AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Travel: Maldives Immigration has extended the validity of expiring passports free of charge until end-June next year, and will issue one-year emergency passports for short trips to common destinations like India and Sri Lanka, after delays in new passport booklet stock. Disability Support: The Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare extended the Riveli Award application deadline to Sept 17 (13:00), with six categories covering disability services, education, private support, and economic empowerment. Engineering & Youth: President Muizzu announced a dedicated engineering building with advanced lab facilities for research across civil, mechanical, electrical, software, robotics, AI and digital engineering. Local Industry Pride: STELCO marked Engineers’ Day by praising Maldivian engineers and highlighting its all-local engineering workforce and ongoing overseas training. Culture & Lifestyle: Kandima Maldives’ Summer Kamp 2026 brought football talent and art for biodiversity, while Ifuru Island Maldives will host Ripple & Friends (Sept 17–21) blending music, art, wellness, movement and dining. Sports & Community: A Maldives-linked netball highlight emerged from Pakistan’s junior-to-senior pipeline, including a win over Maldives in an Asian youth final. Health Workforce Concern: The Maldives Health Professionals Union warned that changes to expatriate healthcare occupation categories may reduce benefits like dependent visas and higher remittance limits.

Engineering & Education Push: President Khurelsukh announced a dedicated engineering building with advanced lab facilities and R&D support for fields from robotics and AI to aircraft engineering, urging more Maldivian youth into higher engineering studies. SCO Spotlight: President Khurelsukh is set to attend the SCO extended meeting in Bishkek as an observer, with the bloc expanding cooperation across culture, education, science, and security. Engineering Hub for the Future: The new facility is framed as a national development move—research, experimentation, and skills for advanced engineering tracks. Kandima Summer Kamp 2026: Kandima Maldives is leaning into football-led guest activations, featuring freestyle champion Lia Lewis and Portuguese midfielder Paulo Bernardo, plus PlaySpace watch parties and hands-on masterclasses. SIX & SIX x Saint-Tropez Sundowners: SIX & SIX Private Residences partnered with BOAT International’s Saint-Tropez Sundowners to spotlight its Maldives residential vision and lifestyle experiences. Marriott Bonvoy & Saudi National Day: Marriott Bonvoy Maldives resorts are inviting Saudi travellers to celebrate National Day with privacy-focused island stays and tailored experiences. Ifuru Island Music & Art: Ifuru Island Maldives will host Ripple & Friends (17–21 Sept) blending music, live performance, art, wellness, movement, and shared dining. Passport Validity Extension: Maldives Immigration will extend expiring passports free of charge until end-June next year due to delayed booklet supply, with emergency passports for short trips. Women’s Opportunity: First Lady Sajidha Mohamed urged wider women’s participation in national development, highlighting entrepreneurship and skills-building through the Viluntheri Kanbalun programme. Wellness as the Itinerary: Mandara Spa and Chavana Spa rolled out multi-day wellness programmes across Maldives resorts, reflecting a shift from quick treatments to longer, guided recovery journeys. Palestine Advocacy: Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam urged OIC members to move beyond statements and take decisive action on Palestinian rights and accountability.

SAARC Deadlock: Bhutan has nominated Dasho Sonam Topgay to become the next SAARC Secretary General, but consensus from all other member states is still needed as the bloc has gone more than a decade without a summit. Health & Work Rights: The Maldives Health Professionals Union says expatriate healthcare workers were reclassified from “Professional” to “Non-Professional,” risking dependent visas and higher remittance limits—raising alarms for the health system. Palestine Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam urged OIC members to move beyond statements and take decisive, coordinated action on Palestinian rights and accountability, reiterating support for a sovereign Palestinian state on pre-1967 borders. Travel Services: Maldives Immigration will extend expiring passports free of charge until end-June next year due to passport booklet supply delays, with emergency passports for short trips. Culture & Community: Ifuru Island Maldives will host the Ripple & Friends music, art and wellness gathering from 17–21 September. Wellness Trend: Mandara Spa and Chavana Spa both launched multi-day wellness programmes across Maldives resorts, reflecting a shift from quick treatments to full itinerary wellbeing. Tourism Lifestyle: Kandima Maldives’ Summer Kamp 2026 blends football, art and adventure, bringing in international players for guest activations. Governance Appointments: Parliament approved Abdul Azeez Jamal Abubakar as Information Commissioner and Shamoon Hameed to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM). Local Justice: Two people were sentenced to about a month and a half in prison after confessing to the oil attack on activist Mandhy Zubair.

