AGP Executive Report

Public Health: The Health Protection Agency says measles cases in Greater Malé have risen to 22 this year, with two more confirmed in the past week, and has launched a public vaccination drive targeting frontline healthcare workers, children under 18, and later expanding to under-30 and under-49 groups. Airport Safety: Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has signed MoUs with NDMA, the Maldives Meteorological Service, and the Maldives Red Crescent to strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response at Velana International Airport, including joint drills and real-time information sharing. Crime & Enforcement: Police in Hulhumalé have arrested two foreign nationals over suspected illegal alcohol possession, consumption, and sale, seizing 15 bottles and placing one suspect in five-day custody and the other in 10-day remand. Economy: Government spokesperson Mundhu says repaying external debt is the top economic priority to avoid default, while protecting essential services like fuel imports, salaries, and healthcare. Marine Protection: New rules for vessels entering South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) will require official registration and installed propeller guards from June 30, aiming to reduce accidents involving tourists and marine life. Tourism Demand: dnata Travel reports the Maldives is the top summer destination for UAE travellers, taking one in five international hotel bookings. Diplomacy (regional): PM Modi made history by addressing Seychelles’ parliament, highlighting “old friends” ties across the Indian Ocean.

Border Control Upgrade: Japan has donated 48 facial recognition systems to Maldives Immigration for installation at Velana International Airport, aiming to speed up identity checks and strengthen border security. Marine Protection Rules: The Maldives is tightening access to the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) from later this month, requiring vessel registration and installed propeller guards to reduce accidents involving tourists and marine life. Tourism Recognition: The Standard, Maldives (by Hyatt) has been named in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026, placing it among the world’s top 10% hotels based on guest reviews. Hotel Awards Round-Up: Marriott’s Maldives properties also picked up Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026 recognition, including The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; W Maldives; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; and Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. Diplomatic Ties: Maldives and Bangladesh reaffirmed plans to deepen cooperation after a phone call between their foreign ministers. Regional Cooperation: A France-led seminar in South and Southeast Asia focused on combating waste trafficking, bringing together customs and security stakeholders from multiple countries.

Border Control Upgrade: Japan has donated 48 facial recognition systems to Maldives Immigration for Velana International Airport, aiming to speed up identity checks and strengthen border security. Marine Protection Rules: From June 30, vessels entering South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) must be registered and fitted with propeller guards, as authorities tighten enforcement to prevent accidents involving tourists and marine life. Public Safety & Crime: Maldives Police arrested a 27-year-old in Malé over alleged drug trafficking, seizing about 51.30 grams of suspected illicit narcotics; he was remanded for 30 days. Diplomacy: Maldives and Bangladesh reaffirmed closer cooperation after a phone call between their foreign ministers, including coordination at UN forums. Tourism & Awards: The Standard, Maldives (by Hyatt) was named in Tripadvisor’s top 10% hotels globally, while multiple Marriott Maldives resorts also picked up Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026 recognition. Governance: MDP Chair Mohamed Nasheed reiterated “The Big Change” reforms, calling for stronger separation of powers and more independent institutions.

Travel Tech & Border Security: Japan has donated 48 facial recognition systems to Maldives Immigration for installation at Velana International Airport, aiming to speed up identity checks and strengthen border control. Regional Diplomacy: Maldives and Bangladesh reaffirmed closer bilateral cooperation in a phone call between their foreign ministers, including coordination at multilateral forums. Governance Reform: MDP chair Mohamed Nasheed says the party will push “The Big Change” to strengthen separation of powers, limit political influence over institutions, and improve how top officials are selected. Public Safety: Police in Malé arrested a 27-year-old over alleged drug trafficking, seizing about 51.30 grams of suspected illicit narcotics; he was remanded for 30 days. Tourism & Lifestyle: InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort was named among the Maldives’ top 10 family resorts for a second year at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026. Hospitality Appointments: Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa appointed Audra Arul as Director of Sales & Marketing. Sports & Community: Hideaway Beach Resort launched the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2026, with the main race on 18 September 2026. Digital Culture: VMC and PSM partnered to expand Creatoll, integrating PSM’s audiovisual archives into a marketplace for Maldivian creative content.

