Tax & Waste Policy: President Muizzu ratified the 1st Amendment to the Waste Management Act, ending “double taxation” on plastic bags by exempting businesses from charging the MVR 2 fee at point of sale (and for bundles over 50 bags), while setting clearer roles for regulators and enforcement fines. Construction & Procurement: Parliament passed a bill doubling withholding tax on foreign contractors for construction projects from 5% to 10% when payments are made by Maldivian businesses, aiming for a fairer bidding environment. Infrastructure Update: The Greater Malé Connectivity Project hit a major milestone as the final bridge segment linking Thilamalé to Vilimalé was installed, with remaining works continuing on the wider 6.74km network. Water Security: MWSC says it plans to start producing water from 500m below sea level by mid-next year, with pipelines planned to supply Malé and Hulhumalé via the bridge corridor. Tourism Industry Skills: MATI will host an AI Transformation Programme for tourism and hospitality leaders, with delivery-ready AI frameworks aimed at practical rollout within 30 days. Hospitality Trade: Visit Maldives backs Food & Hospitality Asia Maldives (FHAM) 2026 (7–9 Sept) in Hulhumalé, featuring a Worldchefs-endorsed Global Culinary Challenge with 700+ chefs expected. Finance Regulation: MMA opened public consultation on two draft rules—Financial Consumer Protection and Simplified/Electronic Customer Due Diligence—accepting feedback until 26 Aug. Business & Investment Forums: Maldives will host the SIDS Global Business Network Forum 2026 and the inaugural Island Investment Forum (23–25 Aug) with 200+ participants from 30+ countries.