AGP Executive Report

Maritime Safety & Coast Guard Capacity: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the new Maldives National Defence Force Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Vilimalé, a UNODC-coordinated project supported by Australia, to strengthen search-and-rescue coordination for maritime and aviation incidents. Trade & Shipping Connectivity: Maldives and Bangladesh held foreign-minister talks in Malé to explore a direct shipping link to boost bilateral trade, with discussions also covering labour rights, tourism, health, education, and the blue economy. Tourism & Hospitality Recognition: Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives secured multiple Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026, while RAAYA by Atmosphere won an International Sustainability Award for its on-island composting programme that cuts waste transfers and emissions. Healthcare Cooperation: Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua met WHO representative Payden, highlighting China–Maldives health cooperation and support for the China–Maldives Friendship Hospital, plus potential trilateral work with WHO. Resort Operations & Food Systems: INEO detailed how it builds end-to-end commercial kitchen and back-of-house systems for Maldives resorts, designed to meet the tight renovation-to-operation timelines on islands.

Maritime & Trade: Maldives and Bangladesh held talks in Malé on a direct shipping link to boost bilateral trade and connectivity, with discussions also covering migration and migrant worker rights, tourism, education, health, the blue economy and maritime transport. Maritime Safety: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the Maldives National Defence Force Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Vilimalé, a UNODC-coordinated project supported by Australia, aimed at strengthening search-and-rescue coordination for maritime and aeronautical incidents. Sustainability in Hospitality: RAAYA by Atmosphere won an International Sustainability Award 2026 for its on-island composting programme, converting about 600kg of organic waste monthly and cutting off-island disposal needs. Tourism Recognition: Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives secured multiple Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026, while Onda at The Standard, Maldives earned a World Culinary Awards 2026 Mediterranean cuisine nomination. Culture & Creative Industries: Kandima Maldives launched an “Art for Biodiversity” exhibition backed by UNDP, featuring 20+ Maldivian artists and an island-wide art trail tied to conservation themes. Banking & Digital Systems: Bank of Maldives selected Finastra Essence to modernise core banking, signalling a push to upgrade digital payments and customer systems.

Tourism Recognition: Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives scored multiple Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026, with Cinnamon Velifushi, Cinnamon Dhonveli and Ellaidhoo by Cinnamon placing in the top 10% worldwide. Aviation & Connectivity: flydubai resumes daily flights to Budapest, boosting Dubai-linked travel options including the Maldives. Diplomacy & Industry Links: Maldives Independence Day drew regional attention as India’s FM S Jaishankar sent greetings to Maldives FM Iruthisham Adam, while Maldives Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen met India’s High Commissioner to discuss stronger tourism and air connectivity. Trade & Shipping: Bangladesh and the Maldives discussed a direct shipping link to strengthen maritime connectivity and bilateral trade. Sustainability & Coral Risk: A new study says human-led climate change is the biggest driver behind major global coral bleaching events, including Maldives Atoll reefs. Resort Development & Marine Focus: Kandima Maldives launched its UNDP-backed “Art for Biodiversity” exhibition for Independence Day, using an island-wide art trail to spotlight conservation and ocean ecology. Aviation Fleet Upgrade: Maldivian (IASL) signed an LOI with De Havilland Canada for two DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-Gs to strengthen inter-island connectivity. Hospitality Careers: The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo appointed Hishmath Hussain as Director of Sales, adding senior commercial leadership to its team. Wellness & Women’s Diving: Nova Maldives wrapped Women’s Dive Day with marine education and reef-focused conservation, highlighting gender gaps and role models in the diving industry.

Tourism & Connectivity: Maldives Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen met India’s High Commissioner G. Balasubramanian to discuss deeper tourism cooperation, better air connectivity and destination promotion; official figures show 130,805 Indian visitors in 2024 and 131,625 in 2025, with 62,932 arriving in the first half of 2026. Sustainable Development: A new Maldives solar push was reported with a 6.4-MW hybrid system rolled out across 25 islands, while a separate industry note highlights the growing urgency of coral protection as climate change drives mass bleaching. Resort & Hospitality Updates: Kandima Maldives launched its Independence Day “Art for Biodiversity” exhibition with UNDP support; InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau unveiled its “12 Pearls of the Ocean” 2026 festive programme; Hilton Maldives Amingiri appointed Mark Eletr as General Manager from 1 July. Marine & Community Programs: Nova Maldives wrapped up Women’s Dive Day with conservation work and marine education, and World Wellness Weekend will bring free activities to 47 Maldives venues in September. Aviation & Fleet: Maldivian signed an LOI with De Havilland Canada for two DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-Gs to strengthen inter-island connectivity. Banking & Events: Bank of Maldives named iRunners its exclusive banking partner for the Maldives Half Marathon 2026, supporting Save the Beach’s Protect the Reef campaign.

