travel Access (Global): Separate passport news put Maldives on visa-on-arrival lists for Nigerians (44 destinations) and showed the Philippines rising in the Henley Passport Index. Maldives Tourism Product: Villa Nautica and diveOceanus launched a coral restoration and citizen science programme with Finland International School, turning the reef into a living classroom.

Aviation & Connectivity: Maldives and Ethiopia signed an air services agreement that sets the legal framework for scheduled flights, with Ethiopian Airlines showing interest in direct Addis Ababa–Malé services—another push to expand the Maldives’ international network. Energy Transition: The government inaugurated a 6.4MW solar PV hybrid system across 25 islands in Raa and Baa, targeting major diesel savings and lower emissions, with more solar hybrid installations planned under the outer-islands sustainability project. Tourism & Trade: Visit Maldives launched “Visit Maldives Week” in Australia with a three-city roadshow (Perth, Melbourne, Sydney), timed to boost partnerships after Maldivian’s direct flights to Melbourne began in May 2026. Hospitality Talent: Sheraton Maldives celebrated seven graduates from Marriott’s Kurimagu Leadership Programme, highlighting continued investment in local leadership across finance, HR, engineering, and more. Finance & Digital Banking: Bank of Maldives selected Finastra Essence to modernise core banking systems, aiming to speed up product launches and improve efficiency across conventional and Islamic services. Diplomacy: Singapore appointed Sitoh Yih Pin as non-resident High Commissioner to the Maldives and Patrick Daniel as non-resident High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, supporting ongoing bilateral engagement.

Maldives–Ethiopia Aviation: The Maldives signed an air services agreement with Ethiopia, setting the legal framework for scheduled flights and paving the way for direct Addis Ababa–Malé connectivity. Tourism & Markets: China remains the Maldives’ top tourism source market, while Russia also shows strong growth, helping offset a slight overall dip in arrivals. Energy Transition: The government inaugurated a 6.4MW solar hybrid system across 25 islands in Raa and Baa, aiming to cut diesel use and emissions while boosting energy security. Banking Upgrade: Bank of Maldives selected Finastra Essence to modernise core banking and speed up product innovation across conventional and Islamic services. Employment Tribunal: President Muizzu appointed Amjad Musthafa as President of the Employment Tribunal, returning an experienced legal figure to lead labour dispute adjudication. Diplomacy & Media: The Maldives’ High Commissioner to Bangladesh highlighted how media can strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in tourism, culture and investment. Tourism Promotion: Visit Maldives launched an Australia roadshow (Perth, Melbourne, Sydney) to deepen trade partnerships, backed by new Malé–Melbourne direct flights. Sports Broadcast: The Maldives is listed among the broadcast territories for the 2026 Guyana Global Super League, expanding regional coverage. Business Travel Tech: AI-native travel platform 30 Sundays raised Rs. 61 crore in a Series A to expand AI planning and international operations, including the Maldives.

Energy & Climate: Maldives inaugurated a 6.4-MW solar hybrid system across 25 islands in Raa and Baa, aiming to cut diesel use by over 3 million litres and cut CO2 by about 8,400 tonnes yearly, with plans to expand solar hybrids to 160 islands. Banking Modernisation: Bank of Maldives selected Finastra Essence to modernise core banking for both conventional and Islamic services, targeting faster product launches and smoother digital customer experiences. Tourism Growth Watch: Despite an overall dip in arrivals, China and Russia kept growing—China led with 195,363 visitors in the first half (up 14.7%), while Russia rose 17% to 167,314 by July 18. Bilateral Ties (India): India and the Maldives signed MoUs to set up fitness and recreation centres on 42 islands, with a focus on women, girls and youth. Employment Tribunal: President Muizzu appointed Uz Amjad Musthafa as President of the Employment Tribunal, returning an experienced legal professional to the post. Sports Media: GSL confirmed its 2026 broadcast lineup, including Maldives coverage via Sony. Tourism Promotion: Visit Maldives launched “Visit Maldives Week” in Australia with a three-city roadshow to boost trade and marketing, building on new Malé–Melbourne direct flights. Legal/Travel Safety: Parents of a 15-year-old British girl killed on a Maldives trip filed a negligence lawsuit against her school, alleging failures in safety and supervision during a snorkelling fieldtrip.

