AGP Executive Report

Diplomacy: Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu sent congratulations to newly elected Bangladesh President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, calling the vote a major democratic milestone and reaffirming strong Maldives–Bangladesh ties for regional stability and deeper cooperation. Education & Youth: Work on a new seven-storey Centre for Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) building in Malé is set to start late this year, with 15 classrooms and science labs planned. Justice: A retrial hearing in the 2017 murder case of blogger and rights activist Yameen Rasheed is scheduled for tomorrow after months of pause and legal back-and-forth. Public Health: The government is pushing a tobacco control strategy through consultations and research, including a generational smoking ban routed via schools and expanded cessation support. Community & Migration: Hinnavaru’s local council will charge an MVR 2,000 administrative fee from September 1 for residents seeking to deregister from the island. Culture & Faith: Maldives and Saudi Arabia discussed hosting an international Quran competition in the Maldives, aiming to strengthen religious cooperation. Lifestyle & Travel: Sun Siyam Olhuveli announced Carnival of the Isles for 21 Dec 2026–8 Jan 2027, with island culture and major entertainment headliners. Hospitality: Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives earned three 2026 World Luxury Awards nominations across resort, spa, and restaurant categories.

Luxury & Travel Buzz: Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives picked up three 2026 World Luxury Awards nominations, spanning resort, spa and FireDoor restaurant, while Sun Siyam Olhuveli announced its Carnival of the Isles runs 21 Dec 2026–8 Jan 2027 with big-name entertainment. Food & Lifestyle: JA Manafaru is rolling out Kuri, a treetop dining experience built around Maldivian ingredients and a zero-kilometre tasting menu. Culture & Community: Maldives is pushing tobacco control harder through the “Dhen Huttaalamaa” cessation campaign, with cabinet-backed plans for a generational smoking ban via schools and island-level focal points. Education & Research: Maldives National University’s Theveli International Conference opened with a record 330 research papers, and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed urged innovation that serves people, including women and girls in science. Sports & Society: FIFA handed Bangladesh players 15-match and two-match suspensions after the Maldives-Bangladesh brawl. Local Governance: Hinnavaru council introduced a MVR 2,000 fee from 1 Sept for deregistering from the residential registry.

Quran & Faith: South Asian Muslim contestants, including winners from Bangladesh, Burma, Maldives and Sri Lanka, shone at Saudi Arabia’s 46th King Abdulaziz International Quran competition in Makkah, taking nine prizes across men’s and women’s categories. Research & Education: Bank of Maldives (BML) named Platinum Partner of IUM’s ICIA 2026 (Aug 30–31), backing a “Building a Learning Society for Sustainable Development” conference with a full workshop on Aug 29. Health & Lifestyle: The government is consulting widely to roll out its five-year national tobacco control push, including the “Dhen Huttaalamaa” cessation campaign and plans for a generational tobacco ban. Culture & Community: After 35 years in education, Kalaafaanu School principal Nazleen Wafir retires on Aug 31, marking a major milestone for the island’s school leadership. Sports & Society: Cabinet decisions include targets to select only tobacco-free athletes for national teams, alongside island-level community focal points to strengthen grassroots awareness. Tourism & Food: JA Manafaru expands luxury with a new treetop dining concept, Kuri, spotlighting Maldivian ingredients and culinary heritage.

Education & Innovation: Maldives National University opened Theveli International Conference 2026 with a record 330 research papers, spotlighting science, health, gender equality and AI, while First Lady Sajidha Mohamed urged innovation that serves people and includes women and girls. Youth & Food Security: UN FAO and Sri Lanka’s education and finance partners launched the World Food Day 2026 Youth Innovation Challenge, pushing university teams to fix agrifood systems. Religious & Community Life: Maldives and Saudi Arabia discussed hosting an international Qur’an competition in the Maldives, and Sheikh Abu Taymiyyah is set for nine days of youth-focused religious events across Malé, Addu and Fuvahmulah. Public Health & Safety: Hinnavaru introduced an MVR 2,000 fee for deregistering from the residential registry, while a school canteen in Vilingili was temporarily shut after rats were seen on food. Sports & Society: The Cabinet moved to select only tobacco-free athletes for national teams, and FIFA handed Bangladesh players 15-match bans after the Maldives clash. Culture & Lifestyle: JA Manafaru launched Kuri, a treetop dining experience celebrating Maldivian ingredients and cuisine. Travel & Tourism: Visit Maldives Corporation signed as aviation partner for World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean 2026, hosted in the Maldives.

