AGP Executive Report

Maldives–Saudi Economic Pivot: President Muizzu says the Maldives is ready to move beyond traditional development ties with Saudi Arabia, welcoming trade and investment across tourism, infrastructure, housing, healthcare, fisheries, renewables and logistics. MMA Research Fund: The Monetary Authority of Maldives opens a MVR 5m research fund, with priority areas including monetary policy, fintech, tourism and a sustainable economy; applications close 13 Oct 2026. Uligan Yacht Marina: Maldives Ports Limited pushes the EOI deadline for the Haa Alif Uligan yacht marina to 5 Oct, aiming to turn the island into a high-quality maritime and tourism hub. Plastic Straw Reversal Sparks Pushback: The MDP criticises the re-allowing of plastic straw imports and extensions to bottle bans, calling it an environmental setback. Blue Economy Training (China): China’s ambassador attended fisheries and blue economy training in the Maldives, with a focus on sustainable fisheries, marine biodiversity and coral reef restoration. Green Resort Progress: Sun Siyam reports Green Globe certification across all five Maldives resorts, citing renewable energy, waste reduction and marine conservation. Eagle Hills Waterfront Deal: Eagle Hills and the Maldives government sign commercial terms for a major $12bn waterfront and marina destination in Ras Malé. Tourism Trade Boost: NHGAM, Visit Maldives and MATATO kick off the “I AM Maldives” CIS roadshow in Moscow to promote community-led local island tourism. Oil Tanker Reef Impact Assessed: ERA says a grounding incident near Malé caused “very little impact,” with only limited coral scrapes reported. Youth Climate Rights: Bangladesh youth activists unveil a climate rights charter and position paper calling for community demands to shape national climate policy.

Green Tourism Milestone: Sun Siyam says it has achieved Green Globe Certification across all five Maldives resorts, citing renewable energy, waste reduction, marine conservation, coral restoration and community programmes. Plastic Policy Fight: The MDP criticises President Muizzu’s re-allowing of plastic straw imports and extending plastic bottle deadlines to 2031, calling it an environmental setback and a blow to Maldives’ reputation. Blue Economy Training: China’s ambassador attended a fisheries and blue economy technical training opening in the Maldives, with both sides highlighting sustainable fisheries, marine biodiversity and coral reef restoration. Reef Protection Update: The ERA reports that two oil tankers grounding near Male’ caused “very little impact” to the reef, with only limited coral scrapes noted. Local Community Support: Velaa Private Island’s Fehikuramaa 2026 ran across all 13 inhabited islands of Noonu Atoll, engaging 3,034 students and building on six years of waste and ocean-pollution work. UN Climate Voice: Maldives leaders marked UN milestones and reaffirmed support for climate resilience and SIDS priorities at UNGA. Major Waterfront Deal: Maldives and UAE’s Eagle Hills signed commercial terms for a $20bn waterfront and marina destination in Ras Malé, with claims of up to 54,000 jobs and a push for a local workforce.

Plastic Policy Backtrack: The MDP hit out at President Muizzu’s re-allowing of plastic straw imports and extending plastic bottle deadlines, calling it an environmental setback and saying the government offered no justification or studies. UN Climate Diplomacy: Maldives Vice President met UN Secretary-General António Guterres at UNGA, urging stronger climate resilience, debt sustainability and SIDS priorities, while the UN reaffirmed support for more ambitious global action. Sea-Level Rise Spotlight: Saint Kitts and Nevis joined Maldives and other Rising Nations co-conveners at a UNGA gala celebrating the UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise and the push for a Rising Nations Institute. Reef Impact Check: Maldives’ ERA said grounding damage from two oil tankers near Malé was “very little,” with only limited coral scrapes reported. Tourism, But With a Reef Lens: The Westin Maldives completed Coral RISE, installing 100 Reef Stars and 1,500 coral fragments to help restore the house reef. Foreign-Exchange Pressure: A report says the Maldives’ dollar crunch is tied to heavy 2026 debt service and reserve strain, even as repayments helped avert default risk. Big Development Deal: Eagle Hills signed commercial terms for a Maldives Waterfront and Marina in Ras Malé, with officials saying the project targets tens of thousands of jobs and major tourism revenue—on reclaimed land. Local Voice at the UN: Marking 20 years since Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom spoke at the UN in Dhivehi, the Maldives highlighted national identity on the global stage.