Music & Culture: Ifuru Island Maldives will host Ripple & Friends from 17–21 September, an intimate, island-paced gathering mixing live music, art, wellness, movement, dining and an unplugged jam. Tourism & Lifestyle: Kandima Maldives’ Summer Kamp 2026 leans into “Play, Create, Move,” with football-led activations featuring freestyle champion Lia Lewis and Portuguese player Paulo Bernardo. Wellness Trend: Mandara Spa and Chavana Spa both roll out new multi-day wellness programmes across Maldives resorts, shifting from single treatments to guided, sequenced journeys. Local Governance & Rights: Parliament approved Abdul Azeez Jamal Abubakar as the next Information Commissioner and appointed Shamoon Hameed to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives. Travel Services: Maldives Immigration will extend expiring passports free of charge until end-June next year due to passport booklet stock delays, with emergency passports for short trips. Women’s Participation: First Lady Sajidha Mohamed urged wider opportunities for women through entrepreneurship and skills-building. International Solidarity: Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam pressed OIC members for decisive action on Palestinian rights and accountability. Economy & Society: President Muizzu said foreign exchange reforms are being rolled out “fact based” to tackle the dollar issue, with consultation and orderly implementation.

Local Justice: The Criminal Court sentenced two men to about a month and a half in prison after they confessed to an engine-oil attack on opposition activist Mariyam “Mandhy” Zubair near Woodberry Restaurant in Malé last March. Foreign Affairs: Maldives Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam urged OIC states to act decisively for Palestinian rights, calling out Israel’s occupation and lack of accountability, and reiterating support for a sovereign Palestinian state on pre-1967 borders. Travel & Travel Docs: Maldives Immigration will extend expiring passports free of charge until end-June next year while a new booklet supply is delayed; e-passports remain suspended and emergency one-year passports are available for short trips. Culture & Governance: Parliament approved Abdul Azeez Jamal Abubakar as the next Information Commissioner and appointed Shamoon Hameed to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives. Lifestyle & Wellness: Mandara Spa and Chavana Spa rolled out new one- to seven-day wellness programmes across participating Maldives resorts, reflecting a shift toward longer, more immersive wellbeing breaks. Tourism Spotlight: Kandima Maldives’ Summer Kamp 2026 leaned into football, art and active play, with guest appearances from freestyle champion Lia Lewis and Portuguese footballer Paulo Bernardo.

SIDS & Investment Focus: President Muizzu used the SIDS Global Business Network Forum and Island Investment Forum to push a new global narrative for Small Island Developing States—less “vulnerability only,” more innovation, enterprise, and solutions with real global value. Tourism & Value Pressure: A new tourism analysis flags Sri Lanka’s struggle to turn visitor growth into high-value revenue, contrasting its spending gap with Maldives forecasts—an indirect reminder that yield matters as much as arrivals. Maldives Wellness Trend: Mandara Spa and Chavana Spa both rolled out structured one-, three-, five- and seven-day wellness programmes across Maldives resorts, reflecting a shift from quick spa stops to longer, guided restoration. Resort Culture & Activity: Kandima Maldives’ Summer Kamp 2026 leaned into football, art and adventure, bringing in international players and freestyle talent for guest activations. Local Governance & Rights: Parliament approved Abdul Azeez as the new Information Commissioner and Shamoon Hameed to the Human Rights Commission, with debate around scoring and qualifications. Money Rules for Foreign Workers: Maldives made it compulsory for foreigners to deposit salaries into bank accounts in the employee’s name, tightening enforcement after earlier regulation changes.

