AGP Executive Report

Judicial Appointments: Five judges were sworn in at the Supreme Court for the Civil and Criminal Courts, with two new Civil Court judges and three Criminal Court judges taking oaths. Airport Development: Island Aviation has reopened the tender to expand and redevelop the passenger terminal at Dharavandhoo Airport, with proposals due by Sept 10 and a target 18-month completion. Tourism Strategy: Visit Maldives Year 2027’s theme, “Islands Are Us,” was unveiled, while the Q3 tourism briefing said arrivals rebounded in July after Middle East route disruptions and that marketing will focus on new markets and island communities. Foreign Exchange & Inflation Pressure: Economic Development Minister Mohamed Saeed said official USD transactions have surged, while MDP leader Nasheed warned the dollar rate and commodity prices are pushing the country toward hyperinflation. Public Finance Watch: Subsidy spending has overshot its annual allocation by MVR 335m, reaching MVR 3.23bn as of Aug 6. Community Funding: Bank of Maldives named five recipients for Bank Fund 2026, backing local hubs, eco parks, agro-processing, makerspaces and community facilities. Public Safety: Police remanded a 19-year-old Bangladeshi suspect in Malé over an alleged armed assault. Cyber Security: Maldives Police asked UAE support to further develop its Cyber Security Operations Center.

FX & protests: Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed says opposition claims of dollar scarcity are meant to spark protests, arguing dollars are being issued via MMA and BML while black-market activity grows when funds don’t enter banks. Parliament & currency rules: MPs approved amendments to foreign-currency conversion requirements, including raising the USD threshold for mandatory deposits to USD 25m and easing burdens for fully Maldivian-owned businesses. Public safety & rights: HRCM opened an investigation into an infant allegedly taken into state custody without a mother’s consent. Crime: Police arrested a 19-year-old Bangladeshi man in Male’ over alleged violence using a weapon; he was remanded pending investigation. Tourism rebound: The tourism minister says arrivals dipped for four months due to Middle East airport disruptions but bounced back in early July, with new market pushes including direct flights to Australia. Community funding: BML named five recipients under Bank Fund 2026, backing projects from digital resilience hubs to eco parks and agro-processing. Cyber security: Maldives police asked UAE support to further develop and train for the CSOC, which opened last year. Tourism & jobs: Bangladesh urged Maldives to expand job opportunities for Bangladeshi workers, noting about 100,000 already employed. Tourism sector update: Minister says Maldives tourism recovered in July after earlier disruptions.

Youth & Governance: President Muizzu and MP Ahmed Siyam Mohamed marked International Youth Day with a “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations” message, stressing education, jobs and dignity for young people. Public Health & Rights: Male’ City Council moved to enforce the public smoking ban, while the Human Rights Commission opened an investigation into an alleged newborn custody case involving state care without a mother’s consent. Dollar Crunch Politics: Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed accused the opposition of stoking dollar-scarcity claims to mobilize protests, as Nasheed demanded the black-market USD rate fall to MVR 19 in 10 days. FX Rules in Parliament: MPs advanced amendments to the Foreign Currency Act, raising the USD threshold for mandatory deposits from $15m to $25m and tightening resort conversion rules, with the Public Accounts Committee set a one-day review deadline. Safety & Security: MFDA warned of a counterfeit Opdivo cancer injection batch (8081399), and Police reported 53 scam cases in a week with losses of MVR 475,275.76. Aviation & Tourism: MACL inaugurated the Aviation Institute of Maldives, graduating 29 students, and Visit Maldives signed Ooredoo as Digital Partner for World Travel Awards 2026.

Parliament & Land: The Majlis has extended its session by a week to August 20 to push through a contentious land seizure bill that would let the central government take land from local councils, with the MDP calling it “theft of people’s land” and staging protests. Foreign Currency Rules: A Public Accounts Committee has set a one-day deadline to review amendments to the Foreign Currency Act, moving away from the USD 500 per tourist option and requiring resorts to exchange 20% of monthly revenue at local banks. Dollar Pressure: Opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed demands the parallel USD rate be cut to MVR 19 in 10 days, after the black-market rate reportedly hit a record MVR 22. Economy & Liquidity: The Maldives Monetary Authority increased weekly USD allocations to banks by 51% to ease foreign exchange pressure, while the state reports revenue and grants up 9.3% to MVR 26.5bn. Fuel Security: The ADB approved a USD 50m emergency loan for fuel imports as Middle East conflict keeps prices high. Health & Atolls: Health officials say specialists are reluctant to serve outside Male’, and 20 Maldivian medical graduates will get clinical internships in Sri Lanka annually. Justice Tech: The Prosecutor General’s Office is rolling out a two-year AI overhaul to speed up criminal case processing. Tourism & Trade: Tourist arrivals slipped 8% in early August, while Maldives tuna exporters report 20% growth after the UK suspended tuna tariffs.