Religious & Community Life: Maldives and Saudi Arabia discussed hosting an annual international Qur’an competition in the Maldives, with Islamic Affairs ministers also pointing to wider religious cooperation during President Muizzu’s tenure. Public Health & Youth: The Cabinet approved a generational smoking ban push through schools, plus island-level community focal points and targets involving youth and sports figures, alongside plans to select only tobacco-free athletes for national teams. Local Governance: Hinnavaru introduced a MVR 2,000 administrative fee for residents seeking to deregister from the island’s residential registry, starting 1 September. Education & Research: MNU opened the ninth Theveli International Conference with 330 research papers from the Maldives and 25 other countries, spanning science, health, gender equality, peace and AI. Sports & Discipline: FIFA handed Bangladesh forward Al Amin a 15-match suspension and Mirajul Islam a two-match ban over the Maldives-Bangladesh brawl. Food Safety: A school canteen in GA. Vilingili was temporarily shut after rats were seen on food display racks. Culture & Lifestyle: JA Manafaru launched Kuri, a treetop dining experience celebrating Maldivian cuisine with a zero-kilometre ingredient approach. Tourism Industry: Visit Maldives Corporation and Maldives Airports Company signed on as aviation partner for the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean 2026 in September.

Tobacco crackdown: The Maldives Cabinet backed a school-led generational smoking ban, with island community focal points and targets to select tobacco-free athletes for national teams. Migration & SIM rules: Unskilled migrant workers will be limited to one SIM card, with extra SIMs only via police-cleared cases, as government steps up irregular worker monitoring. Education & health: A school canteen in GA. Vilingili was temporarily shut after rats were seen on food displays. Research push: MNU opened Theveli 2026 with a record 330 research papers from the Maldives and 25 countries, spanning science, health, gender, education and AI. Digital future: Visit Maldives Corporation will host the inaugural Digital Ownership Summit on 12 Dec 2026 on tokenised assets and digital ownership. Tourism & lifestyle: JA Manafaru unveiled Kuri, a treetop dining experience celebrating Maldivian cuisine, while Velaa Private Island redesigned its Ocean Pool House. Sports discipline: FIFA handed Bangladesh striker Al Amin a 15-match ban and another player a two-match suspension over the Maldives-brawl incident. Community fitness: Physio Solutions opened registration for PS Relay 2026 at Hulhumalé Central Park on 12 Sept.

Tourism Recognition: PATA has named MICE Bhutan CEO Lizam Dorji the 2026 PATA Face of the Future Grand Winner, spotlighting next-gen, sustainability-led leadership across Asia-Pacific travel. Education & Research: Maldives National University opened the ninth Theveli International Conference with a record 330 research papers from the Maldives and 25 other countries, spanning topics from climate and AI to gender and education. Digital & Policy Moves: The Cabinet decided to limit unskilled migrant workers to a maximum of one SIM card, with extra cards only via a police-cleared process, as part of efforts to regularise foreign workers. Cyber-to-Real-World Risk: A new warning highlights how cyber insurance gaps can leave factory damage and production shutdowns uncovered when ransomware reaches the physical floor. Culture & Food Experience: JA Manafaru launched Kuri, a treetop dining concept celebrating Maldivian cuisine with a small, intimate tasting format rooted in local ingredients. Community & Health: A school canteen in Vilingili was temporarily shut after rats were seen on food display racks, following a viral clip and a public health inspection. Sports Discipline: FIFA handed Bangladesh striker Al Amin a 15-match ban over the Maldives-Bangladesh brawl, with another player also suspended. Tech for Tourism: Visit Maldives Corporation will host the inaugural Digital Ownership Summit in December, exploring tokenised real-world assets for tourism and infrastructure.

