AGP Executive Report

State Finance & Markets: President Muizzu established National Exchange Limited via Presidential Decree No. 16/2026 to run a government-backed secondary securities market and support Islamic finance, including post-trade clearing and settlement. Youth & National Service: The National Service Programme marked its first anniversary with 1,028 youths completing initial training and 136 finishing skills training, with plans for an internship component. Tourism Data Reporting: MIRA launched the Maldives Guest Information System (MGIS), requiring resorts/hotels/guesthouses over 50 beds to report from November and other Green Tax entities from January, cutting manual submissions and aligning Tourism reporting. Environment Enforcement: ERA warned it will fine people who catch, keep or trade protected migratory birds during the northeast monsoon, urging immediate release and reporting of poaching. Governance & SOEs: An MP asked Majlis to investigate a company formed by three SOEs for the Maldives Port Development Private Limited, raising questions on approvals and public oversight. Legal Cooperation: The Maldives and Russia signed an MoU between their Prosecutor General offices to strengthen cooperation against transnational crime. Courts Administration: The Magistrate Courts Regulation came into effect, standardising case procedures and introducing registrars. International Relations: Muizzu reaffirmed Maldives-China ties with Xi Jinping on China’s 77th founding anniversary. Labour Policy (Regional): Sri Lanka signed a six-year ILO labour programme focused on jobs, worker protection and social protection—implementation will be the test. Maritime Security: MNDF seized a foreign fishing vessel for illegal fishing in the Maldives EEZ, the second such case this month.

Ras Malé/Rasmale’ Deal: Opposition PNF demands full disclosure of documents and key terms behind the Eagle Hills Waterfront and Marina agreement, while former President Nasheed urges a legal framework and parliamentary review, as the government says the project will generate about USD 1.1bn annually and total USD 11bn in state revenue over 10 years. Tourism Tax Fight: Industry groups warn the government’s extension of a 17% tourism GST to overseas travel firms’ margins from Oct 1 risks making islands commercially unviable, urging clearer guidance and consultation. Maritime Security: MNDF seized a foreign fishing vessel illegally operating in the Maldives EEZ near Thuraakunu—its second such case this month. Public Services: Health Minister Geela Ali says a mobile blood donation service is set to launch soon, and the 24/7 mental health helpline has logged 23,679 calls since 2024. Infrastructure & Ports: Ameenee Magu’s redeveloped segment will reopen Sunday; Maldives Ports Limited says domestic port works at Thilafushi should be completed by early October. Justice & Safety: Police arrested a Vandhoo temporary mullah over alleged sorcery; a Bangladeshi group accused of smuggling MVR 3.86m in foreign currency hidden in cereal packets gets a 30-day remand extension. Diplomacy: Egypt secured the release of doctor Peter Semaan Marzouk detained in the Maldives after a bomb-joke incident.

Tourism Tax Clash: Industry groups say lobbying failed to delay the Maldives’ new 17% tourism GST extension to overseas travel firms’ margins from Oct 1, warning it could hurt UK trade and push for clearer consultation. Ras Malé Legal Fight: Former President Nasheed urges a legal framework and prompt Majlis submission for the USD 20b Eagle Hills waterfront and marina, while the AG says the project will be governed under a new Real Estate Act. Health Services Upgrade: Health Minister Geela Ali says a mobile blood donation service is being prepared to make donating easier, and the national mental health helpline has logged 23,679 calls since 2024. Public Works: Ameenee Magu’s redeveloped segment is set to reopen this Sunday, with further sections still awaiting dates. Justice & Safety: The Criminal Court extended remand for Bangladeshi workers caught with MVR 3.86m hidden in cereal, and police amended rules to fund medical treatment for police families after on-duty deaths. Foreign Affairs: The Foreign Ministry secured the release of an Egyptian doctor detained in the Maldives after a bomb-joke incident. Transport & Ports: Work on the Thilafushi domestic port area is expected to be completed by early October, supporting the commercial port relocation.

