AGP Executive Report

Renewable energy for resorts: Atoll Solar and Ocean Sun will pitch lagoon floating solar at the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026, focusing on how resorts can boost clean power beyond limited rooftops. Biodiversity financing: Maldives’ Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy signed agreements with UNDP for a GEF-funded push to update the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and build a biodiversity financing plan. Climate diplomacy in the Pacific: World powers are heading to Fiji for pre-COP31 talks (Oct 5–8), with Pacific leaders urging stronger action on 1.5°C, ocean impacts and climate finance gaps. Energy resilience at sea: A Maldives-focused explainer argues resorts should treat solar, batteries, generators and control systems as one integrated microgrid to cut fuel risks. Local development beyond Malé: MDP chair Mohamed Nasheed says island business opportunities are thriving, from packaged foods to spice blends, and calls for support to scale them sustainably. Financial controls: Bank of Maldives capped monthly dollar ATM withdrawals at USD 3,500 amid pressure on dollar reserves. Tourism spotlight: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa announced a season-long Masters of Food & Wine series with six Michelin-starred chefs from Oct 2026 to Apr 2027.

Climate Diplomacy: World powers are heading to Nadi, Fiji for Oct 5–8 pre-COP31 talks, with Pacific leaders pushing for the 1.5°C goal, more climate finance, and stronger ocean-focused action as sea levels rise fast and adaptation funding remains far short. Biodiversity Funding: Maldives’ MoCCEE has signed agreements with UNDP under a GEF-backed push to update the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, prepare the Seventh National Report to the CBD, and build a Biodiversity Financing Plan. Wildlife Protection: The Maldives’ ERA warns it will fine people who catch, keep, or trade protected migratory birds during the northeast monsoon, citing declining arrivals and urging the public to report poaching. Energy for Resorts: A new piece argues the next step for Maldivian resorts is not just more solar, but full energy resilience—linking solar, batteries, generators, and smart control into one system. Tourism & Media: The Maldives will feature in a special MasterChef Sri Lanka destination episode, spotlighting cuisine and hospitality for a regional audience. Local Business & Islands: MDP chair Mohamed Nasheed says real business opportunities are across the islands, not only in Malé, urging support for local councils to turn small industries into sustainable ventures. Finance Watch: Bank of Maldives has set a monthly USD 3,500 ATM withdrawal limit, citing pressure on dollar reserves and tighter controls on foreign spending.

Island Economy & Jobs: MDP chair Mohamed Nasheed says real business opportunities are thriving across the islands, from spice blends and packaged foods to home-based baking—urging support for local councils to turn these into profitable, sustainable ventures. Biodiversity Funding: Maldives MoCCEE signed letters with UNDP for GEF-backed work to update the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, prepare the Seventh National Report, and build a Biodiversity Financing Plan. Climate Diplomacy Watch: World powers are meeting in the Pacific ahead of COP31 to push 1.5°C goals and ocean-focused action, as sea levels rise and adaptation finance gaps widen. Protecting Migratory Birds: ERA warned it will fine people who catch, keep, or trade protected migratory birds during the northeast monsoon, citing declining numbers and illegal caging and trade. Energy Transition in Resorts: RAH GILI MALDIVES highlighted a 2MW solar-plus-battery setup to cut diesel dependence. Finance & Markets: President Muizzu established National Exchange Limited to support a government-backed secondary securities market and expand Islamic finance. Digital & Cash Controls: Bank of Maldives capped monthly USD ATM withdrawals at $3,500 amid pressure on dollar reserves, while pushing digital payments.

Climate Diplomacy: World powers are sending delegates to Fiji for pre-COP31 talks in Nadi (Oct 5–8), aiming to set the agenda for COP31 in Turkey and spotlight rising seas and ocean impacts on island nations like Tuvalu. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Maldives’ Environmental Regulatory Authority (ERA) warns it will fine people who catch, keep or trade protected migratory birds during the northeast monsoon, citing declining arrivals and urging the public to report poaching. Energy Transition: RAH GILI MALDIVES highlights a 2MW solar installation with battery storage as part of a hybrid system to cut diesel dependence. Tourism & Community: Kandooma Maldives rebrands from Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma to Kandooma Maldives with a refreshed, family-focused all-inclusive concept. Finance & Governance: President Muizzu establishes National Exchange Limited, a state-owned enterprise to support a government-backed secondary securities market and expand Islamic finance. Digital & Daily Life: BML caps monthly dollar ATM withdrawals at USD 3,500 to ease pressure on dollar reserves, while Dhiraagu marks its 38th anniversary with a 38GB data offer and other connectivity promotions.

