AGP Executive Report

Maldives Foreign Policy: President Mohamed Muizzu condemned an attempted Houthi drone attack targeting Mecca, saying it is unacceptable to threaten the safety and sanctity of Islam’s holiest city, and urged an end to escalation and a return to peace and dialogue. Regional Security: Five Muslim-majority countries, including Türkiye, also condemned the attack, while Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim called for restraint after a drone was intercepted near Mecca. Maritime Security: The Maldives formally signed the charter to join a Saudi-led multinational maritime alliance aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation through key Red Sea routes, after Parliament approved membership last month. Energy & Cost of Living: Maldives and World Bank discussed expanding renewable energy to cut fuel import spending, as global prices rise. Digital Governance: The Unicode Consortium added the Maldivian Rufiyaa symbol to Unicode 18.0, enabling consistent use across websites and apps. Public Administration: Maldives Customs said it bears no responsibility for last week’s Sinamale’ Bridge tanker incident, calling it a natural disaster. Drug Enforcement: Home Minister Ali Ihusan said over 1.3 tons of drugs were seized and 23 drug-related cases investigated as money laundering in the first three years of the current administration.

Energy & Cost Relief: President Muizzu’s government is in talks with the World Bank to expand renewable energy to cut Maldives fuel-import spending, while Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says subsidy targeting will continue—about 80% of domestic users under 600 kWh stay protected, but higher consumption can trigger fuel-cost adjustments. Maritime Accountability: Maldives Customs says it bears no responsibility for the Sinamale’ Bridge tanker crash, calling it a “natural disaster,” while noting the vessels had illegally entered waters earlier this year. Regional Security Tech: A UNODC delegation visited the Information Fusion Centre in Colombo, focusing on maritime domain awareness and how data can support maritime law enforcement. Ruling Party Politics: PNC congress messaging continues—President Muizzu tells youth politics isn’t “dirty” if it puts the country first, while PNC leaders push for an easier 2028 win. Infrastructure Update (Addu): Housing Minister says the Addu road redevelopment will move to a new contractor after RDC stalled, with practical works aimed before end-October. Malaysia-Maldives Diplomacy: Malaysia’s PM Anwar wrapped up his visit, highlighting defence and Islamic affairs MoUs, a USD 100m financing facility, and talks on Petronas support for oil exploration. Public Health Watch: WHO reports measles cases are up globally, reversing declines since 2019. Tourism & Connectivity (Context): Qatar Airways and Emirates showcased travel partnerships and Starlink rollout at ATM Dubai, with Visit Maldives among partners.

Malaysia–Maldives diplomacy: PM Anwar Ibrahim’s two-day visit to Malé wrapped up with fresh commitments to deepen ties, including a Preferential Trade Agreement push, a USD 100m financing facility for Maldives’ central bank, and plans for a Malaysia–Maldives Joint Commission meeting in Kuala Lumpur before year-end. Defense & Islamic cooperation: The two sides exchanged MoUs on defence cooperation and Islamic affairs covering maritime security, training, halal, waqf, haj and Islamic education. Energy talks: Anwar said he will discuss with Petronas the Maldives’ oil and mineral exploration proposal. Domestic politics: In the ruling PNC Congress 2026, President Muizzu warned youth see politics as “dirty,” while PNC leaders set sights on making the 2028 presidential win easier than 2023. Immigration policy: Maldives tightened rules so foreign nationals on business/special visas can’t switch to work visas inside the country. Economy & tourism: MMA data showed usable reserves fell 9.6% in August, while tourism arrivals reached 1.52m so far in 2026.