Innovation & Education: First Lady Sajidha Mohamed opened Theveli International Conference 2026 at Maldives National University, saying real innovation only matters when it serves people—especially through better education, healthcare, and livelihoods—and urged women and girls to lead in science and technology. School Health & Safety: A school canteen at GA. Atoll Education Center in Vilingili was temporarily shut after rats were seen crawling over food display items, following a viral video and a public health inspection. Religious Events for Youth: UK-based Islamic scholar Sheikh Abu Taymiyyah is set to arrive for a nine-day “Enlighten” programme by Mahaldheeb Foundation, with sessions across Malé, Addu, and Fuvahmulah including youth, women-focused events, and public lectures. Sports Discipline: FIFA banned Bangladesh striker Al Amin for 15 matches after a confrontation involving the Maldives during a four-nation tournament in June. Culture & Heritage: President Muizzu inaugurated “Vaahaka Vau,” a walk-through heritage park in Utheemu depicting Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu’s independence struggle, alongside the Boduthakurufaanu Handhaanee Dhoroashi monument. Tourism Spotlight: Visit Maldives Corporation partnered with Maldives Airports Company Limited as aviation partner for the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean 2026, hosted at Crossroads Maldives on 27 September. Digital Future: Visit Maldives Corporation announced the inaugural Digital Ownership Summit 2026 in December, exploring how tokenised real-world assets could shape tourism and infrastructure under Maldives 2.0. Community Wellness: Physio Solutions opened registration for “PS Relay 2026” at Hulhumalé Central Park on 12 September, a five-person team relay promoting active lifestyles.

Food & Travel Culture: The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo spotlights how today’s luxury travellers increasingly plan holidays around serious dining, not just villas—raising the stakes for resort restaurants. Hospitality Business: IHG and Harilela Group signed a three-hotel deal bringing The Hari London, The Hari Hong Kong, and a conversion of Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre into The Hari Singapore under Vignette Collection. Maldives in the Spotlight: A Maldivian student pilot injured in a Spain crash is reported in stable condition after surgery, while an investigation into the crash is underway. Education & Health: Universal Foundation awarded four 2026 medical scholarships to support specialist training aligned with Maldives’ healthcare needs. Sports & Community: Physio Solutions opened registration for “PS Relay 2026” at Hulhumalé Central Park on 12 September, with team and individual prizes. Culture & Heritage: President Muizzu inaugurated Vaahaka Vau and the Boduthakurufaanu Handhaanee Dhoroashi in Utheemu, using immersive heritage storytelling to preserve national identity. Diplomacy: Jameela Ali Khalid was nominated as Maldives’ next high commissioner to the UK. Digital Future: Visit Maldives Corporation partners with CEGStake AG to host the inaugural Digital Ownership Summit 2026 on 12 December, focused on tokenised assets and tourism.

National Day Heritage: President Muizzu inaugurated “Vaahaka Vau” and the Boduthakurufaanu Handhaanee Dhoroashi in Utheemu, using immersive walk-through storytelling and mosque-inspired pillars to keep Ghaazee Bandaarain’s legacy alive through culture-led heritage tourism. Diplomacy & Representation: Jameela Ali Khalid was nominated as Maldives’ new high commissioner to the UK, following the reshuffle that elevated former envoy Iruthisham Adam to foreign minister. Digital Economy & Tourism: Visit Maldives Corporation announced the inaugural Digital Ownership Summit 2026 in December, exploring how tokenised real-world assets could shape the future of resorts, infrastructure and investment under Maldives 2.0. Healthcare & Education: Universal Foundation awarded four 2026 medical scholarships to address specialist shortages, while Bank of Maldives urged customers to contact the bank if exam payments fail due to merchant coding issues. Sports & Community: Physio Solutions opened registration for “PS Relay 2026” at Hulhumalé Central Park on Sept 12, a five-person, five-kilometre team run with cash prizes. Culture & Lifestyle: Velaa Private Island unveiled a redesigned Ocean Pool House, and Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa begins its evolution into Mondrian Maldives. International Spotlight: A Maldivian student pilot injured in a Spain crash has undergone surgery and is in stable condition as investigators look into the cause.