National Honours for Tourism: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu awarded the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin to tourism pioneers Champa Hussain Afeef and Champa Mohamed Moosa during the 61st Independence Day ceremony, recognising their roles in building Maldives resort-based tourism and industry leadership. Telecom Promotions: Dhiraagu marked Independence Day with free 6GB bonus data for prepaid customers (redeem via app or *225# by 6pm on 26 July) and a Limitehneh Fibre holiday offer including a free router and setup plus Home Contents Takaful up to MVR 150,000. Resort & Reef Focus: Kandima Maldives launched its on-island “Art for Biodiversity” exhibition, backed by UNDP, using an island-wide art trail to spotlight conservation and ocean ecology. Aviation Connectivity: Maldivian signed an LOI with De Havilland Canada for two DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-Gs to strengthen inter-island transport. Sustainable Infrastructure: Kind Designs raised $10M pre-Series A at a $70M valuation to scale 3D-printed “living” seawalls designed to protect coasts while creating marine habitat. Banking & Sports: Bank of Maldives named iRunners as exclusive banking partner for the Maldives Half Marathon 2026, supporting the Protect the Reef campaign.

Coral & Climate Action: A Taiwan-based developer says it will spend 10 years restoring coral reefs, protecting turtle nesting and planting trees on Sabah’s Mengalum Island before starting a low-density luxury resort—an approach aimed at conserving reefs before development. Maldives Tourism & Culture: Kandima Maldives launched its on-island “Art for Biodiversity” exhibition for Independence Day, backed by UNDP and featuring 20+ Maldivian artists across an island-wide trail. Reef Restoration & Marine Skills: Nova Maldives wrapped a three-day Women’s Dive Day with marine leaders, resort guests and local schoolgirls, pairing diving with conservation work and gender-gap discussions. Hospitality Careers: The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort appointed Hishmath Hussain as Director of Sales, while Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa named Mark Eletr as General Manager. Sustainable Infrastructure: Kind Designs raised $10M pre-Series A to scale 3D-printed “living” seawalls designed to act as marine habitat while protecting coastlines. Aviation & Connectivity: Maldivian signed an LOI with De Havilland Canada for two DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-Gs to strengthen inter-island transport. Event & Community: Bank of Maldives became exclusive banking partner for the Maldives Half Marathon 2026, supporting Save the Beach’s Protect the Reef campaign.

Tourism & Hospitality Deals: Emerald Corporates and Blue Synergy Investments have teamed up as master partners to co-develop a USD 175M sustainable mega-project in the Maldives, with operations led by Blue Synergy’s Mohamed Fayaz. Luxury Dining Spotlight: Carne Diem Grill by Dharshan was named the only Maldivian restaurant in 50 Best Discovery 2026, boosting the CROSSROADS Maldives dining scene. Marine & Skills for Locals: Nova Maldives wrapped its Women’s Dive Day (17–19 July) with dives, education and reef restoration involving marine leaders and local schoolgirls. Resort Commercial Moves: The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo appointed Hishmath Hussain as Director of Sales, while Hilton Maldives Amingiri named Mark Eletr General Manager from 1 July. Sustainability & Infrastructure: Maldives inaugurates a 6.4-MW solar hybrid system across 25 islands, and Kind Designs raised $10M pre-Series A to scale 3D-printed seawalls designed as marine habitat. Transport & Connectivity: Maldivian signed an LOI for two DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-Gs to strengthen inter-island links. Wellness Push: Maldives will mark World Wellness Weekend (18–20 Sept 2026) with activities across 47 venues.

Aviation Fuel Logistics: Southwest Airlines shipped 12.6 million gallons of jet fuel by boat from Texas to Los Angeles via the Panama Canal after Middle East-linked volatility tightened supply, underscoring how even small fuel shifts can ripple through airline costs. Hospitality Tech & Marketing: eMarketingEye’s “EME Level Up: AI Hospitality Connect Sri Lanka 2026” drew 200+ delegates from 80+ hospitality brands across the region, focusing on AI-driven visibility and data-led growth. Maldives Aviation & Connectivity: Island Aviation Services (Maldivian) signed an LOI for two DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-Gs, reinforcing inter-island links. Banking & Sports: Bank of Maldives named iRunners exclusive banking partner for the Maldives Half Marathon 2026, with the event set for Aug 14 at Hulhumalé. Tourism & Resorts: Hilton Maldives Amingiri appointed Mark Eletr as General Manager; The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo named Hishmath Hussain Director of Sales; Reethi Faru Resort won Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2026. Sustainability & Marine Life: Villa Nautica and diveOceanus launched a coral restoration and citizen science programme with Finland International School.