Malaysia-Maldives Diplomacy: PM Anwar Ibrahim wrapped up a two-day official visit to Malé, praising President Muizzu’s “extraordinary friendship” and pushing practical follow-ups like a Malaysia-Maldives Joint Commission in Kuala Lumpur before year-end. Defense & Islamic Cooperation: The two sides exchanged MoUs to boost defense cooperation and expand Islamic affairs collaboration (halal, waqf, haj and related areas). Trade Talks: Muizzu and Anwar agreed to start negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement, with both leaders also discussing visa frictions for parents of Maldivian students in Malaysia and healthcare cooperation. Finance & Reserves: Separate from the diplomacy, the Maldives Monetary Authority reported usable reserves fell 9.6% in August, linked to higher dollar sales by the central bank and lower foreign currency inflows. Energy Interest: Anwar said he will discuss with Petronas the Maldives proposal for oil and mineral exploration in Maldivian waters. Immigration Rule Change: The Home Ministry ended the ability for business-visa holders to switch to work visas inside the Maldives. Opposition Politics: MDP South Hulhumale’ MP Dr. Ahmed Shamheed announced he will contest the party’s presidential primary. Tourism Numbers: Tourist arrivals reached 1.52 million so far in 2026, still down 3.6% year-on-year but showing signs of recovery.

Malaysia-Maldives State Visit: Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim arrived in Malé for a two-day official visit, welcomed by President Muizzu at Velana International Airport, with talks expected on trade, digital cooperation, defence and Islamic affairs, plus MoU exchanges. Regional Diplomacy: Maldives’ first non-resident ambassador to Serbia, Aminath Shabeena, presented credentials in Belgrade as both sides look to deepen education, tourism and trade links. Islamic & Youth Policy: President Muizzu urged young khatibs to lead by example at the National Young Khatibs Symposium, tied to the 900 years since Maldives embraced Islam. FX Crackdown & Economy: Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed said the black-market USD rate has fallen after enforcement against illegal currency trading; police also arrested two foreigners over overpriced dollar sales. Banking & Digital Payments: Bank of Maldives reported strong card-dollar e-commerce growth and daily limit resets, while Maldives Islamic Bank launched FaisaMobileX 2.0 to expand mobile banking features. Governance Appointments: President Muizzu appointed new Principal Secretaries at the President’s Office, including for Tertiary Health Services and Policy/Manifesto. Sports Infrastructure: MTCC secured projects to upgrade football grounds in Baarah and Thuraakunu. Tourism Trade Push: Visit Maldives Corporation leads a large Maldives contingent at ATM 2026 in Dubai to market resorts and new tourism experiences.

WHO Politics: Bangladesh says it is considering backing the Maldives’ candidate for the WHO South-East Asia regional chief election, criticizing Saima Wazed Putul’s appointment as “unfortunate” and “controversial.” MDP Congress & Voting Rights: The ‘Bodu Badhalu’ movement submits an MDP congress resolution pushing for local council voting based on place of residency, plus recall votes and a bicameral parliament proposal. Sinamale’ Bridge Oil-Tanker Fallout: ERA says environmental damage surveys for the tanker collision will start once weather allows; Male’ City Council is calling for compensation and bridge safety assurances. Dollar & Economic Management: Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed says the parallel market USD rate has fallen below the level when Muizzu took office, calling it “major economic progress.” Islamic Affairs & State Projects: President Muizzu launches construction of the Sultan Mohamed Bin Abdullah Grand Mosque and Islamic Civilization Center in Hulhumalé Phase II; Islamic Minister Shaheem also plans a dedicated dress code for imams. Security Crackdown: Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusan says expatriates are being investigated for running corner stores as illegal USD exchangers, with several detained. Bilateral Diplomacy: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim is set to visit the Maldives for talks on trade and digital cooperation, with MoUs on defence and Islamic affairs expected.

