AGP Executive Report

Maldives–India Space & Data: Climate Minister Ali Shareef met India’s Bhupender Yadav at UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, discussing satellite data, space technology, marine ecosystem management, and climate resilience, while pushing for a streamlined finance mechanism for SIDS. Foreign Exchange Reforms: President Muizzu said the Maldives’ dollar shortage measures are research-led with consultations and technical reviews, aiming to curb black-market practices “in the coming days.” Tourism Dollar Policy Pushback: Kendhoo MP Mauroof criticized the planned 40% dollar requirement for resorts as rushed without industry research, arguing the long-term fix is more Maldivian participation in tourism jobs. Banking Rules for Expat Salaries: New amendments require expatriate employers to deposit salaries directly into bank accounts in workers’ names, bringing more remittances into the formal system. Coral Restoration Tech: ReefSeed’s containerized coral aquaculture program in Maniyafushi collected 9+ million coral gametes in year two, deploying 2,146 devices across 24 sites to speed reef recovery. Coconut Pest Control: A Palm Pest Biological Control Parasitoid Rearing Center opened in Hanimaadhoo to breed beneficial insects for coconut palm pest management. Infrastructure Update: Muizzu says the Thila Male’ Bridge project (Male’ to Thilafushi) should open to the public within a year. Aviation Tech: Embraer’s Phenom 300EV secured triple certification (Brazil ANAC, US FAA, EASA) and is cleared for worldwide delivery with Garmin Emergency Autoland. Wellness & Lifestyle: Four Seasons Kuda Huraa expands wellness with ŪRJĀ Naturopathy Island, adding sound healing and yoga therapy.

UNCCD COP17 Diplomacy: India’s Bhupender Yadav met Maldives Climate Minister Ali Shareef in Ulaanbaatar, discussing coastal ecosystem protection and land restoration, with a focus on tech-enabled drought resilience and community-led rangeland recovery. Foreign Exchange Crackdown: President Muizzu defended Maldives’ dollar reforms on PSM’s “Nation Chat,” saying changes are research-based and consultative, while MMA works to boost banking circulation of foreign currency; lawmakers also pushed back on the “40% dollar rule” as rushed. Coral Restoration Tech: The ReefSeed program hit a major milestone in the Maldives, collecting over 9 million coral gametes in year two on Maniyafushi, deploying 2,146 devices across 24 sites to speed reef recovery. Coconut Pest Control: China’s ambassador highlighted Hanimaadhoo’s new Palm Pest Biological Control Parasitoid Rearing Center, part of a coconut tree pest control effort using biological control. Banking Rules for Expat Salaries: Maldives introduced stronger requirements for expatriates’ salaries to be deposited into bank accounts in their own names, aiming to bring more payments into the formal system. Housing Progress: Rasmalé reclamation reached 716 hectares completed, now the largest island by land area, with 1,150 hectares planned.

Digital Finance & MSMEs: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma marked UPI’s 10th anniversary by stressing real productivity gains for street vendors and small retailers—faster payments, less hassle with change, and easier record-keeping—plus a “digital trail” that could help small firms access formal credit. Maldives Policy & Banking: The Maldives is tightening rules for expatriate workers: all salaries and contract payments must be deposited into bank accounts in the employee’s name, with enforcement restarting after earlier suspension due to account-opening barriers. Tourism Dollar Debate: Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir criticized the push to require resorts to convert or deposit 40% of US dollar revenue through domestic banks, saying the move is rushed and may worsen the dollar shortage without deeper industry research. Housing Tech & Infrastructure: Rasmalé reclamation is reported at 716 hectares completed out of 1,150, making it the Maldives’ largest island by land area so far, with housing planned for about 65,000 people. Agri-Bio Control: Hanimaadhoo opened a Palm Pest Biological Control Parasitoid Rearing Center, aiming to breed beneficial insects to tackle worsening coconut palm pests.