Aviation & Connectivity: Maldivian (IASL) signed an LOI with De Havilland Canada for two DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-Gs, reinforcing inter-island links with newer avionics and better maintainability. Tourism & Luxury Development: Aman secured a $500M strategic partnership with Shinsegae Group and OKO Group to expand Aman and Janu luxury hotels and branded residences, with Maldives-linked luxury branding also in the wider deal pipeline. Renewables & Outer Islands: Maldives inaugurated a 6.4MW solar photovoltaic hybrid system across 25 islands in Raa and Baa, targeting major diesel savings and emissions cuts, with more islands planned through 2027. Banking Modernisation: Bank of Maldives selected Finastra Essence to upgrade core banking, aiming to speed product launches and improve efficiency across conventional and Islamic services. Coral & Climate Resilience: A new US-led study links major global coral bleaching to human-driven climate change, underscoring urgency for Maldives reef protection. Wellness & Community: World Wellness Weekend will run 18–20 Sept 2026 across 47 Maldives venues with free activities, including spa sessions and beach clean-ups. Hospitality Offers: Grand Park Kodhipparu launched “Life in Residence” for direct bookings, adding a secluded two-bedroom grand residence with butler service and private pool.

Banking & Digital Services: Bank of Maldives has started rolling out updates to its Aaya app and internet banking to streamline how customers submit banking requests, including removing the messaging-based request option and routing support through Aaya for faster help. Energy & Islands Infrastructure: Maldives inaugurated a 6.4-MW solar hybrid system across 25 islands, a major step for cleaner power and more resilient island energy supply. Tourism Product Updates: Grand Park Kodhipparu launched “Life in Residence,” a direct-booking offer built around its Grand Residence villa with butler service and private infinity pool. Resort Recognition & Marine Action: Reethi Faru Resort won Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2026, while Villa Nautica and diveOceanus launched a coral restoration and citizen science programme with Finland International School. Logistics & Trade: Sarjak Container Lines partnered with Ocean Gate Logistics to expand on-ground and last-mile cargo services in the Maldives, targeting project and oversized shipments. Hospitality Talent: Sheraton Maldives celebrated seven graduates from Marriott’s Kurimagu Leadership Programme, reinforcing local leadership pipelines. Sports & Community: Dhiraagu handed over its second speedboat prize under the “Win 2 Speedboats” promotion, and registration continues for the Dhiraagu Gamers’ Guild Rocket League tournament at Hulhumalé.

Renewable Energy Push: Maldives inaugurates a 6.4-MW solar hybrid system across 25 islands in Raa and Baa, targeting 10.4 GWh clean power annually and cutting diesel use by over 3 million litres per year. Tourism & Hospitality: Reethi Faru Resort wins Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2026, while Niyama Private Islands unveils reimagined beach and overwater pavilions as part of its year-long transformation. Resort Development & Marine Care: Villa Nautica and diveOceanus launch a coral restoration and citizen science programme with Finland International School, using tracked coral frames for long-term monitoring. Local Business & Digital Banking: Bank of Maldives rolls out Aaya updates on its mobile and internet banking apps to streamline customer banking requests, including removing request submissions via the messaging feature. Shipping & Logistics: Sarjak Container Lines partners Ocean Gate Logistics to expand on-ground logistics for containerised, project and oversized cargo across the Maldives. Air Connectivity: Maldives and Ethiopia sign an air services agreement to enable scheduled flights between the two countries. Hospitality Talent: Sheraton Maldives celebrates seven graduates from Marriott’s Kurimagu Leadership Programme. Sports & Community: Dhiraagu hands over its second speedboat under the “Win 2 Speedboats” promotion, and registration closes soon for the Dhiraagu Gamers’ Guild Rocket League tournament.