Maldives–Bangladesh Diplomacy: Maldives Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam and Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman reaffirmed closer bilateral ties and agreed to keep coordinating at regional and UN forums. Drug Enforcement in Malé: Police arrested a 27-year-old man, Saajid Abdul Muhaimin, after a targeted anti-narcotics operation recovered about 51.30 grams of illicit drugs; he was remanded in custody for 30 days. Governance Reform Push: MDP chair Mohamed Nasheed says “The Big Change” reform agenda will restore separation of powers, strengthen independent institutions, and limit political influence. Cruise Tourism Milestone: Visit Maldives Corporation and the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents welcomed Viking Yidun, the first Chinese cruise ship to call at the Maldives, as part of efforts to diversify arrivals. Tourism & Connectivity: Japan donates a facial recognition system to the Maldives; Dhiraagu adds Eeezap as an Elite Club partner offering 5%–15% discounts. Resort Recognition: OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru won Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best 2026, placing among the top all-inclusive resorts in Asia and worldwide.

Tourism & arrivals: Visit Maldives Corporation and the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents welcomed the Chinese cruise ship Viking Yidun for the Maldives’ first Chinese cruise arrival, with cultural performances at Jetty 1 in Malé—another push to diversify visitor channels beyond resorts. Border tech: Japan handed over a facial recognition system to Maldives Immigration to speed up identity checks and strengthen border management at entry and exit points. Money & FX: The Maldives Monetary Authority will temporarily raise USD sales to banks by 25% from June 28 for three months to ease foreign exchange pressure during the tourism off-season. Crime: Police arrested two people in Malé after a court-authorised operation seized more than 1kg of illicit narcotics, with cash also found; both face remand as investigations continue. Diplomacy: President Muizzu appointed new ambassadors to Qatar and the UAE, formalising the roles after parliamentary approval. Energy & water: Flocean says its subsea desalination system has reached “first water” and is producing freshwater at full capacity, with plans including a Maldives partnership. Hospitality & business: Dhiraagu added eeezap as an Elite Club partner, offering 5%–15% discounts via the Dhiraagu app.

Diplomacy: President Muizzu has appointed Adam Shareef Umar as Ambassador to Qatar and Thoriq Ibrahim as Ambassador to the UAE, following parliamentary approval, as the Maldives looks to deepen ties with key partners. Crime & Security: Police in Malé arrested two people after a targeted operation seized more than 1kg of illicit narcotics, with suspects remanded in custody for 15 days as investigations continue. Border Tech: Japan has handed over a facial recognition system to Maldives immigration and homeland security to strengthen identity checks and speed up passenger screening. Economy & FX: The Maldives Monetary Authority will temporarily increase USD supply to commercial banks by 25% from June 28 for three months to ease foreign exchange pressure during the tourism off-season. Climate & Food Security: The government launched the VilunVeshi Grant Programme with ADB support to fund climate resilience and food security projects, including digital solutions, across three grant phases. Tourism & Trade: Travel demand to the Maldives is expected to improve after the UK eased Foreign Office travel advice for Gulf destinations, supporting long-haul bookings via the UAE. Energy & Islands: Quino Energy’s CarbonX grant support for a MWh-scale battery system in Himandhoo is set to cut reliance on imported diesel by adding energy storage to a wider microgrid.

Travel & Tourism: With the UK Foreign Office easing advice for the Gulf, long-haul bookings are bouncing back, and agents say interest in the Maldives is already picking up as travellers look to transit via the UAE. Climate & Resilience: The Maldives has launched the VilunVeshi Grant Programme to boost climate resilience and food security, backed by the Asian Development Bank, with funding for micro-grants, community projects and larger demonstrations. Energy Transition: Tencent’s CarbonX 2.0 has selected Quino Energy for a MWh-scale clean energy storage project for Himandhoo Island, aimed at cutting costly diesel use and improving resilience. Diplomacy: President Muizzu met US Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur to discuss deepening Maldives–US cooperation, including economic development and maritime security, as the countries mark 60 years of ties. Governance: Mohamed Shakeel has been appointed to the Elections Commission after parliamentary approval. Awards & Hospitality: Atmosphere and Alila Kothaifaru Maldives both secured TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice recognition, while .Here Baa Atoll was named an AHEAD Asia 2026 finalist.

