AGP Executive Report

Women’s Work: Madifushi Private Island’s initiative is creating jobs for women from nearby Dhiggaru, supporting household incomes while bringing local culture into the guest experience. Heritage: The Maldives has completed an international assessment of seven historic coral-stone mosques in its UNESCO bid; a decision is expected in 2027. Learning: Le Méridien Maldives welcomed 13 children from Naifaru’s Bliss Care Foundation for a day exploring hospitality and hydroponic farming. Media and Creativity: Sun Siyam Media has opened its first regional bureau in Addu, with plans to offer training and opportunities for young people interested in broadcasting. Community Wellbeing: A mental wellbeing centre has opened in Kulhudhuffushi, expanding access to support beyond Malé.

Island Escape: A traveller’s long-awaited Maldives trip to Atmosphere Kanifushi delivered vivid reefs, sunrise encounters with baby sharks and the island scenery behind its bucket-list appeal. Community & Sustainability: Le Méridien Maldives hosted 13 children from Naifaru’s Bliss Care Foundation for a day exploring hospitality and hydroponic farming, introducing young visitors to sustainable food production. Tourism: Cinnamon Dhonveli and Cinnamon Velifushi won three South Asian Travel Awards, including Gold for surf and beach resorts and Silver for a CSR programme. Cultural Heritage: The Maldives has completed UNESCO’s evaluation visits for its bid to list seven historic coral-stone mosques as World Heritage sites; a final decision is expected in 2027.

Heritage: The Maldives has completed international assessments of seven historic coral-stone mosques nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status. The sites were visited by experts, and a decision is expected in 2027. Youth and Sustainability: Le Méridien Maldives welcomed 13 children from Naifaru’s Bliss Care Foundation for a day of island exploration, including a visit to its hydroponic greenhouse. Tourism: Cinnamon Dhonveli and Cinnamon Velifushi won three awards at the South Asian Travel Awards, including Gold for leading surf and beach resorts. Maldives on the World Stage: Fragrance brand KAYALI chose Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa for its first global brand trip, bringing creators and media to experience island hospitality and wellness. Creative Opportunities: Sun Siyam Media has opened its first regional bureau in Addu, offering local coverage and training opportunities for young people interested in media.

Heritage: The Maldives has completed an international assessment of its bid to add seven historic coral-stone mosques to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The final decision is expected in 2027. Island Life: The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives is planning refreshed villas, new dining, family activities and wellness facilities. Media & Youth: Sun Siyam Media has opened its first regional bureau in Addu, combining local news and programming with training opportunities for young people. Faith & Community: Fourteen mosques under construction are expected to open before Ramadan, including three in Hulhumalé. Rasmale’ Debate: Religious scholars have raised concerns about the planned waterfront project’s potential impact on Maldivian culture, Islamic identity and sovereignty; the opposition is also demanding that the government publish the agreement’s terms.

Island Living: The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives plans refreshed villas, new dining, expanded family activities and upgraded wellness and recreation facilities. Creative Opportunities: Sun Siyam Media has opened its first regional bureau in Addu, creating a hub for local news and training young people in media and broadcasting. Religious Life: Fourteen new mosques are expected to open before Ramadan, including three in Hulhumalé. Culture & Identity: The MDP is urging the government to disclose the Eagle Hills deal for Rasmalé and hold a public referendum, amid concerns about the project’s impact on Maldivian culture and identity. Heritage: UNESCO has accepted the Maldives’ nomination dossier for seven historic coral-stone mosques, and an assessment visit is complete; a decision is expected in late 2027. Youth Wellbeing: A study found 28% of surveyed Maldives National University students use e-cigarettes, with use especially prevalent among 18- and 19-year-olds.

Mosques and Heritage: Fourteen new mosques are expected to open across the Maldives before Ramadan, including three in Hulhumalé. Separately, the country has completed UNESCO’s assessment of seven historic coral-stone mosques; a decision on World Heritage status is expected in late 2027. Marine Conservation: Four Seasons Resorts Maldives won a 2026 HICAP award for 25 years of conservation and education, including a Reefscapers project with more than 9,000 coral frames. Rasmale’ Concerns: The Maldivian Scholars Association has urged the government to address potential risks to the country’s Islamic identity, sovereignty and culture from the proposed waterfront and marina development. Creative Industries: Arts and Culture Minister Heena Waleed says the Maldivian film industry earns an average of MVR 15 million a year, with government subsidies helping artists access venues and facilities.