Climate Diplomacy: Maldives Vice President met UN Secretary-General António Guterres at UNGA, with both sides reaffirming support for stronger climate resilience, SIDS priorities and more ambitious global action. Fisheries & Livelihoods: MIFCO raised its skipjack tuna purchase price to MVR 22/kg, citing demand and supply shifts, while keeping a floor price of MVR 16 and daily adjustments. Reef Restoration: The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo completed its Coral RISE project, installing 100 “Reef Stars” and 1,500 coral fragments to help damaged reefs recover and rebuild habitat. UN Health Goal: Maldives is the only WHO South-East Asia country meeting the UN target for reducing premature deaths from non-communicable diseases, credited to a preventive, digital-focused primary care model. Major Development Watch: Eagle Hills and the Maldives government signed commercial terms for a Maldives Waterfront and Marina in Ras Malé (reported $12–$20bn scale), with plans for hotels, residences, a marina and jobs—plus claims the workforce should be Maldivian-led. Wellness Tourism: Multiple resorts pushed wellness programming, including Le Méridien’s World Wellness Weekend and JOALI BEING’s MICHELIN Keys milestone.

Coastal Development Deal: The Maldives government has signed commercial terms with Abu Dhabi’s Eagle Hills for the “Maldives Waterfront and Marina” in Ras Malé, a reclaimed-land integrated destination with hotels, residences, a marina, waterfront leisure and wellness—envisioned at about $12–$20 billion across phases, with leasehold terms up to 99 years and forecasts of tens of thousands of jobs; construction timing wasn’t shared. Health & Resilience: The Maldives is the only WHO South-East Asia country to meet a UN target for cutting premature deaths from non-communicable diseases, citing a digital primary care model that screens and treats early. UN Role for SIDS: President Muizzu and Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam reaffirm the Maldives’ push for a stronger UN voice for Small Island Developing States, including climate finance and Loss and Damage. Blue Economy Skills: A Maldives–China fisheries and blue economy training workshop began, focusing on marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable fishery management. Tourism, Wellness & Nature: Maldives resorts continue rolling out wellness-led experiences and awards, including JOALI BEING’s Three MICHELIN Keys and Canareef’s expanded yoga and holistic programmes.

Maldives Waterfront Push: Eagle Hills and the Maldives government have signed commercial terms for a USD 20bn “Maldives Waterfront and Marina” integrated island destination in Ras Malé, combining hotels, residences, marina and waterfront public spaces—aimed at building on the country’s tourism strength. Blue Economy Training: A two-day fisheries and blue economy workshop has started in the Maldives with Hainan University, focusing on marine biodiversity conservation, sustainable fisheries management and tropical aquaculture, with 51 participants from key Maldivian agencies. Plastic Policy Shift: President Muizzu has amended single-use plastic rules, extending key deadlines—most notably deferring the straw import ban to 2031 and production/sales to 2031—while tightening immediate limits on pre-packaged beverages in plastic bottles under 250ml. Tourism & Climate Anxiety: New research highlights rising sea-level fears among travellers, with many Britons saying iconic waterside destinations could be underwater by 2050—an indirect reminder of the Maldives’ climate stakes. Rescue Update: A person was rescued after being struck among tetrapods near the Malé Skate Park and taken to IGMH for treatment.

