AGP Executive Report

Health Aid: India has delivered 20,000 measles vaccine doses and about three tonnes of medical supplies to the Maldives as cases rise, with officials thanking the “timely assistance” and reaffirming close health cooperation. Education Milestone: The UK’s General Medical Council has officially recognised the Maldives National University MBBS programme, opening a clearer pathway for graduates to pursue UK licensing exams. Telecom & Sports Buzz: Dhiraagu launched “Foarin Gugumaalaa” and Ooredoo rolled out World Cup promotions, while Ooredoo also hosted a kids’ football event at Hulhumalé Central Park. Tourism & Travel Services: JTA Holidays says it now includes resort transfers (including domestic flights) as standard in Maldives packages for simpler booking and clearer total costs. Local Business & Marine Tourism: Universal Boatyard unveiled the UNICRAFT 55, designed for Maldives dive and excursion operators with a diver-focused layout and faster cruising. Hospitality Updates: Sheraton Maldives appointed Aminath Nadheema as Executive Housekeeper. Tourism Performance: Visit Maldives Corporation reported its strongest financial year in eight years, citing 2025 tourism growth and higher destination marketing income.

Health Response: India sent 20,000 measles vaccine doses and about three tonnes of medical supplies to support the Maldives as confirmed measles cases rise to 15, with health authorities urging masks, isolation for suspected cases, and prompt medical help. Public Finance: Maldives Inland Revenue Authority says May revenue fell to USD 132.99m (down 5.8%) as tourist arrivals dipped, hitting GST, tourism land rent and migrant quota fees, though enforcement and recovery added USD 24.78m. Law & Order: Police detailed an investigation into former Immigration Controller General Mohamed Shamaan Waheed, responding to corruption and money-laundering claims, including allegations tied to a March 2025 immigration operation and a payment discussion. Diplomacy: Maldives and Japan reaffirmed strong ties during a courtesy call, with focus on HR, infrastructure, education, sports, climate resilience, disaster management, tourism and people-to-people links. Tourism & Business: Visit Maldives Corporation reported its strongest financial performance in eight years at its AGM, citing 2025 arrivals above 2 million and tourism receipts over USD 5.57bn. Hospitality: Sun Siyam won two International Property Awards Asia Pacific for design at Sun Siyam Pasikudah (Sri Lanka) and Sun Siyam Iru Fushi (Maldives).

Public Health Aid: India sent 20,000 measles vaccine doses and about three tonnes of medical supplies to help Maldives curb a growing measles outbreak, after HPA confirmed four more cases and raised 2026 totals to 15. Tourism Revenue Watch: Maldives Inland Revenue Authority says May collections fell to USD 132.99m, down 5.8%, with fewer tourist arrivals hitting GST, tourism land rent and migrant quota fees. Diplomacy: Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef and Japan’s ambassador reaffirmed Maldives-Japan ties ahead of the 60th anniversary, highlighting cooperation in HR, infrastructure, climate resilience, disaster management and tourism. Law & Order: Police posthumously promoted fallen officer Ahmed Asif after he died during a maritime operation; police also detailed an investigation into former Immigration Controller Mohamed Shamaan Waheed over claims of corruption, abuse of power and money laundering. Regional Spotlight: Visit Maldives is showcasing the destination at the 10th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, with Maldivian businesses promoting tourism and local products to Chinese and South Asian buyers. Sports in the Maldives: Pakistan won the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in Malé, beating Afghanistan 2-0, with PM Shehbaz Sharif congratulating the team.

Diamond Jubilee Football: Pakistan beat Afghanistan 2-0 in the Diamond Jubilee final in Malé, ending a 74-year wait for a major international title. The win came after a first-half breakthrough and a second goal in extra time, with PM Shehbaz Sharif and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar publicly congratulating the team. Maldives-India Diplomacy: Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu joined world leaders in congratulating India’s PM Narendra Modi for becoming the longest-serving elected premier, reaffirming Maldives’ commitment to strengthen cooperation with India. Former Maldives FM Abdulla Shahid also called the milestone “historic,” pointing to India’s support during crises like COVID-19. Tourism & Industry: Visit Maldives Corporation and CROSSROADS Maldives signed on to host the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean 2026 in the Maldives, kicking off preparations for a major regional industry gathering. Trade & Environment: Alila Kothaifaru Maldives marked World Environment Day and World Ocean Day with tree planting, coral planting, and reef clean-up activities. Customs: Maldives Customs seized MVR 6 million worth of hashish oil at Velana International Airport, adding to recent drug-smuggling crackdowns.

Tourism & Events: Visit Maldives Corporation and CROSSROADS Maldives have signed on to host the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean 2026 in the Maldives, kicking off preparations for a major industry gathering. Environment & Resorts: Alila Kothaifaru Maldives marked World Environment Day and World Ocean Day with tree planting, reef awareness and coral planting, plus a house reef clean-up dive and beach clean-up. Cruise Tourism: The Maldives is set to welcome its first Chinese cruise ship visit on 23 June, with special events planned and cruise tourism continuing to grow. Payments: Ooredoo Maldives launched Autopay in its app for scheduled monthly bill payments, recharges and add-on purchases. Hospitality Careers: LUX* South Ari Atoll ran a Discover Tourism career programme for Dhigurah and Adh. Atoll students, offering hands-on sessions across culinary, service and housekeeping. Football (Maldives link): Pakistan beat Afghanistan 2-0 to win the Diamond Jubilee title in Malé, after earlier defeating the Maldives 2-0 in the tournament.