Digital Payments Milestone: India’s UPI turns 10, with leaders calling it a major governance and technology win—annual transactions rising from 1.78 crore (FY2016-17) to 24,162 crore (FY2025-26) and value from Rs 0.07 lakh crore to about Rs 314 lakh crore. Maldives Policy & Banking: The Maldives moves to bring expatriate salary payments fully into the banking system, requiring foreign workers’ wages to be deposited into bank accounts in their own names via MMA-registered institutions. Tourism Forex Rules Debate: Maldives MPs and industry groups clash over a proposed 40% dollar conversion/deposit requirement for resorts, with MATI warning it’s not viable given dollar costs and already-heavy foreign-currency obligations. Housing Tech & Land Use: Rasmalé reclamation hits 716 hectares completed out of 1,150, now making it the largest island by land area, with plans to house about 65,000 people. Media Case Update: A court blocks the return of seized Adhadhu News devices while the investigation is ongoing, keeping a gag order in place. STEM & Health Research: ASTRI and Saint Francis University sign an MoU to advance AI-enabled biomaterials and digital health innovation. ICT for Girls: Bank of Maldives runs an ICT programme for girls in Funadhoo and Milandhoo to spark careers in technology.

Expat Banking Rules: Maldives is tightening expatriate pay rules—foreign workers must have salaries and contract payments deposited into bank accounts in their own names, with the change effective one month after Gazette publication, aiming to bring more transactions into the formal banking system. Housing Tech & Land Reclamation: Rasmalé is now the Maldives’ largest island by land area, with 716 hectares reclaimed so far out of 1,150, as the government pushes ahead with a housing plan for about 65,000 people. Tourism Forex Policy Pushback: MATI says a proposed 40% foreign-currency conversion requirement for resorts is “not viable,” arguing resorts already face heavy USD costs and taxes. Digital Payments Context: India’s UPI marks 10 years, with transaction value up to about ₹314 lakh crore and volume up nearly 13,000-fold—another reminder of how real-time payments can reshape island economies. Public Access Governance: A nominee for Maldives Information Commissioner says public hearings will be a last resort under the Right to Information Act. Security: Maldives Customs seized 3.8kg of cannabis via air freight at Velana International Airport. STEM for Girls: Bank of Maldives runs an ICT programme for girls in Funadhoo and Milandhoo to boost tech career interest.

Maldives AI for care: The National Drug Agency is partnering with China’s Yunnan University to explore AI-assisted mental health assessments and drug rehabilitation support, aiming to make help more accessible beyond the capital and to use culturally practical tools for patients who may avoid open discussion. Tourism tech training: MATI is running an “AI Transformation Programme” for hospitality and tourism leaders, with a one-day workshop plus virtual sessions, designed to deliver deployable AI frameworks for marketing, operations, guest experience, and revenue management. Housing infrastructure update: Rasmalé reclamation has reached 716 hectares out of 1,150, making it the largest island by land area, as the Greater Malé Connectivity Project’s Malé–Vilimale superstructure milestone also nears completion. Currency enforcement: Home Minister Ali Ihusan warned that unlicensed high-rate dollar sales on the black market are criminal, citing $76m handled illegally by dealers in nine months. Digital payments inspiration: India’s UPI marks 10 years, with transaction volume up nearly 13,000-fold—an example of how real-time payment systems can scale fast. Language & research: Maldives’ largest English-Dhivehi dictionary was launched, and BML ran an ICT programme for girls in Funadhoo and Milandhoo.

Digital Payments Milestone: India’s UPI marks 10 years, jumping from 1.78 crore transactions in 2016-17 to 24,162 crore in 2025-26, with transaction value rising from ₹0.07 lakh crore to about ₹314 lakh crore. Maldives Enforcement Watch: Homeland Security and Technology Minister Ali Ihusan warns that selling dollars at inflated rates on the black market is a criminal offence, citing $76 million handled by seven unlicensed dealers in nine months. AI for Health & Recovery: Maldives is exploring AI-assisted mental health assessments and drug rehabilitation support with China’s Yunnan University, aiming for culturally practical tools and staff training. Tourism Tech Upskilling: MATI launches an AI Transformation Programme for hospitality and tourism leaders, with delivery-ready frameworks deployable within 30 days. Water Security Upgrade: MWSC plans to start producing water from 500 meters below sea level next year, with pipelines planned for Malé and Hulhumalé via the Thilamale’ Bridge. ICT for Girls: Bank of Maldives runs its annual girls-in-ICT programme in Funadhoo and Milandhoo, introducing career paths in technology. Language & Learning: Maldives’ largest English-Dhivehi dictionary by Dr. Hassan Hameed is officially launched at Maldives National University. Ocean & Connectivity Lens: A new perspective argues maritime investment must treat island communities’ connectivity needs as everyday essentials, not just logistics.