US-Maldives Trade Talks: Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed met US Chargé d’Affaires Dave Williams to discuss expanding trade and investment ties. Health Workforce: The Health Ministry will place 20 Maldivian medical graduates in Sri Lanka internships each year under an MoU with Suwasevana Hospitals. Atoll Doctors Shortage: DG Ahmed Ashraf said specialists are reluctant to serve outside Male’, urging better training and support for atoll-level care. FX Liquidity Push: The MMA increased weekly US dollar allocations to banks by 51% for three weeks to ease import pressures. Land Bill Protests: MDP leader Mohamed Nasheed and others protested a bill that could let the Cabinet remove council land from local jurisdiction, calling it “looting.” Justice Tech Upgrade: President Muizzu launched PGO 2.0, an AI-backed overhaul for the Prosecutor General’s Office, with prosecutors still making final decisions. Public Health: HPA confirmed 17 more measles cases in Greater Male’, bringing the year’s total to 216. Drug Crackdown: Police seized 144kg of narcotics in seven months, with 1,875 arrests and an estimated street value above MVR 120m. Weather Alert: Stormy conditions with heavy rain and gusty winds are expected to persist through Friday.

Tourism & Money Rules: The Maldives Monetary Authority has proposed amendments to the Foreign Currency Act, aiming to change how resorts must exchange US dollars—dropping the USD 500-per-tourist option and instead requiring exchange of 20% of monthly revenue in USD for eligible establishments. Local Governance: Parliament’s Decentralization Committee has set a five-day deadline to finish reviewing a bill that would expand central government powers to seize land under local council jurisdiction. Public Safety: Police say counter-narcotics operations over seven months have seized over 144kg of drugs and arrested more than 1,800 people. Weather: Stormy conditions are expected to persist through Friday, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds. Humanitarian/Justice: The home minister told Parliament he shared details of a suicide case involving a university student to counter “organized efforts” to discredit police. Business & Hospitality: Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa appointed Mark Eletr as general manager; Maldivian expanded AVIAREPS India to a pan-India sales role. Environment: Soneva Jani became the first Maldives resort recognised as an OECM by the environment ministry. Search & Rescue: Maldives is seeking international help to find three missing after the supply vessel Friend 4 sank.

Disability Rights Overhaul: Maldives has started rewriting its disability rights law for the first time in 15+ years, aiming to clarify government responsibilities and expand access to education, healthcare, and jobs. Missing After ‘Friend 4’ Sinks: Authorities are still searching for three men missing after the supply vessel sank, with MNDF saying thousands of square nautical miles have been covered by air and sea. Economy & Finance: MIRA collected MVR 3.4 billion in July, while Bank of Maldives said it disbursed about USD 3.8m monthly for education and USD 1m for healthcare on average. Tourism Pulse: UK arrivals have topped 100,000 this year, and Maldives is also holding CITES consultations on amberfish exports. Health Workforce: Health Minister Geela Ali told Parliament that 60% of doctors working in the Maldives are foreign nationals. Jobs Platform: NCS launched the “My Career Portal” to link job seekers and employers under a World Bank-backed labour project. Environment & Youth: Maldivian youth are using kayaks, cleanups, and protests to defend mangroves and fight plastic pollution.

Search & Rescue: MNDF says it has searched 7,512 nautical miles by air and 1,970.10 by sea for three missing men after a supply vessel sank near Huvadhoo Atoll, but the captain and two rescuers are still not found. Health Workforce: Health Minister Geela Ali told Parliament that 60% of doctors working in the Maldives are foreign nationals, while the government says it will gradually reduce reliance by expanding local training. Sand Mining Alarm: Faresmaathoda’s local council warns illegal sand and gravel mining is causing “irrevocable damage,” citing coastal erosion and tidal flooding risks. Waste & Accountability: Geela Ali also said over MVR 60M was wasted on 16 stalled health projects from the previous MDP era, with contracts being terminated. Economy & Currency Pressure: The black-market USD rate has climbed to around MVR 22.10, widening from the official MVR 15.42 as dollar shortages continue to hit importers. Public Finance: Government is offering over MVR 1.1B in Treasury bills with maturities from 28 days to 364 days. Jobs Platform: The National Career Services launched the “My Career Portal” to connect job seekers, employers and career advisors under the World Bank-funded SAILS project. Local Governance: Male’ City Council is drafting waste-transfer regulations for the greater Male’ area, amid concerns about spills around Hulhumalé. Politics: Parliament’s General Purpose Committee granted Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed one hour to respond to a no-confidence motion filed by the MDP. Weather: MET forecasts rain across the country for the next three days, with rough seas and strong winds.