Women’s Rights & Community: First Lady Sajidha Mohamed urged wider participation of women in national development, highlighting entrepreneurship and pointing to Islamic principles of equality as the basis for more opportunities. Culture & Governance: Parliament approved Abdul Azeez Jamal Abubakar as the Maldives’ next Information Commissioner, and also appointed Shamoon Hameed to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives with the highest committee marks. Wellness & Lifestyle: Maldives resorts are leaning into longer, more structured wellness stays—Mandara Spa and Chavana Spa both launched multi-day programmes across participating properties, reflecting a shift from quick treatments to whole-trip restoration. Tourism & Family Fun: Kandima Maldives’ Summer Kamp 2026 blended football, art and adventure through guest activations and masterclasses, positioning the island as an active, family-friendly escape. Travel Rules: The Maldives introduced a new requirement for foreign workers to deposit salaries into bank accounts in the employee’s name, with the change set to take effect after publication. Civic Life: Elections Commission President Mohamed Shakeel framed voting as a sacred trust in Islam, urging honesty and accountability on National Voters’ Day.

Wellness Tourism: Mandara Spa and Chavana Spa both roll out new one- to seven-day wellness programmes across Maldives resorts, shifting wellbeing from “a treatment” to a structured, day-by-day journey. Parliament & Rights: Parliament approves Abdul Azeez Jamal Abubakar as the Maldives’ next Information Commissioner, while also appointing Shamoon Hameed to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) after a scored committee review. Local Governance & Culture: The Maldives marks National Day commemoration on Utheemu Island, with Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua urging deeper historical education and unity through shared past. Religion & Heritage: Plans move forward for the Grand Mosque in Hulhumalé as part of the 900th anniversary of the Maldives embracing Islam, with a Qur’an museum and faith-learning facilities. Education & Youth: Bank of Maldives runs an ICT programme for girls in Funadhoo and Milandhoo, encouraging more young women to explore tech careers. Lifestyle & Food: VARU by Atmosphere launches the Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook with private cooking masterclasses spotlighting local ingredients and island culinary heritage. Travel & Society: Foreign workers in the Maldives must deposit salaries into bank accounts opened under Maldives Monetary Authority rules, effective one month after publication.

Governance & Rights: Parliament approved Abdul Azeez Jamal Abubakar as the Maldives’ next Information Commissioner, while also appointing Shamoon Hameed to the HRCM seat after a high-scoring parliamentary committee review. Policy & Economy: President Muizzu says the government’s foreign exchange reforms are research-led and will tackle black-market dollar practices in an orderly way. Culture & Faith: The Maldives plans its largest mosque in Hulhumalé for the 900th anniversary of embracing Islam, with a Qur’an museum and wider faith facilities. Education & Youth: Construction of a new CHSE building is set to begin late this year, and BML ran an ICT programme for girls in Funadhoo and Milandhoo. Wellness & Lifestyle: Four Seasons Kuda Huraa launched ŪRJĀ Naturopathy Island, and Kandima Maldives highlights a growing shift toward wellness-focused holidays. Tourism & Hospitality: Megaworld reorganised its hotel business under a new group structure as it targets nearly 12,000 rooms by 2032. Language & Heritage: The Maldives’ largest English–Dhivehi dictionary was launched, hailed as a major contribution to Dhivehi language and literature.

