AGP Executive Report

Rasmale’ Deal: The MDP is seeking public disclosure of the terms for Eagle Hills’ proposed $20 billion project, questioning whether the agreement protects the public’s investment in reclaimed land. The developer hopes to finalize the deal by November 11. Hajj: Maldivians aged 70 and above who have been in the queue for at least three years and paid by December 31, 2023, are guaranteed a place on next year’s pilgrimage. Tourism and Transport: Tourism Minister Mohamed Ameen says arrivals have recovered from an early 24% drop to just 1.3% below last year, with the government aiming to match 2025’s record. He also says a long-delayed helicopter service could launch soon. Saudi Security: The Foreign Ministry says no Maldivians were affected by recent attacks on Saudi airports; the Islamic Minister says authorities have issued no official warning to pilgrims. Public Safety: Police arrested three people and seized a large quantity of alcohol in a crackdown on an illegal liquor network in Malé. Airport Recognition: Velana International Airport has been nominated for two World Travel Awards, including the world’s leading airport and customer experience categories.

Tourism: Minister Mohamed Ameen says arrivals have recovered from an early 24% decline to just 1.3% below last year. The Maldives has welcomed 1.6 million visitors so far and needs about 200,000 a month for the next three months to match 2025’s record. Aviation: A helicopter service, intended partly for medical evacuations from islands without airports, could launch within one to two weeks under updated safety guidelines. State carrier Maldivian is seeking two Airbus A220-300s, with deliveries planned for 2027 and 2028. Public Finances: MIRA collected MVR 2.69 billion in September—12.7% above forecast but 10.7% below the same month last year, partly because of a one-off payment in 2025. Regional Relations: Pakistan says it is preparing for President Mohamed Muizzu’s visit, but no date or agreements have been announced. Health: A new community mental wellbeing centre in Kulhudhuffushi will offer early support, while the government says it is developing a comprehensive Mental Health Act. Infrastructure: Magoodhoo airport is expected to be the first of the country’s airports under development to be completed. Overseas Safety: The Foreign Ministry says no Maldivians were affected by attacks on Saudi airports and has advised citizens there to contact its hotline if they need help.

Foreign Affairs: The Maldives condemned the Houthi attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, which killed at least 12 people and injured hundreds, and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia. Pakistan and the Maldives are also coordinating preparations for President Mohamed Muizzu’s forthcoming visit, though no date has been announced. Local Government: Applications are open until October 26 for candidates seeking the vacant V. Thinadhoo Council presidency; the by-election is set for November 28. Mental Health: A community wellbeing centre has opened in Kulhudhuffushi, while President Muizzu says the government is drafting a comprehensive Mental Health Act and national policy. Island Development: MTCC says F. Magoodhoo Airport is progressing rapidly and is expected to be the first among airports under development to be completed. Economy and Tourism: Moody’s upgraded the Maldives’ credit rating to Caa1 with a stable outlook. The government has also held talks with tourism leaders amid concerns over taxes and foreign exchange pressures.

Regional Development: MTCC says F. Magoodhoo airport is nearing completion, while work at HDh. Makunudhoo has only just begun. Public Services: STELCO has taken over electricity services in Addu and Haa Alifu as Fenaka’s operations are phased out. Mental Health: President Mohamed Muizzu says the government is drafting a comprehensive Mental Health Act and a national policy, alongside plans to expand services across the atolls. Politics: The MDP has opened applications for its national council elections on November 27. Pilgrimage Travel: Hajj Corporation plans direct Gan–Jeddah flights for umrah pilgrims during Ramadan, starting February 20. Regional Diplomacy: India and the United States are exploring joint port, maritime-security and digital-infrastructure projects in the Indian Ocean, including in the Maldives; Pakistan’s foreign minister also discussed President Muizzu’s forthcoming visit with the Maldivian foreign minister. Food Safety: MFDA says 34 people completed a Malé training programme on safe food handling and hygiene.