Banking & FX Controls: Bank of Maldives (BML) has capped monthly dollar ATM withdrawals at USD 3,500 from Thursday, while keeping the USD 1,600 daily rufiyaa-card withdrawal cap. The move follows rising pressure on dollar reserves, with BML citing higher foreign transactions and tighter limits on foreign e-commerce, abroad POS spending, and travel payments. State Finance & Markets: President Muizzu established National Exchange Limited, a new state-owned enterprise to develop a government-backed secondary securities market and support Islamic finance, including trading and post-trade services like clearing and settlement. Wildlife Protection: The Environmental Regulatory Authority (ERA) warned it will fine people who catch, keep or trade protected migratory birds during the northeast monsoon, urging the public to report poaching and calling out declining visitor numbers. Tourism & Connectivity: Maldivian opened a modernised seaplane terminal with improved facilities and environmental upgrades, as the airline reports 1.2 million passengers have used the terminal so far. Tourism Industry Pulse: Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026 (5 Oct) is set to focus on resilience and reinvention, with partners including Storm Events and Dhivehi Insurance. Children’s Rights: The Maldives signed the Bogotá Call to Action to end violence against children, committing to stronger laws, safer environments, and better coordination.

Parliament Oversight: An MP has asked the SOE Committee to investigate how three state firms set up Maldives Port Development Private Limited, including ownership, financing, approvals, and transparency. Tourism & Environment: Maldives joins the Bogotá Call to Action to end violence against children, while resorts keep tying tourism to conservation—Cinnamon Velifushi reports seven sea turtle hatchlings reaching the ocean, and Landaa Giraavaru highlights manta-ray sightings via “Manta on Call.” Marine Life & Reefs: Researchers are building artificial reef structures to help eroding areas, and Trust-led manta and turtle stories underline how fragile habitats support livelihoods. Climate Finance: UN biodiversity talks push for stronger funding for the 30x30 goal, with Maldives-linked discussions also echoing the need for scaled finance against sea-level rise. Transport Upgrade: Maldivian opened a modernised seaplane terminal with added lounges, a children’s area, and plastic-bottle recycling. Safety in Tourism: A Maldives Safety and Security Conference focuses on making tourism safer through better planning, emergency response, and industry coordination. Child Protection Policy: Police medical and funeral support rules were amended for officers who die on duty.

Coastal protection breakthrough: Researchers using MIT-linked artificial reef blocks say they helped an eroding resort beach grow about double in size over two years—an alternative to dredging that could reshape how Maldives tackles sand loss. Marine life updates: Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives welcomed seven sea turtle hatchlings as they begin their ocean journey, while a Maldives resort’s “Manta on Call” service highlights how researchers spot mantas and guide guests to key sites like Hanifaru Bay. Tourism resilience focus: The Maldives Safety and Security Conference 2026 opened with talks on risk, emergency preparedness and cybersecurity for resorts and guesthouses, backed by safety firms and government partners. Transport upgrade: Maldivian opened a modernised seaplane terminal with added lounges, a children’s area and plastic-bottle recycling, aiming to improve passenger experience and operations. Child protection pledge: The Maldives signed the Bogotá Call to Action to end violence against children, committing to stronger laws, safer environments and faster implementation of proven solutions. Local governance & community activity: Kulhudhuffushi’s Island Carnival and Boduthiladhunmathi Bodu Bazaar are set to run until Oct 4, boosting business and local entrepreneurship. Finance for development: Maldives finance officials discussed an emergency credit line with the OPEC Fund, alongside future work on water, sanitation and ports.

Marine Wildlife & Conservation: Seven sea turtle hatchlings began their ocean journey at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, a reminder that hatchlings face threats from artificial lighting, pollution, fishing, habitat loss and climate change. Reef Protection & Nature Tech: Researchers built an artificial reef using MIT-linked work to help an eroding Maldivian resort island grow its beach back over two years, pointing to alternatives to sand dredging. Tourism Resilience & Safety: The Maldives Safety and Security Conference 2026 opened in a push to reduce risks for tourism, with panels spanning emergency preparedness, cybersecurity and destination security, and Gage named main partner. Tourism Sector Support: Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026 (5 Oct) added Dhivehi Insurance as Insurance Partner under “Resilience and Reinvention,” highlighting risk management for resorts. Policy & Community Wellbeing: Police Employment Regulation was amended so families of officers who die on duty receive medical treatment, plus options for special funerals. Global Commitments: Maldives signed the Bogotá Call to Action to end violence against children, pledging stronger laws, safer environments and coordinated action. Tourism Awards: Maldives was named Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination for 2026, also winning Leading Green, Leading Dive and Leading Honeymoon titles. Tourism Operations Upgrade: Maldivian opened a modernised seaplane terminal with air-conditioning and new lounges, designed to reflect Maldivian culture and prioritise environmental protection.