Treasury & FX Pressure: The government opened subscriptions for over MVR 1.1 billion in short-term treasury bills, with rates from 3.50% to 4.60% across maturities up to 364 days, as it manages cash flow. At the same time, the black-market USD rate jumped to above MVR 22.10 versus the central bank’s MVR 15.42, squeezing importers and pushing up prices. Search & Rescue: After the supply boat “Friend 4” sank in the Huvadhoo Sea, authorities say three people remain missing (including two rescuers and the captain). The search has covered thousands of square nautical miles using air and sea assets, with the Foreign Ministry seeking international assistance. Local Governance & Rights: The opposition MDP filed a complaint over Hirimaradhoo residents being left without promised housing support after the island was declared uninhabited. Agriculture & Food Security: New farmer support schemes launched: a matching agribusiness grant and an Islamic-financed loan scheme, including support for modern growing methods. Environment & Marine Protection: Tech4Nature Maldives handed monitoring gear to South Ari marine rangers, while InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau reported its first green sea turtle hatchlings of the season. Sports & Youth: Dhiraagu opened registrations for DMGC 2026 qualifiers (MLBB and Rocket League), with a MVR 150,000 prize pool.

Maritime Search: The Maldives Foreign Ministry says it is seeking international help to find three missing men, including two rescuers, after the “Friend 4” supply boat sank in the Huvadhoo Sea; seven of eight crew were rescued, but the captain and a police officer and MNDF staff sergeant are still unaccounted for, with searches covering thousands of square nautical miles. Disaster Preparedness: NDMA has started disaster management plan workshops in Guraidhoo, with training for community emergency response teams supported by UNDP. Drugs & Courts: A criminal court remanded three men after a major operation seized more than 21kg of drugs, including suspects linked to an import case. Agriculture Support: The government launched the “Dhanduveri Manfaa” matching grant and “Dhanduveri Nafaa” Islamic-financing loan scheme to modernise farming and boost youth participation. Air & Economy: Maldivian says it is still struggling to secure a second widebody aircraft due to Middle East conflict and industry constraints, while the government sold over MVR 1.1 billion in T-bills to manage cashflow. Community Services: Passport services opened in Gadhdhoo, expanding atoll access to immigration services. Tourism & Trade: Sea-to-air cargo hit a July record 633 tons, and DMGC 2026 qualifiers opened for Mobile Legends and Rocket League.

Search and Rescue: The MNDF says it has searched 7,400 sq nm for three men missing after the supply boat “Friend 4” sank in the Huvadhoo Sea; seven of eight crew were rescued, but the captain, a police officer and an MNDF staff sergeant are still unaccounted for as air and sea searches continue. Agriculture & Finance: The government launched the “Dhanduveri Manfaa” agribusiness machinery grant and the “Dhanduveri Nafaa” Islamic financing scheme to support farmers and modernise agriculture in northern atolls. Environment & Fisheries: Maldives opened a parasitoid-rearing center at Hanimaadhoo to protect coconut palms, and handed modern monitoring tech to South Ari Atoll marine rangers under Tech4Nature to strengthen protection of manta rays. Tourism & Travel: Passport services were launched in Gadhdhoo, and foreign flight arrivals fell 4.7% in the first half of 2026, though charter and private jet movements rose. Sports & Community: The first corporate relay race, BML WeRun – Corporates, brought 18 teams to Crossroads Maldives. Governance Debate: Former President Yameen and opposition figures renewed calls over constitutional and governance system changes. Tourism Growth: Cruise arrivals nearly doubled year-on-year, with 15,577 cruise passengers recorded so far in 2026. New Resort Bids: Tourism Ministry opened bids for 15 resort developments across six atolls and Addu.

Tourism & Economy: Cruise tourism is surging in the Maldives, with 15,577 cruise passengers entering so far this year—up about 87% from 8,263 in the same period of 2025—while total arrivals remain slightly down overall. Monetary Policy: The Maldives Monetary Authority has tightened policy to drain excess Rufiyaa liquidity, raising minimum reserves and expanding open market operations after monetary financing during the COVID-era. Cost of Living: Food prices in Malé rose 6.07% year-on-year in July, with meat products up 21.43% and fuel up 14.54% versus last year. Governance & Rights: Former Supreme Court justice Mahaz Ali Zahir says the Maldives still lacks a strong rule-of-law culture, with decisions often driven by instructions from those in power. Public Safety: Authorities have found no trace of three missing men after the “Friend 4” supply vessel sank; searches covered thousands of square nautical miles by air and sea. Health & Justice: Home Minister Ali Ihusan faced questions over the Himmafushi drug rehab centre, including claims about cleanliness, food, treatment quality, and staff welfare. Security: Police arrested four people in two separate drug operations in Kulhudhuffushi. Development: The Tourism Ministry opened bids for 15 resort projects across six atolls, including halal-friendly tourism sites.