Ras Malé Legal Fight: Former President Mohamed Nasheed urged the government to submit the Ras Malé waterfront and marina contract to the People’s Majlis and create a proper legal framework, while the Attorney General said the project will be governed by a new Real Estate Act now being drafted. Public Safety & Justice: Police amended rules so families of officers who die on duty can access medical treatment under the Police Service scheme, and a suspect was remanded for 15 days after allegedly threatening and sexually assaulting a 72-year-old woman. Tourism Governance: Maldivian opened its upgraded seaplane terminal at Velana, with officials citing improved performance and renewed focus on staff housing and operations. Child Protection: Maldives signed the Bogotá Call to Action to end violence against children. Security & Crime: UNODC highlighted evolving synthetic drug markets across South Asia, including exposure via maritime, aviation, postal and courier routes; meanwhile, Maldives Customs seized 8.5 million cigarettes in a major smuggling crackdown. Regional Diplomacy: President Muizzu and First Lady returned from Singapore; the Maldives also received consular help leading to the release of an Egyptian doctor detained in the country. Economy & Prices: Maldives reported rising transport and food prices in August, adding pressure on household costs.

Cost of Living: Maldives’ August CPI shows transport prices up 8.06% year-on-year and food & beverage up 5.69%, with sharp jumps in fruits/vegetables like carrots and oranges. Crime & Justice: Police arrested a 44-year-old man after a 72-year-old worshipper was threatened and sexually assaulted while praying at home in R. Angolhitheemu. Tech & Language: Thaana AI launched voice cloning and new text-to-speech models for natural Dhivehi and English audio, including Dhinglish support and name-aware pronunciation. Finance & Resilience: Finance Minister Hassan Zaeer discussed with the OPEC Fund the idea of an emergency line of credit, alongside future water, sanitation, and port development. Child Protection: Maldives signed the Bogota Call to Action to end violence against children, with Health Minister Geela Ali stressing stronger laws and coordinated action. Land & Governance: AG Ahmed Usham says the $20b Rasmale’ waterfront/marina will be governed under a new real estate law being drafted, not existing tourism rules—responding to opposition concerns over 99-year lease terms. Public Safety: Maldives Safety and Security Conference 2026 opened, focusing on tourism risks and emergency preparedness, with Gage named main partner. Opposition Politics: Sun Online poll puts MDP’s Abdulla Shahid first for the 2028 opposition presidential ticket ahead of Ibrahim Solih and Mohamed Nasheed. Courts: Abdulla Yameen’s Aarah retrial resumed after a year-long suspension, following Supreme Court guidance on new evidence. Trade & Diplomacy: President Muizzu’s message on bilateral relations was delivered in Doha to Amir Tamim via foreign ministry officials.

UNODC & Drug Control: A new UNODC South Asia report says synthetic-drug markets are evolving differently across Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, while the Maldives is exposed via maritime, aviation and courier routes—highlighting shared gaps in detection, case links and cooperation. Customs & Drugs: Maldives Customs seized 11.7kg of cannabis at Velana Airport in two courier packages; separate police recovered 142 drug bullets from two Nepalese nationals, with court remand extended. Road Works: Ameenee Magu redevelopment zone segment 2 has been asphalted, with MTCC saying smoother travel for Malé residents is now underway. Rasmale’ Legal Challenge: A constitutional case has been filed at the Supreme Court seeking to annul the Eagle Hills Commercial Terms Agreement, alleging unconstitutional long-term state land transfer. AI & Justice: The Prosecutor General says Maldives will share its AI prosecution governance framework and prosecutor training curriculum worldwide for free, with human control over charging decisions. Tourism & Policy: September tourist arrivals rose 1.3% year-on-year; Visit Maldives also won Indian Ocean Leading Destination 2026 and other World Travel Awards. Education & Diplomacy: President Muizzu said Malaysia’s PM pledged easier processes and more internships for Maldivian students, alongside talks on a currency-swap and trade. International Ties: Maldives and Angola signed MoUs on political consultations and diplomatic training cooperation.