Diplomacy: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu received new Dutch, French, and Philippines non-resident ambassadors, with talks ranging from infrastructure and climate resilience to tourism, maritime cooperation, marine conservation, and regional security. Tourism & travel: Visit Maldives Corporation reported its strongest financial performance in eight years at its 9 June AGM, as 2025 arrivals topped two million and receipts rose to USD 5.57bn. Air connectivity: Direct Malé–Melbourne flights are already boosting demand, with Australian arrivals up 16% to 20,878 as of 6 June. Public health: The Maldives Health Protection Agency confirmed four more measles cases, bringing the year’s total to 15, and urged isolation and symptom-based precautions. Environment: NH Maldives Kuda Rah marked World Ocean Day with lagoon clean-ups and student-led coral planting in Baa Atoll. Sports: The IHF Trophy handball tournament begins in Dhaka tomorrow with Maldives among six nations competing in Under-20 and Under-18 categories. Media: Minivan News relaunches as The Maldives Independent, betting on investigative journalism and a membership model to rebuild its newsroom.

Tourism & Connectivity: Australia’s direct flights are already paying off. Maldives tourism data show 20,878 Australian visitors arrived by 6 June—up 16% year-on-year—after the Malé–Melbourne non-stop route launched in late May. Public Health: The Health Protection Agency says measles cases have risen to 15 this year after four new infections were confirmed, with isolation and contact tracing urged. Diplomacy: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu welcomed new non-resident ambassadors from the Netherlands, France and the Philippines, with talks ranging from climate resilience and tourism to human rights and marine cooperation. Environment: World Ocean Day activities continue to roll out across resorts, including NH Maldives Kuda Rah’s lagoon clean-up and coral planting, plus Milaidhoo’s student-led marine conservation. Economy & Governance: Visit Maldives Corporation reported its strongest finances in eight years, citing higher income and tourism growth, while the government also highlighted more ocean research to diversify the economy. Sports: The IHF Trophy handball tournament begins today in Dhaka with Maldives among the teams, while Pakistan’s men’s football team reached a senior final after beating Afghanistan 2-0 in the Maldives. Media: The Maldives Independent relaunch story spotlights its push for investigative journalism and rebuilding its newsroom.

Tourism & Connectivity: Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives hosted a Luxury Escapes-led familiarisation and media activation to mark Maldivian’s inaugural weekly direct flight between Melbourne and Malé, aiming to make the Maldives easier to reach for Australians. Maldives-China Push: The Maldives promoted its tourism and luxury resort offerings to Chinese travellers at a Beijing event, backed by the Maldives embassy, Maldivian and tourism partners. Luxury Hospitality Moves: Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveiled a more personal, flexible honeymoon concept across three islands, while Grand Park Kodhipparu pitched the Maldives’ summer as a “best-kept secret” in its ninth-anniversary campaign. New Resorts & Experiences: Accor’s MGallery Collection launched V Villas Maldives at Mirihi in South Ari, and Coco Collection announced a two-island wellness retreat for Global Wellness Day and International Yoga Day. Marine Conservation: Sun Siyam Iru Veli rolled out a coral-planting initiative on World Environment Day, inviting guests to help restore the reef. Local Governance & Economy: President Muizzu appointed Hassan Zareer as Finance Minister after Moosa Zameer’s resignation, as the government also stressed ocean research to diversify the economy. Road Safety: A pedestrian in Hulhumalé Phase II was injured after being hit by a motorcycle while crossing on a zebra crossing.

Finance Shake-Up: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has appointed Hassan Zareer as Finance Minister and Public Enterprises Minister after Moosa Zameer resigned for health reasons, with Zareer taking the oath and bringing decades of taxation and finance experience. Ocean Economy Push: Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam says ocean research and marine resource development are central to diversifying the economy, protecting ecosystems, and boosting fisheries value as climate impacts hit fish stocks. Road Safety: A pedestrian in Hulhumalé Phase II was hospitalised after being struck by a motorcycle while using a zebra crossing; police have launched an investigation. IMF Talks: The Maldives’ finance leadership met an IMF executive director to strengthen cooperation on technical assistance and capacity building. Banking Update: Fitch assigned Bank of Maldives ratings reflecting strong standalone resilience, while noting the sovereign rating ceiling. Marine Conservation in Resorts: Sun Siyam Iru Veli launched a coral-planting initiative for World Environment Day, inviting guests to help restore reefs. Tourism & Luxury: Grand Park Kodhipparu marks its ninth anniversary by promoting summer as the Maldives’ “hidden luxury” season, while Huvafen Fushi earned Condé Nast Traveller Triple Crown recognition. Sports (Maldives in focus): Pakistan beat Afghanistan 2-0 to reach the Diamond Jubilee final, after earlier beating Maldives 3-0.