Child Protection: The Maldives signed the Bogotá Call to Action, joining a global push to end violence against children through stronger laws, coordinated action, and safer environments. Aviation & Environment: Maldivian opened a modernised seaplane terminal, designed around Maldivian culture and with environmental protection features, as passenger numbers pass 1.2 million and two new seaplanes are planned for next year. Tourism Safety: The Maldives Safety and Security Conference 2026 kicked off, bringing together tourism, government and emergency responders to tackle risks to visitors and strengthen preparedness, with Gage named main partner. Coastal Resilience: Researchers used an MIT-designed artificial reef to help an eroding resort beach grow again, pointing to alternatives to dredging. Biodiversity Finance: UNDP’s Dhirun: Art for Biodiversity pilot linked art sales to conservation using a 130% pricing model, supporting Maldivian artists and a biodiversity fund. Marine Cooperation: Pakistan and regional partners, including Maldives, backed a China-South Asian marine initiative focused on ocean climate observation, ecological protection and blue economy development. Infrastructure Watch: The Maldives discussed an emergency credit line with the OPEC Fund for water, sanitation, and port development to support sustainable growth.

Coastal Protection Breakthrough: Researchers using MIT-inspired artificial reef blocks helped a resort island’s eroding beach grow back, with sand returning naturally over two years—an alternative to dredging that could reshape how Maldives tackles shoreline loss. Biodiversity Finance via Art: UNDP’s Dhirun: Art for Biodiversity pilot linked tourism and conservation by using a 130% pricing model for Maldivian artworks, with Kandima Maldives extending the exhibition to keep funding marine priorities. Tourism Recognition: Maldives added major wins at the World Travel Awards—Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination plus Leading Green, Dive and Honeymoon titles—while Visit Maldives Corporation was named Leading Tourist Board. Sustainable Tourism Leadership: President Muizzu said Malaysia’s PM Anwar pledged easier processes and more internships for Maldivian students, alongside climate cooperation and steps on a currency-swap arrangement. Resort Updates: Meyyafushi marks its first anniversary (1–3 Nov 2026) with coral planting and wellness-led events, while Fushifaru prepares a 9th-anniversary programme (20–24 Oct) featuring guest chef challenges and conservation activities.

Renewable Energy Push: Maldives more than doubled renewable energy capacity to 126MW, cutting diesel use and projected CO2 emissions as solar plus battery storage expands across islands. World Tourism Awards Spotlight: The Maldives swept multiple World Travel Awards titles on World Tourism Day, including Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination, Leading Green Destination, Leading Dive Destination and Leading Honeymoon Destination, with Visit Maldives also winning Leading Tourist Board. Digital + AI for Tourism: President Muizzu and Tourism Minister Mohamed Ameen urged the industry to use digital tools and AI to redesign tourism while protecting the environment and Maldivian identity. UN Climate Resilience Focus: MOCCAE hosted a UNGA81 resilience dialogue on safeguarding food security and critical supply chains, stressing preparedness for shocks like water, energy and trade disruptions. Student Support via Malaysia: President Muizzu said Malaysia’s PM Anwar pledged easier administrative processes and more internships for Maldivian students and residents, alongside talks on currency-swap and trade. Tourism Industry Security: Homeland Security minister Ali Ihusaan said gang-related crimes have declined, with fewer youth deaths reported and more operations targeting recruitment networks. Eco-Resort Deal Abroad: A tripartite initiative signed for a five-star eco-friendly resort in Cox’s Bazar highlights growing regional interest in sustainable tourism investment.

Renewables Push: Maldives more than doubled renewable energy capacity from 53MW to 126MW after solar expansion, with battery storage cutting diesel use by about 3.1 million litres a year and preventing roughly 8,400 tonnes of CO₂ annually. World Travel Awards Spotlight: The Maldives swept five World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean honours on World Tourism Day, including Leading Destination, Leading Dive, Leading Green and Leading Honeymoon, while OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI retained a MICHELIN Key and THE OZEN COLLECTION celebrated double wins. Tourism Tech + Skills: President Muizzu and Tourism Minister Ameen urged the industry to use digital tools and AI to redesign tourism—without losing environmental protection and the human touch. UN Climate Diplomacy: Vice President Latheef wrapped up UNGA engagements, stressing sea-level rise as an existential threat and calling for stronger action for small island states. Harm to Wildlife: Police are investigating a viral stingray cruelty incident near Malé’s Fish Market jetty, where a cowtail stingray was reportedly stabbed and dragged—raising fresh calls for tougher enforcement. Culinary & Community: Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge returns for its 20th edition (27–30 Sept) at MNU and Hulhumalé, alongside World Tourism Day resort education and sustainability activities.