UN Resilience Dialogue: MOCCAE chaired a UNGA81 Majlis on “From Shock to Resilience,” urging Maldives to prepare proactively for food security and critical supply-chain risks, not just respond after disruptions. Tourism Numbers: September tourist arrivals rose 1.3% year-on-year to 134,339, with 1.59 million visitors so far this year; China remains the top source market. Operation Kurangi: Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan says the government aims to complete the irregular foreigners crackdown by May next year, after verifying 263,000 foreigners and moving to separate legal from illegal residents. Public Safety: Police recovered 142 drug bullets from two Nepalese nationals at Velana Airport; remand was extended after court hearings. Sports Infrastructure: Hulhumale’ Phase I athletics track reconstruction starts Oct 1, targeting completion by January to meet World Athletics standards. Land Deal Debate: Former President Yameen says Rasmale’ land handover to a foreign developer needs a referendum and public vote. Renewables Push: Maldives more than doubled renewable capacity to 126MW, cutting diesel use and emissions via expanded solar and storage. Diplomacy/Finance: Finance Minister Hassan Zareer met counterparts in Doha during AIIB annual meeting talks.

Immigration & Security: Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan says Operation Kurangi to identify and separate legal and illegal foreigners is on track to finish by May, after verifying 263,000 foreigners and setting a second phase for enforcement. Road Safety: Ihusaan warns DUI cases are “unusually high,” citing speeding and unlicensed driving as major accident drivers and calling for stronger traffic-police enforcement. Crime Crackdown: He also says gang-related crimes have declined, with 10 gang leaders under investigation and fewer gang-violence deaths reported during the administration. Housing/Foreign Land Deal: Former President Abdulla Yameen says the Rasmale’ waterfront deal is illegal without a referendum, arguing major land decisions must go to public vote. Sports Infrastructure: Hulhumale’ Phase I athletics track will be fully rebuilt starting Oct 1 and ready by January to meet World Athletics standards. Tourism & Labour Rights: Parliament is urged to amend the Employment Act so tourism service charges can’t be converted into MVR, and workers get paid in the foreign currency collected. Education: A-level exams begin with 4,900+ students; separate rules allow 15-year colleges to convert into universities. Energy & Environment: Maldives more than doubles renewable capacity to 126MW, cutting diesel use and emissions. Tourism Industry Spotlight: World Travel Awards Asia-Oceania-Indian Ocean gala in the Maldives highlights the sector’s growing global profile. Court: A woman is remanded for 15 days for obstructing police duty.

Higher Education Reform: Maldives colleges operating for 15 years can now apply to convert into universities under new rules, including minimum student numbers, international ranking visibility, quality assurance membership, and PhD staffing requirements. Education: A-level exams began across 53 centres with 4,973 students sitting exams nationwide, as President Muizzu sent a message of encouragement to candidates. Tourism Policy & Industry: On World Tourism Day, Tourism Minister Mohamed Ameen and President Muizzu urged the sector to use digital tools and AI to redesign tourism while protecting Maldives’ natural identity and hospitality; Sun Siyam’s Ahmed Siyam Mohamed stressed “human connection” must stay central, and Visit Maldives CEO Abdulla Yasir highlighted halal tourism and market diversification amid regional disruption. Governance & Diplomacy: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman returned from a five-day UNGA visit in New York after delivering his maiden address and holding extensive bilateral meetings. Real Estate Controversy: Housing Minister Dr Abdulla Muthalib pushed back on claims around the Rasmale’ waterfront project, reiterating state land ownership and rejecting “automatic inheritance” narratives. Hospitality Sector: Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026 announced Dhiraagu as Premier Sponsor and MAWC as Beverage Partner ahead of the 5 October event on resilience and reinvention. International Update: Maldives’ ambassador in Thailand says no Maldivians were affected by Bangkok flooding, while the embassy continues monitoring.