Islamic Finance Overhaul at BML: Bank of Maldives says all new personal accounts and personal financing applications are now processed exclusively under Islamic banking principles, with existing customers able to transition smoothly as the bank expands its Islamic service centres nationwide. 900 Years of Islam, New Mosque Project: President Muizzu has launched construction of the Sultan Mohamed Bin Abdullah Grand Mosque and Islamic Civilization Center in Hulhumalé Phase II, financed by Saudi Arabia’s Al Rajhi Company, aiming to serve up to 10,000 worshippers and support education and community activities. Domestic Connectivity: Maldivian starts daily scheduled flights to Kudahuvadhoo, with tickets promoted from MVR 1,111 and services set to expand the domestic network to 18 airports. Sinamale’ Bridge Collision Fallout: Malé City Council is calling for compensation and a structural safety inquiry after tanker collisions, while questioning whether authorities have shared enough information publicly. Islamic Leadership for Youth: Muizzu urged young khatibs to shape the nation’s intellectual future, as the National Young Khatibs Symposium begins with 300+ participants. Business Appointments: FinExcel appoints Selim Barkat as chairman. WHO Politics: Bangladesh officials say they will support the Maldives’ candidate in the WHO South-East Asia regional chief election, amid controversy over Saima Wazed Putul’s appointment.

BRICS Diplomacy: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim wrapped BRICS summit talks in New Delhi, then headed to Kerala (Keralam) for meetings including India’s Grand Mufti, before travelling to the Maldives on Sept 14. Islamization Milestone: Maldives marked 900 years since embracing Islam with President Muizzu stressing Islam as the cornerstone of national identity and announcing Maldives Awqaf Investments Limited to fund waqf and halal activities. Religious Education Push: Islamic Minister Shaheem said the Maldives now has 322 Hafiz, aiming for 500 in two years, alongside expanding Quran centres and launching a National Symposium for Young Khatibs. Banking & Consumer Limits: Bank of Maldives rolled out Islamic banking for new personal accounts and set daily caps on rufiyaa card spending for international e-commerce, with a USD 16m monthly ceiling and category-based limits resetting at 7am. Parliament Oversight: Opposition MDP urged a review of the Sinamale’ Bridge tanker incident, questioning inspections and accountability after the near-miss and sinking. Public Finance Snapshot: MIRA reported 60,489 individuals registered for income tax (MVR 60,000+ threshold), with total income tax revenue of MVR 5.5b last year.

Waqf & Mosques: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu set up a new state-owned company, Maldives Awqaf Investments Limited, to fund religious affairs and manage waqf/endowment properties, including building and maintaining mosques. Islam & National Identity: Muizzu also reiterated that Islam is the cornerstone of Maldivian nationhood as the country marked 900 years since embracing Islam, while Arts Minister Heena Walid said “Maldivian nationalism” is being restored through an Islamic foundation. Banking & FX Controls: Bank of Maldives (BML) introduced daily limits for rufiyaa card spending on international e-commerce, with a USD 16m monthly cap and category-based daily ceilings (including USD 100,000/day for top merchants), resetting at 7am. Parliament Oversight: Opposition MDP raised concerns over the speed of inspections after two oil tankers crashed into Sinamale’ Bridge, pushing the 241 Committee to review the incident and related negligence. Sports Governance: FIFA imposed a lifetime ban on former Maldives FA president Bassam Adeel Jaleel for misusing COVID-19 relief funds, alongside fines and additional sanctions tied to the scandal. Foreign Policy & Security: Maldives condemned drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline, pledging solidarity with Saudi authorities.

Sinamale’ Bridge Probe: The MDP is pushing the Parliament’s 241 Committee to investigate last Thursday’s oil tanker collision, questioning why seized vessels were left in distress for months and whether the bridge was properly insured and compensated, after the Infrastructure Minister said inspections found no structural damage—only surface scratches. Anti-Corruption Legal Limits: Former Prosecutor General Hussain Shaheem says the ACC cannot provide legal counsel to the government, after backlash over a Housing Ministry plan to sell state land in Hulhumale’ Phase II far below market value. FIFA Fallout in Maldives Football: FIFA has imposed a lifetime ban on former Maldives FA president Bassam Adeel Jaleel for misusing COVID-19 relief funds, fining him about USD 1.23m; FIFA also banned other officials tied to the scandal. Regional Diplomacy & Visits: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim is set to visit the Maldives on Sept 14–15, while India’s PM Modi met Anwar in New Delhi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, with defence, trade and digital cooperation on the agenda. Tourism Connectivity: Qatar Airways will raise Maldives flight frequency from Oct 25 (12 to 21 weekly), and Ghanaian travellers can now enter the Maldives visa-free for up to 30 days.