Elections Commission Update: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has appointed Mohamed Shakeel, former Managing Director of the Maldives Hajj Corporation, as a member of the Elections Commission after Parliament approved his nomination 51-7. Shakeel took his oath at the President’s Office, filling the seat left vacant after Mohamed Zahid’s resignation in May. U.S.-Maldives Ties: Muizzu met U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapur to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations, with both sides discussing deeper cooperation on economic development, investment, and maritime security. Outer Islands Power Push: Tencent’s CarbonX 2.0 selected Quino Energy for catalytic funding to develop an MWh-scale organic flow battery for Himandhoo Island, aiming to cut diesel reliance and strengthen resilience as part of wider renewable microgrid plans. Tourism Recognition: Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts says three Maldives properties—Atmosphere Kanifushi, RAAYA by Atmosphere, and VARU by Atmosphere—were named in Tripadvisor’s top 10% for guest reviews. Accessibility Support: Bank of Maldives donated 30 more wheelchairs under its nationwide programme, bringing totals to 360 wheelchairs across 105+ islands since 2017. Travel Inclusion: Emirates ran its first “Travel Rehearsal” at Velana International Airport for children with autism and families, simulating the full journey to reduce travel anxiety.

Health Update: The Maldives Health Protection Agency (HPA) confirmed two more measles cases in Greater Malé, bringing this year’s total to 22, with 489 contacts identified and vaccination efforts underway for those who missed doses. Cancer Care Push: The Health Minister says the government aims to start basic diagnostic and treatment services at the new 500-bed multispecialty cancer hospital in Hulhumalé by 2028, with advanced services planned later. Crime Cooperation: Maldives Police signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the US Department of Homeland Security to boost cooperation against transnational crime, including information sharing and joint investigations. Tourism Growth: Visit Maldives welcomed the first Chinese cruise ship to Malé, as authorities push cruise tourism to diversify visitor arrivals. Diplomatic & Community Links: A community bike ride in Hulhumalé marked 60 years of India–Maldives diplomatic relations, promoting wellness and environmental sustainability. Air Connectivity: French bee announced seasonal winter flights to the Maldives starting 19 December, running until May. Resort & Culinary News: Meyyafushi Maldives will host Michelin-starred French chef Nicolas Isnard for an exclusive July residency, including a special underwater dining experience.

Public Health: The Health Protection Agency says two new measles cases were recorded in Greater Malé over the past week, bringing confirmed infections this year to 22, with 489 contacts identified and targeted vaccination underway for children and unvaccinated contacts. Cancer Care Roadmap: Health Minister Geela Ali says the government aims to start basic diagnostic and treatment services at the new 500-bed Hulhumalé cancer hospital by 2028, with advanced services planned later, as Aasandha overseas treatment costs continue to mount. Cross-Border Crime Cooperation: Maldives Police signed an MoU with the US Homeland Security Investigations to boost information sharing and joint action against transnational crime. Tourism Diversification: Viking Yidun became the first Chinese cruise ship to visit the Maldives, welcomed by Visit Maldives and local partners as the country pushes cruise tourism beyond traditional channels. Travel Accessibility: Emirates ran its first “Travel Rehearsal” in the Maldives at Velana International Airport to help families with autism practice the full airport journey with support. Mariculture Push: The government is accelerating a nationwide mariculture plan built around seaweed farming, with five development zones identified to diversify the economy. Governance & Economy: Parliament’s oversight committee backed Hassan Zareer for Finance and Public Enterprises, and President Muizzu issued updated rules for cross-subsidy investment projects and contractor minimums.

Tourism & Travel: Emirates has carried out the Maldives’ first “Travel Rehearsal” at Velana International Airport, guiding children with autism and their families through check-in, security, immigration and arrival steps to cut travel anxiety. Blue Economy: The Maldives is pushing a nationwide mariculture push built around seaweed farming, with officials pointing to pilot results and naming five development zones to diversify the economy beyond tuna and tourism. Government & Economy: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu issued updated rules for cross-subsidy investment projects, setting minimum contractor investment levels across areas like tourism, climate resilience, utilities and island connectivity. Finance Appointments: Parliament’s Government Oversight Committee has unanimously backed Hassan Zareer for Finance and Public Enterprises Minister, moving his nomination toward final approval. Health: At the World Health Assembly, WHO highlighted Maldives’ progress on eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV and syphilis, alongside other global public health achievements. Infrastructure: A land reclamation and harbour upgrade at the MNDF training centre in Girifushi has begun, expanding training land and improving coastal protection and mooring access.