UN Diplomacy on Gaza: UNGA debate sharpened divisions over Gaza, with leaders trading irreconcilable accounts and walkouts as calls grew for sanctions and arms limits. AI & Data Sovereignty: World leaders warned of “colonisation by data,” pushing for fair AI rules and protection for developing countries’ languages and data. Maldives-UN Climate Push: Nepal’s “Sagarmatha to the Sea” event co-hosted with Maldives urged coordinated action from mountains to islands, with climate finance framed as justice. Finance & Regional Links: Finance Minister Wagle left for Doha to attend AIIB’s annual meeting and hold talks with India, Bangladesh, Qatar and Maldives. Tourism Spotlight: World Travel Awards Asia-Oceania-Indian Ocean gala heads to CROSSROADS Maldives on World Tourism Day. Sports & Football: AFC waived FAM’s MVR 3.9m dues after an audit, easing sanctions and reopening development aid eligibility. Environment & Enforcement: Police arrested a foreigner over alleged stingray cruelty near Male’ Fish Market; authorities cite protected species laws. Infrastructure Update: President Muizzu said MTCC secured a dredger “three times bigger” than Mahaa Jarraafu for delivery before year-end.

Housing & Security: Maldives Police have started investigating alleged unauthorized access to Housing Ministry lockers containing official documents, after the ministry reported the incident on Friday; police say they checked and found nothing missing. China Ties & Diplomacy: VP Hussain Mohamed Latheef praised the Maldives-China partnership at a UN Global Development Initiative meeting in New York, while the Maldives National Museum signed an MoU for its first overseas exhibition in China next year. UNGA Foreign Policy: The Maldives again walked out during Netanyahu’s UN address, with officials reiterating support for Palestine and accountability under international law; VP Latheef also told the UN Israel’s genocide “must end.” Economy & Debt Debate: President Muizzu said the USD 20bn Eagle Hills waterfront and marina deal will boost GDP and wellbeing, responding to IMF concerns about elevated debt risks. Tourism & Events: World Travel Awards Asia-Pacific-Indian Ocean gala is set for 27 Sept at CROSSROADS Maldives, while Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026 welcomes Villa Hakatha as a Silver Sponsor. Justice & Courts: Chief Justice announced land allocation in Malé for a dedicated Supreme Court building, aiming to ease court space constraints. Law & Order: Customs and police arrested three people over an alleged attempt to smuggle 3.3kg of cannabis through Gan Airport.

UNGA Diplomacy: Maldives Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef told the UN General Assembly that Israel’s genocide in Gaza “must end,” calling for an end to occupation and settlements, safe humanitarian access, and accountability under international law. UN Security Council Reform: Latheef also urged abolition of the UN Security Council veto and called for expanded representation, including a rotating seat for SIDS and a woman as the next UN Secretary-General. Judicial Infrastructure: Chief Justice Abdul Ghani Mohamed announced land in Malé has been allocated for a new Supreme Court building, with the Malé Court Complex expected to be ready for the 2028 legal year. Drugs Crackdown: Customs and police arrested three people over an alleged attempt to smuggle 3.3kg of cannabis through Gan International Airport. Debt-and-Development Debate: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu defended the USD 20bn Eagle Hills waterfront and marina project, saying it will boost GDP and development despite IMF concerns about elevated debt risks. Trade Talks: India-Maldives FTA negotiations are progressing, with technical teams working on market access and trade barriers, targeting completion by year-end. Regional Security: Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla met Pakistan’s top military leadership in Rawalpindi, focusing on regional security and strengthening bilateral cooperation. Food Trade Link: India’s APEDA facilitated export of 1MT of GI-tagged Gulbarga Tur Dal to the Maldives, with farmers reportedly receiving 30% higher prices via the export-linked channel. Connectivity: flydubai launched daily Dubai–Pokhara flights, expanding South Asia links that include the Maldives via Dubai.