Plastic policy shift: President Muizzu has extended Maldives single-use plastic deadlines, deferring the straw import ban to 2031 and pushing production/sales to 2031 too, while also adjusting plastic bottle thresholds (with pre-packaged drinks in bottles under 250ml banned immediately). Tourism demand & resilience: Visit Maldives says ATM 2026 is pushing the country beyond honeymoon travel toward family, adventure, culture and cuisine—aimed at rebuilding Middle East momentum after earlier disruptions. Marine conservation tech: A Maldives beach-rebuilding effort is using AI, satellites and ocean current data to predict erosion and install submerged structures that help regrow sandy shorelines. Energy for islands: Atoll Solar joins Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026 as a sponsor, backing renewable power for resorts and off-grid island systems. Amberfish export quota: The fisheries ministry opened a 12-month amberfish sea cucumber export quota of 10.95 tonnes under CITES rules. Banking pressure: Bank of Maldives expects dollar transactions to return to normal by end of next week after measures to manage FX outflows. UK-Maldives ties: The UK and Maldives reaffirmed strategic dialogue commitments, including maritime security, fisheries, tourism, renewable energy and governance support.

CITES & Sea Life Management: Maldives’ Ministry of Fisheries opened a 12-month export quota for dried amberfish sea cucumber (10.95 tonnes), with permits issued only to licensed exporters and based on CITES rules after a Non-Detrimental Finding by MMRI. Plastic Policy Shift: President Muizzu amended single-use plastic deadlines—deferring the straw import ban to 2031 and production/sales to 2031, while tightening pre-packaged beverages in bottles under 250ml immediately. Energy for Resorts: Atoll Solar joined Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026 as a Silver Sponsor, backing renewable energy solutions for resorts and isolated islands. Climate Adaptation Tech: A Maldives-linked beach-rebuilding approach uses AI, satellites and ocean current data to predict erosion and install submerged structures to help regrow sandy shorelines. Health Milestone: Maldives is the only WHO South-East Asia country to meet the UN target for cutting premature deaths from non-communicable diseases early, supported by a digital primary care model. Maritime Security Diplomacy: UK and Maldives reaffirmed strategic partnership, including maritime security, fisheries, renewable energy and climate resilience. Wildlife Safety: A person was rescued after being struck among tetrapods near Malé Skate Park and taken to IGMH.

Single-use plastics reshuffle: President Muizzu has amended the Maldives’ single-use plastics rules, pushing the straw import ban to 2031 and extending production/sales limits to 2031 too, while tightening pre-packaged beverages in plastic bottles under 250ml effective immediately. Banking and dollars: The Bank of Maldives says dollar transfer delays should ease by the end of next week after measures to manage higher foreign-currency demand. Climate resilience mapping: The World Meteorological Organization is running an iClimateAction project to map fragile Maldives ecosystems, using island-specific data to guide responses to sea-level rise and coastal erosion. Health progress: The Maldives is reported as the only WHO South-East Asia country to meet the UN target for cutting premature deaths from non-communicable diseases early, backed by a digital-focused primary care model. Wildlife protection push: South Asian countries, including the Maldives, pledged coordinated action against illegal wildlife trade through intelligence sharing, financial probes, and stronger prosecutions. Coastal restoration with AI: A Maldives-focused report highlights how AI and satellite data are helping regrow sandy beaches by harnessing ocean currents. Airport incident: An Egyptian tourist was arrested at Velana International Airport after joking about a bomb during security screening, with the court ordering detention for community safety.

Climate Resilience & Data: The WMO is leading an iClimateAction project to map fragile Maldives ecosystems, combining satellite ecosystem classifications with on-island checks on vegetation, soil and water to help authorities plan for sea-level rise, coastal erosion and environmental damage. Reforestation Drive: The government says 1.83 million trees have been planted so far under the Five Million Trees programme, with 10 more island councils funded to set up nurseries and grow more than 90 priority tree species, including fruit and medicinal varieties. Biodiversity & Wildlife Crime: South Asian countries, including Maldives, pledged stronger coordinated action against illegal wildlife trade through intelligence sharing, financial investigations, anti-money laundering steps and tougher prosecution. Health Progress: The Maldives is reported as the only WHO South-East Asia country to meet the UN target for cutting premature deaths from non-communicable diseases, helped by a digital-focused primary health care model. Tourism & Wellness (Local): Four Seasons unveiled Urja Naturopathy Island at Kuda Huraa, while Anantara Kihavah marked International Astronomy Day by spotlighting dark-sky astronomy experiences. Travel & Connectivity: Maldivian entered a new loyalty partnership with Etihad Guest, letting members redeem miles on the domestic network.