Island Experiences: Siyam World has launched a lagoon-side JetCar cinema, turning movie night into a floating experience. Marine Conservation: Four Seasons Resorts Maldives won a regional award for 25 years of reef restoration, research and conservation education. Rasmale’ Debate: Religious scholars have raised concerns that the proposed waterfront project could affect Maldivian culture, sovereignty and Islamic identity. Cultural Heritage: The Maldives has completed a key assessment stage in its bid to secure UNESCO World Heritage recognition for seven coral stone mosques; a decision is expected in late 2027. Creative Industries: Arts Minister Heena Waleed says the Maldivian film industry generates about MVR 15 million in annual revenue, while state facilities are subsidised to support artists. Community Wellbeing: A new mental wellbeing centre in Kulhudhuffushi will offer early support and help reduce stigma.

Rasmale’ Debate: The Maldivian Scholars Association has asked the Islamic Minister to relay concerns about the waterfront project, including its potential impact on the country’s Islamic identity, sovereignty and culture. Cultural Heritage: The Maldives has completed a key assessment stage in its bid for UNESCO recognition of seven historic coral stone mosques. A decision is expected in late 2027. Creative Industries: Arts Minister Heena Waleed says the film industry generates about MVR 15 million a year, while public subsidies help artists access facilities and showcase their work. Youth Careers: The Cocoon Collection’s roadshow begins on 15 October, visiting five communities to introduce young Maldivians to resort careers and recruit 35 trainees. Wellbeing: A community mental wellbeing centre has opened in Kulhudhuffushi, offering early support and aiming to reduce stigma. Student Health: A study found 28% of Maldives National University students surveyed use e-cigarettes, and called for stronger awareness efforts, especially for young people. Arts: Artist Yakov Khomich will lead masterclasses at Finolhu in November.

Rasmale’ Plans: The government says Israeli nationals and Israeli-controlled entities will be barred from owning property at Rasmale’, where Eagle Hills plans a major waterfront and marina development with hotels, homes and public spaces. Cultural Heritage: The Maldives has completed its assessment stage in a 13-year bid to win UNESCO recognition for seven historic coral stone mosques. A decision is expected in late 2027. Youth Health: A study found 28% of surveyed Maldives National University students use e-cigarettes, with peer influence and tobacco use in the family among associated factors. Researchers call for stronger awareness efforts. Creative Industries: The film industry generates an estimated MVR 15 million a year, Arts Minister Heena Waleed said, noting that the government subsidises facilities used by artists. Mental Wellbeing: A community mental health centre has opened in Kulhudhuffushi to raise awareness and provide early support, particularly for young people.

Cultural Heritage: The Maldives has completed UNESCO’s assessment of seven historic coral-stone mosques, bringing the country closer to recognition of its distinctive Islamic architecture. A decision is expected in late 2027. Youth Health: A study found that 28% of surveyed Maldives National University students use e-cigarettes, with peer influence and family tobacco use among the factors linked to consumption. Researchers recommend targeted awareness programmes. Creative Industries: The film industry generates an estimated MVR 15 million a year, Arts Minister Heena Waleed said, as she outlined government subsidies for facilities used by filmmakers and artists. Mental Wellbeing: A new community hub in Kulhudhuffushi will offer young people early mental health support and help reduce stigma. Arts and Careers: Finolhu will host artist Yakov Khomich for island-based masterclasses in November, while The Cocoon Collection is taking its hospitality careers programme to islands across the Maldives this month.