UNGA Walkout: Maldives joined a mass walkout as Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, with the Maldives MoFA citing solidarity with Palestine and commitment to international law. Sea Level Rise Finance: VP Hussain Mohamed Latheef told UNGA that the response must be resilience plus scaled, predictable, grant-based adaptation finance, alongside legal certainty and better sea-level monitoring. Parliament–Pakistan Security: Majlis Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla met Pakistan’s top military leadership in Rawalpindi, focusing on regional security and ways to deepen Maldives–Pakistan cooperation. Trade Talks: The Indian High Commission said India–Maldives Free Trade Agreement negotiations are making steady progress through technical teams and sector discussions. Visa Policy: Maldives and Belarus signed a reciprocal visa-free deal allowing up to 30 days per trip (up to 90 days total in a calendar year), with an effective date still pending. Tourism Industry: Visit Maldives partnered with ROGUE by Naju as styling partner for the World Travel Awards Asia-Pacific event in the Maldives. Regional Connectivity: flydubai launched daily Dubai–Pokhara flights, strengthening South Asia links that include Maldives via Dubai’s hub.

Parliament & Security: People’s Majlis Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdullah met Pakistan’s CDF/COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir at GHQ, with both sides stressing regional security and deeper Maldives-Pakistan cooperation. Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: Maldives and Croatia signed an MoU on political consultations on the sidelines of UNGA 81, setting up regular political dialogue. China Ties & Development: China’s ambassador said Friendship Hospital and the Malé–Vilimalé road redevelopment will move to construction by late 2026/early 2027 under full grant funding, while President Muizzu framed China relations as a “bridge” to development. Governance & Accountability: Auditor General reports flagged MVR 9m spent under the first-degree scheme on 271 former graduates and found only 50% completion for students who started government-funded degrees. Public Services & Infrastructure: Foundation stone laid for a new Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Himmafushi (USD 5m), and Addu’s link road widening contract was awarded to a Chinese firm. Domestic Compliance & Tourism: MDP warned new MIRA registration rules could overburden foreign tour operators, while Abta urged the president to delay Maldives tourism tax changes for proper consultation. Public Safety: Customs seized 3.345kg of cannabis at Gan Airport, and police also reported a separate drug/vape crackdown in Hulhumale’. Energy: Environment Minister said renewable capacity rose to 126MW after solar hybrid rollouts, cutting diesel use and emissions.

Parliament & Defence Diplomacy: People’s Majlis Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdullah met Pakistan’s CDF/COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir at GHQ in Rawalpindi, with both sides stressing regional security and expanding bilateral cooperation. Energy & Utilities: STELCO reported a power outage in parts of Hulhumale’ Phase I due to a “technical issue,” while Environment Minister Ali Shareef said renewable capacity has risen to 126MW under solar hybrid rollouts. Public Safety & Governance: Police said the Maldives’ scam recovery rate is at a “global best” level, recovering 44.3% of losses; an audit also flagged major gaps in the free degree scheme, with no system to track graduates. Environment & Health Monitoring: The government plans four new air-quality monitoring stations in the Greater Malé area by year-end. Tourism & Mobility: Maldives and Belarus signed a mutual visa exemption deal at UNGA 81; PIA also plans direct flights to the Maldives after fleet expansion. Major Investment: Infrastructure Minister said Abu Dhabi’s Eagle Hills secured a USD 20bn Ras Malé waterfront and marina deal, structured for long-term tourism revenue.

Saudi-Maldives Ties: President Muizzu attended the Saudi National Day reception at Kurumba Maldives, with Saudi officials stressing expanded trade and investment under Saudi Vision 2030. Foreign Policy & UNGA: PM’s UNGA engagements highlighted Rohingya repatriation alongside trade and investment priorities, while VP Latheef met UN mission officials in New York. India Credit Line: India’s Rs 4,850 crore credit facility for Maldives development projects is now effective (Aug 27), with contracts requiring at least 75% of goods and services sourced from India. Humanitarian Case: Ex-President Nasheed offered help in the Sivarasa Anojan death sentence case in Saudi Arabia, after Sri Lankan lawyers sought humanitarian avenues. Public Safety: Police issued a summons notice seeking a man wanted for a drug investigation. Anti-Trafficking Cooperation: IOM and Maldives Police agreed to strengthen joint action against human trafficking and cross-border crime. Marina Planning: Uligan yacht marina EOI deadline was pushed to Oct 5. Tourism & Connectivity: PIA says direct Maldives-Pakistan flights are planned once new aircraft arrive.