Climate Resilience & Data for Action: WMO is leading an iClimateAction project to map fragile Maldives ecosystems, combining satellite ecosystem classifications with on-island checks to give island-specific data for coastal erosion and rising seas planning. Reef Recovery & Nature Protection: Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is running September marine conservation activities, including coral micro-fragmentation planting and reef clean snorkels, plus a new “underwater coral tree” pilot. Trees for a Greener Maldives: The government says 1.83 million trees have been planted so far under the Five Million Trees Programme, with nurseries expanding to more islands to hit the 2026 one-million target. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: South Asian countries, including Maldives, pledged coordinated action against illegal wildlife trade through intelligence sharing, financial investigations, and stronger prosecutions. Health & Prevention: The Maldives is the only WHO South-East Asia country to meet a UN target for cutting premature deaths from non-communicable diseases early, using a digital-focused primary care model. Local Incident: A person was rescued after being struck among tetrapods off Malé’s outer breakwater near the Skate Park and taken to IGMH. UK-Maldives Partnership: The UK and Maldives reaffirmed a strategic dialogue covering maritime security, governance, and a tuna tariff suspension that runs until end-2028.

Climate Resilience Mapping: The WMO-led iClimateAction project is extending Maldives ecosystem mapping, with four weeks of field checks to link satellite ecosystem data with on-island vegetation, soil and water—aiming to help authorities plan for rising seas, coastal erosion and environmental degradation. Trees for a Greener Future: Government support is expanding the Five Million Trees Planting Programme: 10 more island councils are getting nurseries, and planting has reached 1,830,618 trees so far (about 37% of the target), with a push for fruit-bearing and medicinal species. Dark Skies Protection: Anantara Kihavah marks International Astronomy Day by spotlighting its SKY Edhurus telescope and dark-sky setting in a UNESCO biosphere reserve—linking stargazing with conservation of light-pollution-free skies. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: South Asian countries, including Maldives, signed the Kathmandu Declaration to strengthen coordinated action against illegal wildlife trade, including intelligence sharing, financial investigations and prosecution of cross-border networks. Renewables Push: Maldives and the World Bank discussed expanding renewable energy to cut fuel import costs and improve affordable, reliable power. Coastal Survival Tech: A report highlights Maldives-led work using AI, satellite and ocean-current data to design submerged structures that can help regrow beaches and slow erosion. Marine Conservation at Resorts: Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s Marine Lab is running September reef actions like coral micro-fragment planting and debris-removal snorkels, while Ellaidhoo celebrates World Manta Day with manta encounters. Connectivity Update: Maldivian passengers stranded in Kochi after a technical delay were flown back to Malé, and Maldivian also signed a loyalty partnership with Etihad Guest to redeem miles on the domestic network.

Climate Action & Ecosystems: The Maldives is selected as a pilot site for iClimateAction’s ecosystem demonstrator, aiming to turn climate coordination into real-world decisions for reefs and other fragile habitats. Tree Planting Drive: Government support is expanding the Five Million Trees Programme with nurseries set up on 10 more islands; officials say 1,830,618 trees have been planted so far (about 37% of the target), with 600,000+ planted this year and a goal of 1 million more before year-end. Wildlife Protection: South Asian countries, including the Maldives, signed the Kathmandu Declaration to step up coordinated action against illegal wildlife trade, including intelligence sharing and financial investigations. Marine Conservation & Threats: A diver off Fuvahmulah documented a tiger shark apparently harmed by finning, while resorts continue promoting manta and shark experiences alongside conservation programmes. Energy & Resilience: The Maldives and the World Bank discussed expanding renewable energy to cut fuel import costs. Connectivity Update: Maldivian and Etihad Guest signed a loyalty partnership to let Etihad members redeem miles on Maldivian’s domestic network. Travel Disruption: Maldivian passengers stranded in Kochi after a technical delay were flown back to Malé. Tourism Policy Pressure: A parliamentary motion seeks to delay a 17% GST on foreign travel agents, warning it could raise resort prices and hurt tourism performance.