Maldives-India Development: India’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, G. Balasubramanian, reiterated that infrastructure and skills training remain the backbone of the 60-year partnership, citing projects like the Greater Malé Connectivity Project and airport redevelopments, plus ITEC training for 1,600 Maldivians annually. Fitness for 42 Islands: The two countries also signed MoUs under India’s grant to equip fitness and recreation centres across 42 islands, with a focus on women, girls and youth. Tourism Update: Despite an overall visitor dip, China and Russia kept growing—China led with 195,363 arrivals (up 14.7%) and Russia rose 17%—helping offset declines as resorts hosted the biggest share of stays. Health Watch: The Health Protection Agency reported fewer dengue, influenza and diarrhoea cases in June, but warned dengue transmission is still active in some islands. UK Ties: President Muizzu congratulated UK PM Andrew Burnham and reaffirmed strong Maldives-UK cooperation, thanking Britain for ongoing development support. Safety & Accountability: A British family whose 15-year-old died after a Maldives boat propeller incident has sued her school in Singapore, alleging negligence.

Maldives-India Development: Maldives and India signed MoUs to set up fitness and recreation centres on 42 islands under India’s HICDP grant, with a focus on women, girls and youth. Tourism Trends: A Maldives Visitor Survey 2025 says Gen Z is increasingly shaping tourism, booking closer to departure and relying more on social media, with guesthouses on inhabited islands especially popular. Sports & Community: Dhiraagu Malé Open Swimming Competition 2026 registration closes 31 July, with races at 250m/500m/1km plus a new 500m team relay at Rasfannu. Marine & Safety: Maldives opened its first shark research centre in Fuvahmulah to boost research, education and conservation, as the island promotes shark-diving. Health Watch: HPA reports dengue, influenza-like illness and diarrhoea declined in June, but dengue transmission remains active in some islands. Legal Case: Parents of a teenager who died during a 2024 Maldives school trip have filed a negligence claim against St Joseph’s Institution International (SJII). Business & Skills: Bank of Maldives Academy partners with INCEIF University to expand professional development for BML staff. Tour Guide Training: Secret Paradise Maldives trained community tour guides in Kanditheemu on safer, more responsible tourism. Banking Finance: BML expands Kiyavaa Loan with an unsecured USD option for professional qualification fees. Travel Alerts: DRAP issued an alert over falsified blood cancer medicines found in the Maldives via unauthorized distributors.

Maldives-India Cooperation: The Maldives and India signed an MoU under the HICDP to equip fitness and recreation centres across 42 islands, aiming to boost healthier lifestyles and wider participation, including women and youth. Public Health Watch: The Health Protection Agency reports fewer dengue, influenza-like illness and diarrhoea cases in June than May, but warns dengue transmission is still active in some islands and urges continued mosquito control and hygiene. Banking & Education Finance: Bank of Maldives expanded its Kiyavaa Loan with an unsecured US-dollar financing option for professional qualifications and related fees, with payments remitted directly to institutions. Renewables for Islands: Hanimaadhoo council unveiled plans to install rooftop solar panels on every home, starting with resident surveys and rolling out in phases, with council covering half the installation cost. Marine Spotlight: Maldives opened its first shark research centre in Fuvahmulah to study sharks and strengthen marine education and conservation links. Local Infrastructure: President Muizzu says construction for the first major modernization of Malé’s road network is expected to begin by early 2027, with added drainage and fire hydrant systems. Digital Payments Promo: Dhiraagu Fintech and Sheesha Maldives launched a Honda Air Blade giveaway for DhiraaguPay users, running until 31 Dec 2026.

Marine Conservation & Tourism: Maldives opened its first shark research center in Fuvahmulah, aiming to study sharks, boost marine education, and link scientists, divers and local communities. Local Infrastructure: President Muizzu announced major Malé road redevelopment funded by China, with stormwater drainage and fire hydrants, plus updates on the Boduthakurufaanu Magu corridor. Public Finance: Maldives reported a USD 63.29m budget deficit in the first half of 2026 as spending rose faster than revenue, driven by subsidies and salary harmonisation. Renewables at Home: Hanimaadhoo council plans rooftop solar panels for every home in phases, with residents covering half the installation cost. Disaster Preparedness: Kulhudhuffushi is set to become the Maldives’ first UNESCO “Tsunami Ready” certified community, adding evacuation maps, shelters and mosque loudspeaker alerts. Maritime Safety Training: Alia and MIT completed a 47-participant boat operators training programme focused on regulations, emergency response and engine maintenance. Health & Travel Alerts: UKHSA data shows over 1,000 travel-associated illnesses so far in 2026, including Zika, dengue, malaria and chikungunya, with Maldives linked to some exposures. Global South Media: A Maldives-linked group of young Global South journalists wrapped an 11-day China training on development, digital transformation and green innovation.