Maldives Football: Bangladesh’s Olympic team were knocked out of the Diamond Jubilee Tournament after a 1-1 draw with hosts Maldives, finishing third in the four-team group. Pakistan Football: Pakistan booked the final with a 2-0 win over Afghanistan at Malé’s National Stadium, ending a 64-year wait for a stand-alone tournament final; the title match is set for June 10. Food Safety: President Mohamed Muizzu urged stronger food safety systems on World Food Safety Day, pointing to new regulations under the Food Safety Act, tighter border controls, and better monitoring and testing. Environment Funding: Maldives will allocate $454,000 annually from the Maldives Green Fund for environmental protection and conservation, including protected areas, research, and capacity building. Tourism & Hospitality: STORY Hospitality is joining GHA’s loyalty network via STORY Discovery, while Anantara’s Dr Oriana Migliaccio oversaw the 10,000th baby coral planting at Anantara Maldives. Local Careers: Marriott Maldives graduated 40 apprentices from its 2026 programme, expanding training in front office, housekeeping, F&B, culinary, and electrical maintenance. Weather Watch (region): Kerala faces an Orange Alert for heavy monsoon rain and flood/landslide risks, with further alerts extending into coming days.

Football in Malé: Pakistan booked the final of the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives after beating Afghanistan 2-0 on Sunday, with goals by Umar Nawaz and Harun Hamid. The win sends Pakistan to Wednesday’s title match and marks their first senior men’s final in 35 years. Food safety push: President Mohamed Muizzu marked World Food Safety Day by calling for stronger, data-driven food safety systems and collective action, pointing to new regulations under the Food Safety Act and tighter border controls. Environment funding: Muizzu also announced an additional annual allocation of $454,000 from the Maldives Green Fund for environmental protection and conservation, including protected areas, wildlife, research, awareness, and capacity-building. Diplomacy milestone: The Maldives won its first-ever seat on the UN ECOSOC for 2027–2029, securing 183 votes and a chance to better represent small island states on climate and development issues. Tourism & skills: Marriott Maldives graduated 40 apprentices from its 2026 programme, highlighting local career pathways in hospitality.

Environment Funding: President Muizzu says the Maldives Green Fund will receive an extra US$454,000 annually for environmental protection, on top of existing budget lines, to back protected areas, wildlife, research, public awareness, and school/civil society projects. Diplomacy & Climate Voice: The Maldives wins its first-ever seat on the UN ECOSOC for 2027–2029, with officials calling it recognition of small-island priorities like climate risk and economic vulnerability. Sports (Regional Spotlight): India’s women reclaim the SAFF Championship with a 3-1 win over Bangladesh, while the Maldives is set to host an Afghanistan vs Pakistan match today in the Maldives International Four-Nation Tournament. Health & Cooperation: Health Minister Geela meets India’s High Commissioner to discuss deeper Maldives–India collaboration in healthcare, training, and social development. Travel & Lifestyle: Resorts keep rolling out new experiences—from wellness and stargazing to cultural workshops—while a Maldives-focused tourism story highlights why the islands are more than a honeymoon stop. Finance Watch: Mundhu comments on Fitch’s upgrade, stressing concerns about money printing and debt beyond the credit rating.

UN Diplomacy: Maldives wins its first-ever seat on the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for 2027–2029, securing 183 votes and boosting its voice on climate and development. Environment Funding: President Muizzu announces MVR 7 million annually from the Maldives Green Fund for protected areas, wildlife conservation, environmental research, public awareness, and school/civil society projects. Maldives-India Ties: Malé City Council hosts “Rhythms Beyond Borders,” celebrating Maldives–India friendship, while Health Minister Geela meets India’s High Commissioner to deepen cooperation in healthcare and social development. Sports (Regional): India beat Bangladesh 3-1 to reclaim the SAFF Women’s Championship, with the final played in Goa—an event that also featured Maldives in the group stage. Tourism & Lifestyle: Amilla Maldives partners with The Clay Studio Maldives to launch a pottery and ceramic studio, and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru rolls out a major refresh with expanded marine conservation facilities. Education: Maldivian students sweep top prizes in an international math storytelling competition.

Maldives Football & Sports: Pakistan thrashed the Maldives 3-0 in the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament, ending a 961-day wait for an international win and handing head coach Nolberto Solano his first victory in charge. Tourism & Travel: The Maldives is seeing a recovery in arrivals, with 951,222 tourists so far in 2026 and UK visitors reaching 80,580 as of 2 June. Public Safety & Security: Police arrested a man in Hinnavaru over alleged drug trafficking, seizing about 189.5g of suspected narcotics. Local Transport: MTCC launched “Male Taxi,” a mobile app for booking, scheduling, digital payments, and emergency tools in Greater Malé. Finance & Business: The Maldives Monetary Authority extended registration for the Maldives Financial Expo to 6 June, with awards focused on inclusion, literacy, digital finance, SMEs and green finance. International Role: The Maldives was elected to ECOSOC for 2027–2029, joining Malaysia and South Korea in the Asia-Pacific group.