Human Rights & Gender: Shammoon Hameed tops the parliamentary committee’s scoring for a Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) appointment, with the report highlighting education and relevant experience as the biggest weightings. National Identity & History: Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua attends Maldives National Day commemorations on Utheemu Island, where Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu’s legacy is celebrated and historical education is urged. Work & Migration Rules: Foreign workers in the Maldives must now deposit salaries into bank accounts opened in their own names, with the new rule set to take effect after a one-month grace period. Civic Life: Elections Commission President Mohamed Shakeel marks National Voters’ Day by framing voting as an Islamic trust and a responsibility for shaping the country’s future. Culture & Language: Dr. Hassan Hameed’s Maldives’ largest English-Dhivehi dictionary is officially launched at Maldives National University, praised as a major contribution to Dhivehi language and learning. Islamic Heritage: Plans move forward for the Hulhumalé Grand Mosque, tied to the Maldives’ 900th anniversary of embracing Islam. Education & Youth: BML runs an ICT programme for girls in Funadhoo and Milandhoo, encouraging grades 7–10 to explore tech careers. Wellness & Lifestyle: Four Seasons Kuda Huraa unveils ŪRJĀ Naturopathy Island, positioning holistic healing as more than a spa escape. Hospitality & Dining: VARU by Atmosphere launches the Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook with private cooking masterclasses for guests. Luxury Tourism: Grand Park Kodhipparu earns three World Luxury Awards 2026 nominations across resort, spa, and restaurant categories. Entertainment: Sun Siyam Olhuveli announces Carnival of the Isles, running 21 Dec 2026–8 Jan 2027 across three connected islands.

Immigration & Work Rules: Maldives authorities have made it compulsory for foreign workers to deposit salaries into bank accounts in the employee’s name, with the change set to take effect one month after publication. Civic Life: Elections Commission President Mohamed Shakeel marked National Voters’ Day by framing voting as an Islamic trust and a responsibility tied to integrity and accountability. Culture & Language: The Maldives’ largest English–Dhivehi dictionary, compiled by scholar Dr. Hassan Hameed, was officially launched at Maldives National University, hailed as a major contribution to Dhivehi language and learning. Islamic Heritage: Plans are underway to lay the foundation for the Hulhumalé Grand Mosque as part of the 900th anniversary of the Maldives embracing Islam, with a Qur’an museum and related facilities. Wellness & Lifestyle: Four Seasons Kuda Huraa unveiled ŪRJĀ Naturopathy Island, positioning naturopathy as deeper, education-led restoration rather than a quick spa escape. Education & Youth: BML ran its annual ICT programme for girls in Funadhoo and Milandhoo, introducing career pathways in technology. Hospitality & Food: VARU by Atmosphere launched the Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook with private cooking masterclasses spotlighting local ingredients and island culinary heritage.

National Voters’ Day: Elections Commission chief Mohamed Shakeel urged Maldivians to treat voting as a sacred trust, linking civic duty to Islamic justice and accountability. Foreign Workers’ Pay Rules: Maldives authorities made it compulsory for expatriate employees to deposit salaries into bank accounts opened in their own names, with the change set to take effect one month after publication. Prophet’s Birthday Message: MDA leader Ahmed Siyam Mohamed called on people to reflect on Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) character through daily conduct. Wellness & Food Culture: Four Seasons Kuda Huraa launched ŪRJĀ Naturopathy Island, while VARU by Atmosphere introduced the Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook with private cooking masterclasses. Education & Youth: BML ran an ICT programme for girls in Funadhoo and Milandhoo, and construction of a new CHSE building in Malé is set to begin late this year. Islamic Heritage Landmark: Plans are underway to lay the foundation for the Hulhumalé Grand Mosque as part of the 900th anniversary of embracing Islam. Culture & Lifestyle Critique: A travel writer sparked debate with a blunt “get real” rant calling many “paradise” resort experiences overrated.

Islamic Heritage & Architecture: Maldives plans to lay the foundation for a Grand Mosque in Hulhumalé, linked to the 900th anniversary of the country embracing Islam, with the complex set to include a Qur’an museum and facilities for faith, knowledge and unity. Language & Education: Dr. Hassan Hameed’s English-Dhivehi dictionary—described as the Maldives’ largest and most comprehensive of its kind—was officially launched at Maldives National University, praised as a major contribution to Dhivehi language learning and preservation. Civic Rights & Governance: Transparency Maldives is urging Parliament to reopen the application process for the Information Commissioner post, saying the nominated Abdul Azeez Jamal Abubakr is unsuitable and that the public complaint window was too short. Youth & Tech Access: Bank of Maldives ran its annual ICT programme for girls in Funadhoo and Milandhoo, introducing students in grades 7–10 to ICT and career pathways. Culture Through Food: VARU by Atmosphere unveiled the Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook, pairing Maldivian recipes with private cooking masterclasses for guests. International Spotlight: Maldives President Muizzu and other regional leaders congratulated Bangladesh’s newly elected President Mirza Fakhrul, signaling hopes for stronger bilateral ties.