Shark-safety warning: Maldives-linked coverage highlights how influencers are being urged to stop chasing “perfect” shark selfies after a rise in bites, with experts pointing to people swimming too close, touching, or even riding sharks. Community sport: Physio Solutions has opened registration for “PS Relay 2026” at Hulhumalé Central Park on Sept 12, with teams of five running 1km each, cash prizes, and limited slots. Diplomatic appointment: Jameela Ali Khalid has been nominated by President Muizzu as Maldives’ new high commissioner to the UK, moving from ambassador-at-large and prior education/media roles into top envoy work. Digital economy push: Visit Maldives Corporation will host the inaugural Digital Ownership Summit 2026 on Dec 12, exploring tokenised assets for tourism and infrastructure under Maldives 2.0. Heritage in Utheemu: President Muizzu inaugurated “Vaahaka Vau” and the Boduthakurufaanu Handhaanee Dhoroashi, walk-through heritage projects designed to preserve national history and link it to tourism. Women’s policy voice: A new national platform will bring women’s perspectives into policy-making, feeding atoll and city concerns into an Annual Women’s Policy Agenda. Education payments help: Bank of Maldives says exam and education online payments may be declined due to merchant coding, and asks customers to contact the bank for correct classification. Football legacy: Saanthi (Ihusan Abdul Ghanee) received a posthumous National Award for decades of coaching and training in Maldivian football.

Diplomacy & Representation: Jameela Ali Khalid has been nominated by President Muizzu to become Maldives’ new high commissioner to the UK, after the previous envoy was moved to the foreign ministry in a cabinet reshuffle. Digital Economy & Tourism: Visit Maldives Corporation will host the inaugural Digital Ownership Summit 2026 on 12 December at CROSSROADS Maldives, exploring tokenised real-world assets and how they could shape tourism, infrastructure and investment under “Maldives 2.0”. Human Rights Governance: Two names—Samaau Ahmed Najeeb and Shamoon Hameed—have been submitted to Parliament for appointments to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, with priority reportedly given to Shamoon. National Heritage: President Muizzu inaugurated “Vaahaka Vau” in Utheemu, a walk-through heritage park and “Boduthakurufaanu Handhaanee Dhoroashi” honouring the heroes of the independence struggle. Culture & Awards: Football coach Ihusan “Saanthi” has received a posthumous National Award of Recognition, while litterateur Ahmed Shakir (“Kashima Shakir”) was conferred the Order of Dhiyamigili Dynasty. Women’s Participation: A new national platform will feed women’s voices into policy-making, translating atoll and city concerns into an Annual Women’s Policy Agenda. Education Access: Bank of Maldives says online exam payments may be declined due to merchant coding, and urges customers to contact the bank for correct classification. Hospitality Spotlight: Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva Secret were named to Forbes Travel Guide’s Edge List 2026. Tourism Branding: Visit Maldives Year 2027 unveiled “Islands Are Us” as its official theme. Lifestyle & Travel: Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa is rebranding to Mondrian Maldives, positioning the change as “evolution, not revolution.”

National Day Heritage: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated “Vaahaka Vau” in Utheemu, a walk-through heritage park telling Boduthakurufaanu’s independence struggle, and also unveiled the Boduthakurufaanu Handhaanee Dhoroashi with six pillars symbolising the six heroes—both projects aim to preserve national identity and link heritage with tourism. Sports & Culture Honors: The President also presented national recognition awards during the same National Day programme, including posthumous recognition for football coach “Saanthi” (Ihusan Abdul Ghanee) and honors for Maldivian litterateur Ahmed Shakir (Kashima Shakir). Women & Policy: A new national platform will bring women’s voices into policy-making, turning atoll and city concerns into an Annual Women’s Policy Agenda. Education Access: Bank of Maldives issued guidance for customers whose online education payments (like exam fees) get declined due to merchant coding, urging people to contact the bank for correct classification. Tourism Branding: Visit Maldives Year 2027 unveiled “Islands Are Us” as its theme, positioning island life, culture, nature and hospitality under one campaign identity. Global Spotlight: India’s Independence Day “Suryapath Tiranga” relay included Maldives among 54 Indian missions/posts, with the tricolour hoisted across time zones from Fiji to San Francisco. Lifestyle Buzz: A viral shark-bite story highlights how influencers’ close encounters with sharks are raising safety concerns.