Mariculture Push: The Maldives is moving to build a nationwide mariculture industry, betting big on seaweed farming as a new economic pillar, with five development zones flagged including Raa, Meemu, Thaa and a lagoon near Maaniyaafushi. Finance & Investment Rules: President Muizzu issued updated rules for cross-subsidy investment projects, setting minimum investment requirements and listing eligible categories from tourism and airport expansion to social housing and utility services. Finance Minister Step Forward: Parliament’s Government Oversight Committee unanimously backed Hassan Zareer’s nomination as Finance Minister and Public Enterprises, clearing the way for full parliamentary approval. Tourism Infrastructure: Girifushi’s MNDF training centre in Girifushi has started a major land reclamation and harbour upgrade, expanding training land by 13.3 hectares and adding coastal protection plus new jetties. Water Tech for the Region: Flocean says it has reached “first water” and is producing drinkable freshwater at full capacity from an industrial subsea desalination system, with a stated partnership for the Maldives. Travel Accessibility: Emirates ran its first “Travel Rehearsal” at Velana International Airport for children with autism, simulating the full journey from check-in to the gate. Cyber Safety Alert: A report warns Pakistan saw over 5 million cyberattacks in 2025 as digital banking grows, highlighting weak passwords and phishing risks for users. Local Culture: A Maldivian proverb on exploitation—“the rat gnaws into the young coconut, the bat drinks the water”—is making the rounds again as a reminder about unfair reward.

Human Rights & Justice: UN torture watchdog investigators in Sri Lanka heard CID detention allegations during confidential one-to-one interviews, with a report expected to stay private unless requested for release. Maldives Diplomacy: Kuwait and the Maldives foreign ministers held talks by phone on regional and international developments and ways to deepen cooperation. Public Services: Maldives Immigration expanded passport services to Dharavandhoo in Baa Atoll, letting residents submit requests online via Imuga and collect locally instead of travelling to Malé. Economy & Policy: Government proposed cutting cigarette import duty from MVR 8 to MVR 4 per cigarette, while keeping a 30% ad valorem duty and exempting nicotine replacement products to support cessation. Blue Economy: Maldives is pushing mariculture, identifying five locations and highlighting rapid seaweed cultivation growth in Baa Atoll. Tourism & Trade: Visit Maldives launched a UK luxury marketing push with Gold Medal, while resort news continues with multiple Maldives awards and culinary events, including St. Regis Vommuli’s “Across the Table” dining series.

Public Services: Maldives Immigration has expanded passport services to Dharavandhoo in Baa Atoll, letting residents submit requests via Imuga and collect documents locally instead of travelling to Malé. Blue Economy: Government plans to build mariculture into a major industry, flagging five development locations and pointing to fast-growing seaweed farming in Fehendhoo, Baa Atoll producing about 63 tonnes of dried seaweed monthly. Tax Policy: The government has proposed cutting cigarette import duty from MVR 8 to MVR 4 per cigarette, while keeping a 30% ad valorem duty and exempting nicotine replacement products to support smoking cessation. Tourism & Trade: Visit Maldives Corporation launched a UK marketing push with Gold Medal running until 31 July, using trade guides, in-store displays, training for agents, and a luxury-focused digital campaign. Resort Spotlight: Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026 continued to spotlight Maldives stays, with Grand Park Kodhipparu’s GM Raffaele Solferino winning Best Hotel General Manager and Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives recognised for family travel.

Tourism Milestone: The Maldives welcomed its one millionth tourist of 2026 on Saturday, with Spain’s Almudena Ortuño Esparza arriving at Velana International Airport on a Qatar Airways flight, as Tourism Minister Mohamed Ameen said the milestone comes despite air-corridor disruptions. Green Transport: The Maldives plans to deploy up to 100 electric hydrofoil boats under the Navier Network, aiming to cut emissions and reshape inter-island transfers with faster, quieter, more efficient rides. Marine & Resort Awards: JOALI Maldives won Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia 2026 honours, while Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives was named a Best Resort for Families and Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa earned Best House Reef recognition; Six Senses Laamu also took top family resort status in the same awards. Customs Crackdown: Maldives Customs seized 15,601 vape cartridges in a sea freight operation at Malé Commercial Harbor, the largest haul since the 2024 import ban, with investigations ongoing. Local Tourism Careers: Niva Dhigali Maldives hosted MATI “Discover Tourism” sessions for Raa Atoll students, giving hands-on exposure to resort housekeeping and culinary work.