Mental Health: President Mohamed Muizzu says the government is drafting a comprehensive Mental Health Act and expanding services, including care in atolls and telehealth. He urged officials to listen to people with lived experience. Utilities: STELCO has taken over electricity services in Addu and Haa Alifu Atoll as the phased transfer of Fenaka’s operations continues. Politics: The MDP has opened nominations for its November 27 national council elections, with applications due by October 25. Travel: Hajj Corporation plans direct Gan–Jeddah flights for Umrah pilgrims during the final 15 days of Ramadan, starting February 20. Rasmale’: Eagle Hills chairman Mohamed Alabbar says the proposed project could generate 15,000 to 18,000 permanent jobs, alongside 40,000 jobs during construction. Safety: Autopsies confirmed that the Italian divers who died in a Maldives cave ran out of air.

Judicial Accountability: MDP MP Mohamed Ibrahim says the Judicial Service Commission must answer for the dismissal of three former Supreme Court judges, arguing the allegations against them were not proven. Finance: Bank of Maldives reported a record MVR 1.93 billion profit for the first nine months of 2026 and said it processed USD 2.86 billion in international payments, while providing customers USD 722 million in foreign currency. Business Rules: Authorities warned foreign-owned wholesale, retail and logistics firms that they face enforcement if they fail to meet new investment requirements. Crime: Four people, including three actors, were remanded for 15 days after a Villimalé anti-narcotics operation; police are also investigating a reported robbery in Galolhu. Tourism: The government signed an agreement to create tourism apprenticeships for young people. Diving Tragedy: Autopsy findings confirmed that five Italian divers who died in a Vaavu Atoll cave in May died from oxygen deprivation; how they became trapped remains unclear.

Banking: Bank of Maldives reported a record MVR 1.93 billion profit for the first nine months of 2026, up 26%, and issued MVR 12.1 billion in new loans. The bank says it is working to resolve online payment limits linked to scarce US dollars. Credit Rating: Moody’s upgraded the Maldives to Caa1 with a stable outlook, citing debt repayments and stronger foreign-currency buffers. Rasmale’: Eagle Hills chairman Mohamed Alabbar says the company will follow Maldivian laws and fund 5,000 proposed homes, amid continuing concerns over the project’s 99-year lease. Tourism: The Maldives won 36 South Asian Travel Awards, while the tourism and youth ministries signed an agreement to create apprenticeships for young people. Diving Tragedy: Italian autopsies found that five divers who died in a Vaavu Atoll cave in May suffered oxygen deprivation; how they became trapped remains unclear. A Maldivian military diver also died during the recovery operation. Bank Fraud: A former Bank of Ceylon senior official was jailed for embezzling USD 150,000 from a customer using forged documents.

Credit Rating: Moody’s upgraded the Maldives to Caa1 with a stable outlook, citing lower near-term default risk after major debt repayments and stronger foreign-exchange inflows. Banking: Bank of Maldives reported a record MVR 1.93 billion profit for the first nine months of 2026, provided customers with US$722 million in foreign currency and issued MVR 12.1 billion in new loans. Rasmale’ Development: Eagle Hills says it will initially finance 5,000 proposed housing units, an estimated US$500 million investment; the final agreement with the government is not yet signed. Tourism and Jobs: The Maldives won 36 South Asian Travel Awards, while the tourism and youth ministries agreed to create apprenticeship opportunities for young people. Public Services: The government has established service centres across 18 atolls, and officials expect to clear a passport backlog of more than 2,500 applications within five days of receiving new booklets. Safety: An expert report says five Italian divers who died in a Vaavu Atoll cave ran out of oxygen; investigators have yet to establish why they could not surface.

Economy: Moody’s upgraded the Maldives’ sovereign rating from Caa2 to Caa1 with a stable outlook, citing lower near-term default risk after major debt repayments and stronger foreign-currency inflows. Rasmalé: Eagle Hills chairman Mohamed Alabbar said Maldivian businesses and investors would have opportunities to participate in the planned development and share its returns. Work permits: New rules bar foreign nationals from switching to a work visa after entering on another visa; job-seekers must secure work visas before employment. Public services: The government established service centres in 18 atolls, excluding Addu and Fuvahmulah. Politics: Former vice president Faisal Naseem announced he will contest the MDP’s 2028 presidential primary, with Malé Mayor Adam Azim as his running mate. Courts: Authorities dropped corruption investigations into former Supreme Court justices Mahaz Ali Zahir and Azmiralda Zahir, saying investigators found insufficient evidence. Public safety: A 21-year-old accused of causing a fatal Malé motorcycle crash was remanded in jail pending trial; police also arrested four men in a Vilimale’ counter-narcotics operation. Tourism: JOALI Maldives was named the Indian Ocean’s top resort in Condé Nast Traveller UK’s readers’ awards, while Dhiraagu and Soneva partnered on coral restoration in Dharavandhoo.