Tourism & Economy: Cruise tourism is surging in the Maldives, with cruise passenger arrivals nearly doubling to 15,577 so far this year—about an 87% jump—while total arrivals remain slightly down overall. Tourism Development: The Ministry has opened bids for 15 resort projects across six atolls and Addu, including halal-friendly options with clear requirements on beds, facilities and leasing terms. Central Bank Watch: The Maldives Monetary Authority has tightened policy to curb excess Rufiyaa liquidity, raising bank reserve requirements and expanding open market withdrawals. Human Trafficking Response: The government is studying a permanent Malé facility to support trafficking victims, aiming to bring medical, counselling, legal help and secure accommodation under one roof. Public Safety: Police arrested four people in two separate drug operations in Kulhudhuffushi, seizing dozens of drug packets. Weather: Met Office forecasts scattered rain and thunderstorms across northern and southern atolls, with gusts possible during showers.

Search & Rescue: MNDF and Police are still hunting three people after the supply boat “Friend 4” sank off Laamu en route to Huvadhoo; seven of eight crew were rescued, but the captain and a soldier and police officer remain missing, with aerial and sea searches covering 881 sq nm. Currency & Prices: Former President Abdulla Yameen says the rufiyaa has lost so much value people no longer want to save in it, as the Maldives Monetary Authority moves to curb excess liquidity. Monetary Policy: MMA approved higher bank reserve requirements and expanded open market operations to absorb more rufiyaa surplus, aiming to cool dollar-driven price pressure. Customs Crackdown: Maldives Customs seized 800 vape cartridges by air; fines apply for possession, users, suppliers and dealers, with import bans set to take effect. Tourism & Trade: Maldives will host Food & Hospitality Asia Maldives (FHAM) 2026 in September, while Visit Maldives Corporation also signed partners for the World Travel Awards. Environment & Community: Young activists in Addu and Malé protest land reclamation impacts on mangroves and wetlands, and a parrotfish campaign helped drive a national ban on catching parrotfish in 2020.

Monetary Policy Tightening: The Maldives Monetary Authority approved higher bank reserve requirements and expanded open market operations to drain surplus rufiyaa, with MRR rising from 10.5% to 11.0% from September and a plan to reach 13% by Dec 2027. Housing & Land Rules: Regulations were amended to let government-majority-owned companies be allocated land for non-residential uses, with pricing set by a land valuation committee. Public Health & Demography: Vital statistics for 2025 show 5,625 live births (mostly boys) and a sharp pattern of births outside home islands—Vaavu Atoll recorded zero births last year. Customs Crackdown: Maldives Customs seized 800 vape cartridges by air and reiterated fines under the Tobacco Control Act. Weather Watch: The Met Office warns of continued rainy, windy conditions and rough seas, urging sea travellers to take caution. Maritime Search: After a supply vessel sank en route to Huvadhoo Atoll, seven were rescued and three people—including a captain and two rescuers—remain missing as sea and air searches continue. Expo & Community: The 14th Maldives Living Expo opened in Hulhumalé, while Dhiraagu and Swim Maldives set cleanup and social swim events ahead of the Dhiraagu Malé Open.

Maritime Safety: MNDF and Police are intensifying search-and-rescue after a supply vessel “Friend 4” sank en route from Laamu to Huvadhoo, saving 7 of 8 crew but leaving the captain plus a soldier and a police officer missing; aerial scans and drones are now in use. Weather Watch: The Maldives Met Office says rainy, monsoon-affected conditions will persist with scattered showers, possible thunderstorms, and gusty winds and rough seas through the weekend. Public Health & Travel: The US Embassy in Nairobi issued a dengue advisory for Kenya’s coastal region plus Garissa and Wajir, noting higher-than-usual activity and urging mosquito-bite precautions. Economy & Governance: President Muizzu met heads of Supreme Audit Institutions, stressing accountability, transparency, and digital public services under “Maldives 2.0.” Cost of Living Politics: MDP plans an Aug 13 protest in Malé over rising prices and living costs, accusing the government of weakening democratic principles. Demography: Vital statistics show more births to women aged 30–34 amid a sharp fertility-rate decline. Sports & Community: Dhiraagu Malé Open warm-up events—cleanup and social swims at Rasfannu—run Aug 8 and 15, with registration extended to Aug 9. Business & Trade: Raya Airways says it will launch a Penang–Malé freighter route mid-August to boost cargo capacity.