FIFA Sanctions: FIFA handed a lifetime ban to former Maldives FA president Bassam Adeel Jaleel and fined him about USD 1.23m for misusing FIFA’s COVID-19 relief funds for personal benefit; FIFA also banned former FAM finance official Mohamed Ageel for 10 years. BRICS Diplomacy: Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim arrived in New Delhi for the BRICS Leaders’ Summit and is set to hold bilateral meetings, before visiting Malé at President Muizzu’s invitation. Tourism Connectivity: Qatar Airways will raise Maldives flight frequency from 12 to 21 weekly from Oct 25, while GullivAir plans direct Malé–Sofia flights from Nov 6. Visa Moves: Ghanaian citizens can now travel visa-free to Maldives for up to 30 days under a reciprocal waiver. Maritime Safety: Two oil tankers that collided with Sinamalé Bridge piers have sunk after taking on water; officials say there’s no structural damage to the bridge beyond surface scratches. Health Policy: WHO’s South-East Asia region adopted a resolution pushing time-bound improvements to access to quality medical devices, including diagnostics and assistive technologies.

Diplomatic Push: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim has departed for New Delhi for the BRICS summit, with planned meetings with India, Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan and Ethiopia—then he heads to Malé for an official visit at President Muizzu’s invitation. Bilateral Deals: The Maldives and Malaysia are set to sign MoUs during Anwar’s state visit, aimed at boosting cooperation across key bilateral and multilateral areas. Maritime Safety & Enforcement: Two large oil tankers reportedly seized for entering Maldivian waters without authorization drifted and one crashed into a Sinamalé Bridge pillar; MNDF says crews were rescued and handed to Customs, while Customs has not yet issued a full statement. Visa Moves: Belarus has approved a draft visa-exemption deal with the Maldives (up to 30 days per visit, 90 days total yearly), and Ghanaian passport holders can now travel visa-free to the Maldives for up to 30 days. Tourism Policy: The Elections Commission warned parties against unsubstantiated claims at political events, amid controversy involving former President Yameen’s allegations. Infrastructure & Contracts: Government says the Thilafushi port’s development and operation will remain under Maldivian control even as Phase 1 was awarded to a Chinese company. Domestic Governance: Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen says seven additional airlines are preparing to launch seasonal Maldives flights in the final quarter. Health Milestone: WHO recognized the Maldives for reaching a 2030 premature-death reduction target four years early.

Health & Development: The Maldives became the first WHO South-East Asia country to hit a 2030 premature-death target four years early, with recognition also for sustaining elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus. Infrastructure & National Pride: President Muizzu inaugurated the first Engineers Awards 2026, honouring 10 recipients including MWSC’s Furqan Ibrahim and women engineers, with lifetime awards for long-serving STELCO figures. Tourism Workforce: Aishath Sheena made history as the first licensed female tour guide in the Maldives, receiving her official pass from the Tourism Ministry. Tourism Policy: The state moved to repossess undeveloped tourism plots after long delays and large outstanding dues/fines, while MATI urged dialogue over new GST on overseas travel agents and tougher foreign-exchange conversion rules for resorts. Transport & Connectivity: Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen says seven more airlines will start Maldives flights in the final quarter, supporting a strong peak season outlook. Governance & Integrity: The Elections Commission warned parties against unsubstantiated claims at political events, amid controversy involving Abdulla Yameen’s fire allegations. Economy & Prices: Maldives essential goods costs rose 6.26% year-on-year in August, with meat products up sharply and fuel also higher than last year. Finance Regulation: MMA amended FX-related rules, raising the mandatory exchange threshold for dollar-earning businesses (non-tourism) to USD 25m and adjusting category requirements. Public Safety: Police are searching for a man wanted for questioning in an Anti-Scam Center case. Opposition Politics: MDP set its national congress for Oct 1–3 in Malé and Nasheed reiterated that theft and corruption must not return under any future MDP government. International Affairs (Chagos): President Muizzu asked UK PM Andy Burnham to reopen Chagos sovereignty talks, saying the Maldives should have been consulted before the UK’s transfer plan to Mauritius.