Maritime Safety: Two people were injured when a speedboat collided with another boat off Vilimale’; police are investigating. Tourism: Maldivian has launched Journey+, offering paid options including priority check-in, extra baggage and lounge access. The Maldives also claimed 20 of 25 spots in Condé Nast Traveller’s Indian Ocean resort rankings, with JOALI Maldives at No. 1. Fisheries: Bangladesh has called for stronger tourism and fisheries cooperation with the Maldives, while a new Fishermen’s Day award category recognises women directly engaged in fishing. Public Finances: Tourism Goods and Services Tax revenue was down 1.4% year-on-year as overall state spending rose. A reported delay to the 17% tax on overseas travel firms still awaits official confirmation. Housing: HDC says only about half of tenants in Hulhumalé social housing are paying rent. Road Safety: Police recorded 35 accidents in the first seven days under the amended traffic law, while taking action against 653 people and towing 183 vehicles. Drug Investigation: Two Maldivians arrested in Bangkok were found with more than 12 kilos of drugs; one had previously been investigated in a major Maldives trafficking case. Travel Costs: Thailand is consulting on a proposed 1,000-baht departure tax for air passengers, which could raise costs for Maldivians travelling there.

Drug Trafficking: Two Maldivian men arrested in Bangkok were found with more than 12kg of crystal meth and cannabis. One, Mohamed Wisam, had previously been investigated over a 72kg drug bust in the Maldives that ended without a conviction. Housing: HDC says only about half of Hulhumalé social housing tenants are paying rent, as it oversees more than 12,000 homes. Road Safety: Police recorded 35 accidents in the first week of tougher traffic penalties and took action against 653 people. Student Safety: A 22-year-old Maldivian student died in a Malaysian crash; the e-hailing driver tested positive for meth. Tourism and Tax: TGST revenue is down 1.4% year-on-year. UK travel groups welcome reports that a 17% tax on foreign travel firms may be delayed, but say they are awaiting official confirmation. India Ties: More than 765 Maldivians have trained under India’s ITEC programme in five years, with annual slots increased to 300. Reef Conservation: Dhiraagu and Soneva Conservation will train local residents in Dharavandhoo to restore and monitor coral reefs.

Tourism Policy Talks: Senior officials met tourism leaders to discuss how to hit 2027 arrival targets amid concerns over new tourism tax and foreign-currency conversion rules, with ministers and industry figures agreeing on key milestones. Governance & Services: Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla told the IPU in Tanzania that good governance must deliver real results, stressing citizen trust and the role of digital systems like eFaas/OneGov. Public Safety & Justice: The Parole Board was dismissed after alleged Addu drug kingpin Abucha was reimprisoned following an unlawful parole release; authorities say he was taken back to prison. Prisons Reform: Government is drafting amendments to the Prisons and Parole Act to let the Commissioner of Prisons transfer inmates to community service after sentencing. Immigration Update: Maldives passport services are expected to return to normal next week after a stock delay, with emergencies prioritized. Crime Prevention: Police warned of scams using fake police accounts on messaging apps, urging people not to share OTPs or bank details. Energy Cooperation: Maldives and UAE discussed grid modernization, battery storage, renewables, water production and waste-to-energy projects. Community & Culture: Swim Maldives launched the first Odin Rashah open-water swimming event, with a second stop set for Nov 27 in K. Guraidhoo.

Immigration Update: Maldives Immigration says passport services should return to normal next week after a stock delay and an earlier September 27 deadline. Public Safety: Police warn of scams impersonating the Maldives Police Service on messaging apps, urging people not to share OTPs or bank details. Urban Tragedy: A 20-year-old died after falling from the 15th floor at Aman towers in Hulhumale’ Phase II, following earlier fatal falls in the same area. Energy Talks: Maldives and UAE discussed energy projects including grid modernization, battery storage, water production for 40 islands, and more renewables. Crime & Justice: Addu drug kingpin Abucha was reimprisoned after being released on parole, despite having served only about five years of a life-equivalent sentence. Tourism Policy: Government met tourism leaders over tax and foreign-currency conversion concerns, aiming to hit 2027 arrival targets. Digital Payments: Ooredoo says PayPal linked with mFaisaa has surpassed 5,000 users. Community & Skills: Atmosphere Foundation graduated its second “Zero to Divemaster” batch, bringing trained divers to 20. Resort News: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands earned Two MICHELIN Keys; St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort marks its 10th anniversary in November.