Malé Infrastructure: President Muizzu says the first major modernization of Malé’s road network in decades will start no later than early 2027, funded by China, with stormwater drainage, dewatering and an integrated fire hydrant network, plus the next phase of Boduthakurufaanu Magu expected to open soon. Budget Watch: Maldives’ FY2026-27 fiscal update shows a USD 63.29m deficit in the first half as spending rose faster than revenue, driven by nearly doubled subsidies and higher salary harmonization costs. Energy Push: Hanimaadhoo council plans rooftop solar panels for every home, with a phased rollout and a 50/50 cost split between the council and residents. Disaster Preparedness: Kulhudhuffushi is set to become the Maldives’ first community to receive UNESCO “Tsunami Ready” certification, with evacuation maps, marked safe zones, shelter designations and mosque loudspeaker alerts. Maritime Safety: Alia and MIT wrapped a 47-participant 2026 boat operators training programme covering regulations, emergency response, first aid and fire safety. Health Alert (Travel): UKHSA data shows imported Zika, dengue, malaria and other illnesses are rising among travellers, with Maldives linked to some dengue cases. Tourism & Lifestyle: JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll launches an Omakase Cocktail Menu at Nikkei Bar, while Angsana Velavaru announces a week-long Sound Journeys wellness retreat.

Roads & resilience: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu says the first major modernization of Malé’s road network in decades will start no later than early 2027, funded by a China grant, with stormwater drainage, dewatering and an integrated fire hydrant network; a separate phase of Boduthakurufaanu Magu is also set to open next week. Budget pressure: Maldives spending rose faster than revenue in the first half of the year, widening the deficit to USD 63.29m, driven by nearly doubled subsidy costs and higher recurrent wages under salary harmonisation. Energy shift: Hanimaadhoo’s council plans rooftop solar panels for every home in phases, with a 50% cost share from the council and voluntary participation. Disaster preparedness: Kulhudhuffushi is set to become the Maldives’ first community to receive UNESCO “Tsunami Ready” certification, with evacuation maps, marked safe zones, shelter designations and mosque loudspeaker alerts. Health travel watch: UKHSA data shows over 1,000 travel-linked illnesses in 2026 so far, including malaria, dengue, Zika and enteric fever—an extra reminder for travellers heading to the region. Trade talks: India and the Maldives concluded the first round of FTA negotiations in virtual sessions, reporting substantive progress and aiming to fast-track the deal alongside a BIT.

Infrastructure Update: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu says Malé’s first major road modernization in decades will start no later than early 2027, funded by a China grant and designed to cut flooding and boost resilience, while the second phase of Boduthakurufaanu Magu is set to open to traffic next week. Public Finance: A new fiscal report shows spending outpacing revenue in the first half of the year, pushing Maldives into a USD 63.29m deficit as subsidies nearly doubled and salary harmonisation lifted wage costs. Energy & Homes: Hanimaadhoo council plans rooftop solar panels for every home, starting with resident surveys and rolling out in phases, with the council covering 50% and households paying the rest. Disaster Preparedness: Kulhudhuffushi is set to become the Maldives’ first community to receive UNESCO “Tsunami Ready” certification after installing evacuation maps, shelters and a mosque-speaker warning system. Tourism & Trade: India and the Maldives moved closer to a Free Trade Agreement after the first virtual negotiation round, reporting substantive progress across multiple tracks. Banking & Business: Bank of Maldives CEO Mohamed Shareef says the bank’s nationwide reach and strengthened finances position it to support the economy, while Hotelier Maldives announces its GM Forum 2026 theme on resilience and transformation.

UNESCO Disaster Preparedness: Kulhudhuffushi is set to become the Maldives’ first community to receive UNESCO’s “Tsunami Ready” certification, with evacuation maps, marked safe zones, shelter designations and mosque loudspeaker alerts. Maldives-India Trade: India and the Maldives concluded the first round of Free Trade Agreement talks with “substantive progress,” aiming to fast-track market access and investment cooperation. Banking Access & Stability: Bank of Maldives opened seven new branches across all atolls, bringing its network to 55 branches, while CEO Mohamed Shareef warned against unverified claims about USD liquidity that could damage public confidence. Digital Security: Dhiraagu launched “Cyber Protect,” an Eset-powered managed endpoint security service for businesses. Tourism & Hospitality: JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll unveiled an Omakase Cocktail Menu at Nikkei Bar, and Hotelier Maldives announced its GM Forum 2026 theme: “Resilience and Reinvention: Talent, Technology and Transformation.” Resort Updates: Finolhu appointed Harry Green Longin as Marine Biologist to expand coral restoration efforts in Baa Atoll. Travel Policy for Maldivians: Thailand’s visa-free stay for Maldivians is set to return at up to 30 days, after earlier reductions.