Banking Modernisation: Bank of Maldives has selected Finastra Essence to upgrade its core banking systems, aiming to speed up product launches and improve efficiency across conventional and Islamic operations. Renewable Energy: Maldives inaugurated a 6.4MW solar hybrid power system across 25 islands in Raa and Baa, targeting major diesel savings and lower emissions, with more islands planned through 2027. Tourism & Trade Promotion: Visit Maldives launched “Visit Maldives Week” in Australia (Perth, Melbourne, Sydney) to boost trade ties and arrivals, building on Maldivian’s new direct flights to Melbourne. Logistics for Growth: Sarjak Container Lines partnered with Ocean Gate Logistics to expand on-ground logistics for containerised, project and oversized cargo—timed with major infrastructure works. Air Connectivity: Maldives and Ethiopia signed an air services agreement to enable scheduled flights between the two countries. Hospitality Talent: Sheraton Maldives celebrated seven graduates from Marriott’s Kurimagu Leadership Programme, strengthening local leadership pipelines. AI Travel Funding: 30 Sundays raised ₹61 crore (~$6.7m) Series A to expand AI-powered holiday planning and enter new international markets.

Renewables Push: Maldives inaugurated a 6.4-MW solar hybrid power system across 25 islands in Raa and Baa, targeting 10.4 GWh clean electricity yearly and cutting diesel use by over 3 million litres, with plans to expand to 160 islands. Tourism & Trade: Visit Maldives launched “Visit Maldives Week” in Australia via a three-city roadshow (Perth, Melbourne, Sydney) to deepen travel trade ties after Maldivian’s Malé–Melbourne direct flights. Banking Modernisation: Bank of Maldives selected Finastra Essence to modernise core banking for faster product launches and smoother conventional and Islamic services. Air Connectivity: Maldives and Ethiopia signed an air services agreement enabling scheduled flights between Addis Ababa and Malé, with Ethiopian Airlines showing interest. Community Development: India and the Maldives signed MoUs to equip fitness and recreation centres on 42 islands under India’s HICDP grant, with a focus on women and youth. Tourism Demand Signals: A Maldives Visitor Survey 2025 shows Gen Z (under 28) booking closer to departure and relying more on social media, with guesthouses on inhabited islands popular. Industry Talent: BML Academy partnered with INCEIF University to expand professional development in Islamic finance and executive education for bank staff. Sports Calendar: Dhiraagu Malé Open Swimming Competition registration closes 31 July, with races from 250m to 1km plus a new 500m team relay.

Energy Transition: Maldives inaugurates a 6.4-MW solar hybrid electricity system across 25 islands in Raa and Baa, expected to cut diesel use by 3+ million litres and cut CO2 by about 8,400 tonnes yearly, with plans to expand solar hybrids to 160 islands. Banking Modernisation: Bank of Maldives selects Finastra Essence to modernise core banking for both conventional and Islamic services, aiming for faster product launches and more automated operations. Digital Payments Trust: Coverage highlights trust, security and collaboration as key pillars for growth in digital payments. Tourism Promotion: Visit Maldives launches “Visit Maldives Week” in Australia via a three-city roadshow (Perth, Melbourne, Sydney) to boost trade ties and visitor arrivals, building on new Malé–Melbourne direct flights. Tourism Demand Signals: Maldives Visitor Survey 2025 shows Gen Z is driving change, booking closer to departure and leaning on social media for planning. Community Skills: Secret Paradise Maldives and partners train community tour guides in Kanditheemu on safe, responsible tourism practices. Hospitality & Lifestyle: The Standard, Maldives marks Wellness Month with spa and culinary experiences; multiple resort openings and launches continue to target luxury and wellness travellers.

Tourism Marketing: Visit Maldives wrapped up a major India-focused celebrity campaign with Badshah, aiming to boost destination consideration and reach Indian honeymooners, families, luxury and wedding groups through high-impact digital storytelling. Community Health & Sports: India and the Maldives signed MoUs to equip fitness and recreation centres across 42 islands under India’s grant support, with a focus on women, girls and youth. Tourism Demand Insights: A Maldives Visitor Survey 2025 says Gen Z is growing fast—more first-timers, shorter booking lead times, heavier social media influence, and stronger interest in guesthouses on inhabited islands. Maritime Training: Alia and MIT completed the 2026 Boat Operators Training for 47 participants, covering safety, regulations, emergency response and hands-on engine maintenance. Banking & Skills Finance: Bank of Maldives expanded Kiyavaa Loan with an unsecured USD option for professional qualifications and fee payments. Maritime Costs: Suez Canal raised the temporary yacht transit surcharge to 26%, lifting costs for superyacht routes that often connect to the Maldives. Hospitality Recognition: Centara Maldives resorts collected multiple international awards, including Travel + Leisure and Tripadvisor honours.