Tourism & Governance: The government held talks with tourism industry experts on Monday, with Finance Minister Hassan Zareer and Tourism Minister Mohamed Ameen among those discussing ways to boost tourist arrivals and meet next year’s growth targets. Parliament Watch: MPs have submitted questions seeking clarification on staffing in the Foreign Service and whether any arrangements exist for services tied to resident visas. Public Safety: Police have launched an investigation into alleged sexual abuse of a boy under 18 on an island in the North Police Division, urging the public and media not to identify the victim. Anti-Corruption: The Anti-Corruption Commission has sent a case to the Prosecutor General seeking money laundering charges against Montilion International over the MMPRC scandal, including alleged misuse of MMPRC funds. Justice & Corrections: Addu drug trafficker Abdulla Ibrahim (Abucha) has been released on parole after serving part of a 25-year sentence. Regional Security: Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed said the Maldives “needs India” for safety and security while speaking at Bangladesh’s Bay of Bengal Conversation. Road Safety: Greater Male’ traffic officials met police to tackle rising accidents, with Hulhumale’ flagged as the hotspot.

Tourism Numbers: Sri Lanka’s September tourist arrivals dipped 0.26% year-on-year to 158,557—just 414 short of last year’s record—though Indian arrivals rose 10% month-on-month to 51,931, keeping momentum for the winter season. Migrant Worker Support: Sri Lanka’s Voice of Migrants and the Maldivian Trade Union Congress signed an MoU to improve protection, reliable pre-migration information, and grievance support for Sri Lankan workers in the Maldives. Traffic & Safety in Greater Malé: The Greater Male’ Transport and Mobility Office and Police discussed solutions to rising road accidents, with Hulhumalé accounting for most incidents. Teachers’ Day Focus: Education Minister said schools are being made safer and happier with stronger mental health support; President Muizzu and other leaders urged parents to cooperate with teachers and prioritise teachers’ wellbeing. Rasmale’ Transparency Fight: MDP moved an emergency motion demanding details of the Eagle Hills/Rasmale’ deal, while Attorney General Usham said new real estate law is not project-specific. Tourism Tax Delay: Maldives reportedly postponed the 17% TGST on foreign travel firms until April 1, 2027 after UK trade lobbying. Energy Transition: Maldives began a nationwide survey for solar PV sites to help reach 33% renewable electricity by end-2028. Climate Diplomacy: Only two non-Pacific leaders—the Maldives and others—are confirmed for Fiji’s pre-COP meeting, highlighting limited global attendance. Local Community Initiatives: Maldivian Red Crescent and Correctional Service signed an agreement for inmate training; a new “Project Baukalo” pilot aims for humane coexistence with cats in Hulhumalé.

Public Safety & Defence: Defence Minister Hassan Rasheed says the military is ready for any threat and is planning drone-based firefighting for high-rises in Malé, with congestion and unsafe wiring blamed for frequent fires. Police & Justice: Police reappointed Ahmed Shiyam as police spokesperson after a court-ordered reinstatement; meanwhile, police warned of tougher action against repeat dangerous drivers, and a man accused of crashing into a police vehicle claims officers knocked him off and assaulted him. Roads & Transport: Ameenee Magu is closed in a new repair segment, and a motorcyclist was injured after crashing into a pickup door in Hulhumalé. Tourism Policy: MATATO welcomed President Muizzu’s decision to revise the TGST destination-principle framework after industry concerns. Tourism & Business: China says Malé isn’t anyone’s “backyard” and expects road upgrades and a 100-bed China–Maldives Friendship Hospital to start late 2026/early 2027; government also signals reforms to TGST. Community & Environment: “Project Baukalo” launches a one-year pilot to manage stray cats in Hulhumalé through humane TNR, adoption pathways and cleaner public spaces. Sports & Events: Registrations opened for The Maldives LONG RUN 2026 in Hulhumalé on Dec 4.