Chagos Sovereignty Push: President Muizzu has invited UK PM Andy Burnham for “meaningful dialogue” on Chagos, saying the Maldives was not consulted before the UK agreed to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius—while the UK insists it will be “relentless” in defending Diego Garcia and Falkland Islanders’ rights. MDP Politics & Integrity: MDP leader Mohamed Nasheed says the party must not repeat theft, corruption, or unfair contract awards, and warns against using state firms as political tools; the MDP also set its national congress for Oct 1–3 in Malé, with a “Local Productivity” theme and an investment forum. Foreign Exchange Rules: The Maldives Monetary Authority enacted regulations under the amended FX framework, raising the USD-revenue threshold for mandatory FX exchange (non-tourism) to USD 25m and adjusting conversion requirements by business category. Tourism Policy Tensions: MATI urged dialogue with government over GST on overseas travel agents and forex conversion rules affecting resorts, warning the changes could hit operators. Cost of Living: Maldives Bureau of Statistics reports essential goods in Malé rose 6.26% year-on-year in August, with meat products up sharply. Local Governance Fees: The LGA is drafting rules to curb island councils charging high fees for residency deregistration, after councils set charges above MVR 5,000. Security & Crime: Police are searching for a man wanted for questioning in an Anti-Scam Center case. Transport & Urban Life: A new Land Transport Act will require fair compensation if the state acquires vehicles over 20 years old; Male’ congestion is severe, leaving only about 18% of road space for pedestrians.

Local Governance: The LGA says it will regulate island councils after reports of steep deregistration fees for permanent residency changes, warning charges like MVR 5,000–6,000 can hit families hard; Residency Policy: F. Bilehdhoo has set a MVR 5,000 fee to relinquish residency while offering a MVR 2,500 incentive to attract residents; Transport Law: The new Land Transport Act will allow government acquisition of vehicles over 20 years only with fair compensation, with a three-year grace period and public consultation on a “middle ground”; Urban Safety: Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed says Male’ has only about 18% road space for pedestrians due to congestion; Economic Regulation: The MMA warns against illegal foreign exchange trading by unlicensed dealers and says it has licensed 59 entities; Foreign Affairs: President Muizzu has asked UK PM Andy Burnham for “meaningful dialogue” on Chagos sovereignty, while the UK insists sovereignty talks are between the UK and Mauritius and also says it will defend Diego Garcia; Diplomacy: Maldives backs renewed international push for a two-state solution for Palestine; Tourism & Industry: NHGAM, Visit Maldives and MATATO plan a CIS tourism roadshow in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Almaty; Disaster/Health: Maldives-linked dengue travel warnings were issued by the US CDC after rising cases among returning travellers.

Chagos Diplomacy: President Mohamed Muizzu has asked UK PM Andy Burnham to reopen “meaningful dialogue” on Chagos sovereignty after saying the Maldives was not consulted over the UK-Mauritius handover plan; the UK insists sovereignty is a UK-Mauritius matter. National Respect Initiative: Cabinet approved Muizzu’s five-year National Respect Initiative, with a nine-member oversight committee and a yearly National Respect Day to be marked nationally. Judicial Reform: Chief Justice Abdul Ghanee Mohamed says new Magistrate Courts Regulations end an 18-year regulatory gap, with court registrars and harmonised procedures set to take effect Oct 1, 2026. Immigration Crackdown: Maldives Immigration reports a Hulhumale’ taskforce raid detaining 7 foreigners for working illegally in salons and spas, alongside earlier Male’ checks. Public Health & Climate: The Health Protection Agency issued heat advisories amid intensifying El Niño conditions, warning of heat exhaustion and heat stroke risks. Tourism/Environment Spotlight: Maldives set a Guinness World Record for 314 simultaneous snorkelers at Niva Kurumba, backed by Bank of Maldives to highlight coral reef protection.