Climate Action: The Maldives is moving from climate coordination to real-world impact, selected as a pilot site for iClimateAction’s ecosystem mapping work to help turn climate information into better ecosystem decisions. Energy Security: The Maldives and the World Bank discussed expanding renewable energy to cut fuel import spending and boost affordable, reliable power. Marine Wildlife & Trade: A diver’s discovery off a tourist island highlights shark finning, with a tiger shark filmed after being attacked—raising fresh alarms for wildlife protection. Ecosystem Tech: Technology for nature conservation is scaling up with AI cameras and underwater sensors, including Maldives-linked efforts to strengthen monitoring across countries. Tourism & Connectivity: Visit Maldives Corporation and Emirates signed an MoU to strengthen destination promotion, while the Ritz-Carlton links Singapore and the Maldives in a dual-destination luxury push. Safety & Environment: Maldives Customs says it bears no responsibility for last week’s tanker crash near Sinamale’ Bridge, calling it a natural disaster amid rough seas. Global Climate Backdrop: A new study finds Greenland and Antarctica have lost 11.3 trillion tonnes of ice since the 1970s, driving sea level rise and more coastal risk. Local Incident: A 35-year-old was taken to hospital after a street assault in Galolhu, Male’.

Renewables Push: President Muizzu met World Bank’s Johannes Zutt to discuss expanding renewable energy to cut Maldives fuel-import bills and boost affordable, reliable power. Shipping Safety Clash: Maldives Customs says it holds no responsibility for last week’s tanker crash near Sinamale’ Bridge, calling it a “natural disaster” amid rough seas, while noting the vessels had entered illegally earlier. Marine Wildlife Under Pressure: A diver off Fuvahmulah filmed a tiger shark reportedly attacked and linked to finning, raising fresh alarms for shark protection. Conservation Tech in Action: IUCN and Huawei’s Tech4Nature is scaling AI cameras and underwater sensors for nature conservation, with the Maldives among the satellite countries. Climate Reality Check: A new study finds Greenland and Antarctica have lost 11.3 trillion tonnes of ice since the 1970s, driving sea-level rise and more coastal risk. Tourism & Nature Experiences: Gili Lankanfushi upgraded its Gili Lagoon Retreat with private island access, while resorts continue rolling out festive programmes and marine-focused guest activities.

Marine Conservation & Wildlife: Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is running its manta ray season experiences (May–Nov), partnering with UK non-profit Manta Trust and offering guests “Manta On Call” sightings around UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll. Tech for Nature: IUCN and Huawei’s TECH4ALL Tech4Nature programme is expanding AI cameras and underwater sensors to more countries, with the Maldives named among the satellite locations for conservation monitoring. Tourism Partnerships: Visit Maldives Corporation and Emirates signed an MoU at ATM 2026 to boost destination promotion and travel trade engagement across key markets. Environment Risk Watch: The Environment Regulatory Authority says surveys on damage from two oil tankers that drifted and collided near the Malé eastern reef and Sinamalé Bridge will start once weather allows. Marine Education: Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives hosted Huraa School students for a marine biodiversity visit, including hands-on learning linked to its Reef Cube coral restoration work. Climate Diplomacy: Malaysia and the Maldives reaffirmed shared positions on effective climate-change financing and implementation during PM Anwar Ibrahim’s visit.