Education & Language: Maldives’ largest English-Dhivehi dictionary by scholar Dr. Hassan Hameed was officially launched at Maldives National University, with former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom praising the years of meticulous work and its value for students and language learners. Governance & Rights: Transparency Maldives says Parliament should reopen the application process for the Information Commissioner post, arguing nominee Abdul Azeez Jamal Abubakr (Azee) is unsuitable and criticising a very short six-hour window for public complaints. Islamic Heritage: The government plans to lay the foundation for the Hulhumalé Grand Mosque—linked to the 900th anniversary of Maldives embracing Islam—with the complex expected to include a Qur’an museum and other facilities. Youth & Tech: Bank of Maldives ran its annual ICT programme for girls in Funadhoo and Milandhoo, introducing ICT and career pathways for grades 7–10. Justice: A retrial hearing in the 2017 murder of blogger and activist Yameen Rasheed is set for tomorrow after a six-month pause. Health Policy: The Health Ministry is building a five-year tobacco control strategy through stakeholder consultation, including the “Dhen Huttaalamaa” cessation campaign. Culture & Lifestyle: VARU by Atmosphere launched the Kaagé Progressive Maldivian cookbook with private cooking masterclasses featuring local ingredients like skipjack tuna and coconut.

Dhivehi Language & Literature: Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom praised Dr. Hassan Hameed’s newly launched Maldives’ largest English-Dhivehi dictionary as a major, years-in-the-making contribution to Dhivehi language and learning, highlighting its value for students and language learners. Right to Information: Transparency Maldives says Parliament should reopen the application process for the Information Commissioner post, arguing nominee Abdul Azeez Jamal Abubakr (Azee) is unsuitable and that the public complaint window was too short. Islamic Heritage: The government is moving ahead with plans to lay the foundation for the Hulhumalé Grand Mosque as part of the Maldives’ 900th anniversary of embracing Islam, with a complex expected to include a Qur’an museum. Culture & Food: VARU by Atmosphere unveiled the Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook, pairing Maldivian culinary history with private cooking masterclasses featuring local ingredients like skipjack tuna and coconut. Education & Infrastructure: Work on a new seven-storey CHSE building in Malé is set to begin late this year, adding classrooms, science labs, elevators and parking. Public Health: The Cabinet backed a tobacco and nicotine awareness push, including a generational smoking ban via schools, community focal points on every island, and targets to select only tobacco-free athletes for national teams. Regional Spotlight: Maldives President Muizzu congratulated Bangladesh’s newly elected President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, calling the election a milestone and pledging stronger bilateral ties.

Ocean Conservation & Arts: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists were announced, spotlighting everything from recovering sea turtles to orcas and the “Ocean Unseen” focus on tiny marine life—an eye-catching reminder that protecting oceans is urgent. Leadership & Work Culture: Angsana Velavaru GM Ahmed Zahir praised procurement staffer Ali Shareef after he won Procurement Personality of the Year at Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026, highlighting how island resorts depend on careful supply chains. Islamic Heritage & Public Life: The Maldives plans to lay the foundation for a Grand Mosque in Hulhumalé as part of the 900th anniversary of embracing Islam, with a Qur’an museum and facilities planned. Community & Justice: A retrial hearing in the 2017 murder case of blogger and rights activist Yameen Rasheed is set for tomorrow after months of pause. Education & Infrastructure: Work on a new seven-storey CHSE building in Malé is expected to start late this year, adding classrooms, science labs, elevators and more. Health Policy: Government tobacco control is moving forward with a generational smoking ban pushed through schools, plus island-level community focal points. Lifestyle & Travel Buzz: Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Carnival of the Isles returns from 21 Dec 2026 to 8 Jan 2027, bringing island culture, music and entertainment across three connected islands.