Islam & Lawmaking: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu says his administration will submit new legislative changes to ensure no laws contradict Islam, calling for a stronger system to check religious alignment. National Culture & Sports: Football coach Ihusan Abdul Ghanee “Saanthi” receives a posthumous National Award of Recognition, while litterateur Ahmed Shakir “Kashima Shakir” is conferred the Order of the Dhiyamigili Dynasty for decades of work in Dhivehi literature and history. Luxury Travel Spotlight: Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva Secret make Forbes Travel Guide’s 2026 Edge List, highlighting “Curated Journeys” across Maldives nature and culture. Education Access (Lifestyle/Practical): Bank of Maldives urges customers facing failed online payments for exam fees and education services to contact the bank so merchants can be correctly classified. Women’s Participation: A new national platform will bring women’s voices into policy-making, feeding island-level concerns into an Annual Women’s Policy Agenda. Tourism Branding: “Islands Are Us” is unveiled as the theme for Visit Maldives Year 2027, positioning island life as the country’s shared identity. Community & Youth: President Muizzu reiterates youth empowerment goals on International Youth Day, stressing education-to-work opportunities and national apprenticeship and service programmes. Resort Festivities: Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives announces four festive island celebrations for the Christmas and New Year season.

Banking & Education Payments: Bank of Maldives (BML) says some exam and education payments (including IELTS) may be auto-declined because merchants are coded as non-education or left uncategorised; customers who face failed transactions are urged to contact BML with details so the merchant can be correctly classified, with the bank stressing daily limits are meant to protect foreign currency availability without blocking essential education, healthcare, and critical subscriptions. Tourism Branding: Visit Maldives Year 2027 gets its official theme, “Islands Are Us,” unveiled at VMC’s Q3 2026 briefing, tying the campaign to island identity, culture, nature, and experiences beyond the usual sun-sea-sand image. Women in Policy: The Ministry of Social and Family Development launches a national platform to bring women’s voices into policy-making, turning atoll and city concerns into an Annual Women’s Policy Agenda as part of President Muizzu’s pledge. Youth & Education Funding: Student loan spending is down sharply—only 15.7% of this year’s student loan budget has been disbursed so far, with the Finance Ministry citing MVR 776.6m allocated and just MVR 121.8m released as of Aug 6. Community & Learning: BML completes seven staff-led Community Impact Grant projects across education and environmental initiatives, including reading and study areas, school play and walkway upgrades, and a student resource hub at Dharumavantha Hospital. Sports & Fitness: Dhiraagu opens registration for the Dhiraagu Maldives Road Race 2026 on 20 November at Hulhumalé Central Park, adding new corporate, resort, running club, and university team categories plus cash prizes. Health Partnerships: Maldives’ Health Ministry signs an MoU with Suwasevana Hospitals in Sri Lanka to place 20 Maldivian medical graduates in clinical internships each year. Public Safety: Maldives Police report seizing 144kg of narcotics and arresting 1,875 people during drug enforcement operations in the first seven months of the year. Legal Appointments: Five judges are sworn in for the Civil and Criminal Courts, with appointments including two additional civil judges and two additional criminal judges. Hospitality Leadership: Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa appoints Mark Eletr as General Manager, bringing 30+ years of island and international hospitality experience.

Judicial Appointments: Five judges were sworn in at Maldives’ Civil and Criminal Courts, with new appointments adding capacity across both benches. Women’s Participation in Policy: A new national platform is set up to bring women’s voices into policy-making, translating island-level concerns into an Annual Women’s Policy Agenda. Tourism Identity: Visit Maldives Year 2027 unveiled its theme, “Islands Are Us,” aiming to spotlight Maldivian culture, nature and hospitality beyond the usual sun-and-sea image. Sports & Community: Dhiraagu opened registration for the Dhiraagu Maldives Road Race 2026 (20 Nov), adding new team categories for corporate, resorts, running clubs and colleges. Public Safety: Maldives Police reported seizing 144kg of narcotics and arresting 1,875 people in counter-narcotics operations over the first seven months. Education & Youth: President Muizzu reaffirmed youth empowerment on International Youth Day, stressing education-to-work opportunities through programmes like apprenticeships and national service. Hospitality Careers: Centara Maldives partnered with the SAILS Project to build hospitality talent pipelines via apprenticeships, internships and an open day in Malé. Faith & Giving: The Islamic Waqf Fund collected over MVR 3 million in donations via MIRA’s website donation links this year. Health Sector Link: Maldives and Sri Lanka signed an MoU to place 20 Maldivian medical graduates in clinical internships in Sri Lanka annually.