Creative Industries: Maldivian films generate an average MVR 15 million a year, Arts Minister Heena Waleed said, noting that the government subsidizes cinema, gallery and training facilities for artists. Wellbeing: Kulhudhuffushi has opened Manas Hub, a community center offering early mental health support and working to reduce stigma. Girls & Careers: President Muizzu reaffirmed his commitment to opportunities for girls, while The Cocoon Collection will visit islands nationwide to recruit 35 young people for its hospitality Starter Programme. Arts & Heritage: Artist Yakov Khomich will host masterclasses at Finolhu from November 6 to 12. Travel & Lifestyle: Fulidhoo features on Lonely Planet’s list of 50 places to visit in 2027. Maldivian resorts and tourism businesses also collected South Asian Travel Awards, including Kandooma Maldives as Leading Family Resort and Ocean Group Maldives as Leading Dive Centre/Brand.

Community Wellbeing: Kulhudhuffushi has opened Manas Hub, a community centre offering early mental health support and awareness, with a focus on young people. Youth Opportunities: The Cocoon Collection will take its hospitality career roadshow to islands across the country, aiming to recruit 35 young Maldivians. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu also reaffirmed his commitment to creating opportunities for girls to thrive and become future leaders. Arts & Heritage: Artist Yakov Khomich will lead masterclasses at Finolhu in November, while Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is celebrating Maldivian heritage through its “Roots & Tides” programme. Island Spotlight: Fulidhoo features among Lonely Planet’s 50 recommended destinations for 2027. Sport: Registrations are open for the Dhiraagu Maldives Junior Open badminton tournament, which includes age-group and Para/Special Olympics categories.

Girls’ Opportunities: President Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed his commitment to empowering girls and young women, saying families, communities and public institutions all have a role in helping them thrive. Mental Wellbeing: Kulhudhuffushi has opened Manas Hub, a community center offering early mental health support and working to reduce stigma, particularly among young people. Arts: Artist Yakov Khomich will lead masterclasses at Finolhu from November 6 to 12, turning its Art Lab into a space for creativity and discovery. Hospitality Careers: The Cocoon Collection’s nationwide Starter Programme roadshow will visit five island communities and Malé from October 15 to 24, seeking 35 young people for hospitality careers. Island Travel: Fulidhoo has earned a place on Lonely Planet’s list of 50 destinations to visit in 2027. Tourism Honours: Maldives businesses picked up regional SATA 2026 recognition, including Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu for eco-friendly hospitality, Kandooma Maldives as a family resort, and Ocean Group Maldives as a leading dive brand.

Hospitality Honours: Maldivian resorts and tourism businesses earned fresh recognition: The St. Regis Maldives was named the Indian Ocean’s second-best resort in Condé Nast Traveler’s awards, while Hawks Hotels and Ocean Group Maldives won at the South Asian Travel Awards. Kandooma Maldives took the family-resort title, Fox Resorts was recognised for hospitality development, and JA Manafaru joined the 2026 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection. Careers & Youth: The Cocoon Collection’s Starter Programme roadshow will visit five island communities and Malé from 15 October, aiming to recruit 35 young Maldivians for hospitality careers. Registrations are also open for the Dhiraagu Maldives Junior Open badminton tournament in December. Island Spotlight: Fulidhoo features on Lonely Planet’s list of 50 places to visit in 2027. Heritage & Food: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu celebrated Maldivian heritage with “Roots & Tides,” while Chef Maha showcased Maldivian flavours at Tuna Gala. Ocean Conservation: Dhiraagu and Soneva’s sustainability partnership is supporting coral regeneration in Dharavandhoo.

Hospitality Careers: The Cocoon Collection will take its Starter Programme on a nationwide roadshow from 15 to 24 October, aiming to recruit 35 young Maldivians and introduce them to resort careers. Tourism Recognition: Maldivian operators picked up several South Asian Travel Awards: The Hawks Hotels won Leading Boutique Hotel/Resort, Ocean Group Maldives was named Leading Dive Centre/Brand, and Kandooma Maldives won Leading Family Resort. The St. Regis Maldives was also named the Indian Ocean’s second-best resort at the Condé Nast Traveler Awards. Island Culture: Maldivian flavours took centre stage at Dhaka’s Great Tuna Gala, while Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu celebrated local heritage with its “Roots & Tides” event. Ocean Conservation: Dhiraagu and Soneva’s CSM partnership will support coral regeneration in Dharavandhoo. Arts: Maldivian filmmaker Mohammed Al Kindi won a jury prize at a festival in Georgia.

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.