World Tourism Day & AI-led tourism: President Dr. Muizzu and Tourism Minister Mohamed Ameen urged the Maldives to use digital innovation and artificial intelligence to redesign tourism—improving services and resilience—while protecting the natural environment and Maldivian culture. Hospitality with a human touch: Sun Siyam Group’s Ahmed Siyam Mohamed said technology should complement, not replace, the “human connection” at the heart of hospitality. UN climate resilience push: Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef wrapped up his UNGA visit, stressing climate resilience for small island states and warning that sea-level rise is an existential threat. Food and water resilience at UN: MOCCAE hosted a UNGA resilience dialogue on safeguarding food security and critical supply chains amid disruptions, focusing on preparedness for shocks. Marine protection spotlight: Police are investigating viral footage of alleged cowtail stingray cruelty near Malé’s Fish Market jetty, with MPs calling for stronger enforcement of environmental laws. Tourism industry events: Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge returns for its 20th edition (Sept 27–30) alongside the Hotel Asia Exhibition, while the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean gala is set at CROSSROADS Maldives on Sept 27. Conservation-linked tourism: A separate report highlights manta ray tourism in Raja Ampat as a model of sustainable wildlife-based livelihoods—again underscoring the value of protecting marine life.

World Tourism Day (Maldives focus): World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala 2026 is set for 27 September at CROSSROADS Maldives, powered by Bank of Maldives, bringing regional tourism leaders together on the same day as World Tourism Day. Tourism with a sustainability angle: Sun Siyam Pasikudah marks 27 September with Sri Lankan culture and cuisine plus tree planting and beach/park clean-ups, while Angsana Velavaru hosts Hulhudheli students for a resort-and-sustainability learning day tied to the theme on digital tech and AI in tourism. Resort growth (2027): Atmosphere Core signs its 10th Maldives resort, ONE BANYAN Amaraa Faru An Atmosphere Hotel, due to open March 2027 in Kaafu Atoll. Marine protection spotlight: Police are investigating a viral stingray cruelty case near Male’ Fish Market jetty, where a cowtail stingray was allegedly stabbed and dragged; the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act protects ray species. Climate diplomacy from the region: Nepal’s “Sagarmatha to the Sea” climate event at the UN urges coordinated action from mountains to islands, co-hosted with Maldives and others. Tourism industry training: Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge returns for its 20th edition (27–30 Sept) at MNU and Hulhumalé, with about 600 entries expected.

Marine Wildlife Protection: Police are investigating a viral stingray cruelty case after a foreigner was allegedly seen dragging and stabbing a cowtail stingray near the Male’ Fish Market jetty, where rays gather—an act that violates Maldives environmental protections for ray species. Climate Diplomacy at UNGA: Maldives VP Hussain Mohamed Latheef told the UN that sea-level rise is an existential threat and urged scaled, grant-based climate finance plus better measurement and legal certainty; he also called for climate action delivery at COP31. Coral Reef Conservation: Mission Blue and Ocean Geographic announced “ANIMA HAI” expeditions starting in 2027, including Maldives reef sites, to build a long-term visual and scientific record of coral reef change. Small Island Climate Justice: UN leaders warned that debt and high borrowing costs are draining money from health, education, infrastructure and climate protection—an issue hitting island states hardest. Tourism & Trade Updates: Maldives tourism trade wrapped a CIS roadshow in Moscow, while India-Maldives FTA talks are progressing with technical teams working on market access.

Climate Diplomacy: Nepal staged “Sagarmatha to the Sea” at the UN in New York, linking Himalayan floods to sea-level risks and urging coordinated action across borders, with Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal stressing mountains, rivers and islands are one connected system. Himalayan Resilience Plan: Nepal’s PM Balendra Shah proposed a Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism led by Nepal, India and China, calling for shared satellite data, glacial-lake monitoring and joint early-warning systems. Maldives at the UN: VP Hussain Mohamed Latheef told UNGA sea-level rise needs resilience plus scaled, grant-based finance and stronger legal certainty, while also urging COP31 to deliver. Gaza and International Law: Maldives walked out of the UN hall during Netanyahu’s address for the third year, reiterating support for Palestine and accountability under international law. Coral Conservation: Mission Blue and Ocean Geographic announced “ANIMA HAI” coral reef expeditions starting in 2027, including Maldives sites, to build a long-term reef record. Trade Talks: India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement negotiations are making steady progress as technical teams work on market access.