Visa & Mobility: VFS Global has launched South Korea visa services in Sri Lanka, with a new Colombo Korea Visa Application Centre opening from 21 August 2026 and mandatory online appointments. Tourism Ops: Anantara has appointed Keith Johnson as Cluster Director of Food and Beverage across Anantara Dhigu, Anantara Veli and Naladhu, focusing on strategy, costs, waste reduction and sustainable sourcing. Hospitality Tech & Training: MATI will run an AI Transformation Programme for tourism and hospitality leaders, with delivery-ready AI frameworks aimed at marketing, operations, guest experience and revenue management. Healthcare Access: STO introduced GE HealthCare’s portable Vscan ultrasound system in the Maldives, designed to bring scanning to smaller islands and share images via DICOM. Water Innovation: MWSC says it plans to start producing water from 500m below sea level next year, using subsea desalination tech and linking supply via the Thilamale’ Bridge. Mental Health & Rehab: Maldives’ National Drug Agency is partnering with China’s Yunnan University to explore AI-assisted mental health assessments and expand culturally appropriate support. Language & Research Culture: Dr. Hassan Hameed’s English-Dhivehi dictionary was launched at Maldives National University, while BML became Platinum Partner of IUM’s ICIA 2026 research conference. Trade & Policy: India eased rupee invoicing and export payment rules under its Foreign Trade Policy, a move that could boost regional trade settlement flexibility. Security: Maldives Customs seized 3.8kg of cannabis found in an air freight shipment at Velana International Airport. Conservation & Community: Laamafaru Festival returns to Laamu Atoll on 5 September 2026, with a renewed focus on ocean protection.

SIDS Innovation Push: President Muizzu urged Small Island Developing States to be seen as hubs for innovation and enterprise, highlighting SMEs and digital connectivity as key to turning climate vulnerability into opportunity. AI for Care: Maldives is partnering with China’s Yunnan University to use AI tools for mental health assessments and to expand drug rehabilitation support beyond the capital. Health Tech Upgrade: STO introduced GE HealthCare’s portable Vscan ultrasound in the Maldives, aiming to bring scanning services to smaller islands via phone/laptop connectivity and DICOM sharing. Tourism Tech Training: MATI will run an AI Transformation Programme for tourism and hospitality leaders, with delivery-ready AI frameworks deployable within 30 days. Water Security Engineering: MWSC plans to start subsea water production from 500 meters deep next year, with pipelines planned along the Thilamale’ Bridge to supply Male’ and Hulhumalé. Marine Conservation Event: Laamafaru Festival returns to Laamu Atoll on Sept 5, focusing on ocean protection and community action. Drug Seizure: Maldives Customs seized 3.8kg of cannabis via air freight at Velana International Airport. Regional Links: India, Maldives and Nepal congratulated Bangladesh’s newly elected president, signaling continued regional cooperation.

AI in Healthcare: Maldives is exploring AI tools to support mental health assessments and expand drug rehabilitation services, with the National Drug Agency partnering China’s Yunnan University for culturally practical support and staff training. Water Security: MWSC says it will start producing deep-sea water from 500 meters below sea level by mid-next year, using subsea desalination know-how from Norway and planning pipelines to Male’ and Hulhumale’. Education Infrastructure: Work on a new seven-storey CHSE building in Malé is set to begin toward the end of 2026, adding classrooms and science labs. Portable Diagnostics: STO has launched GE HealthCare’s Vscan portable ultrasound in the Maldives to bring scans to smaller islands, with DICOM sharing and trained local engineers. Tobacco Control: Health Minister Geela Ali says the “Dhen Huttaalamaa” tobacco cessation push is guided by research and consultation, including free cessation services and a five-year campaign plan. Trade & Payments: India eased rules so exporters can invoice and receive payments in Indian rupees for many overseas sales, aiming to widen rupee use in global trade. Regional Diplomacy: India, Nepal and the Maldives congratulated Bangladesh’s Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on his election, signaling hopes for stronger ties.

Subsea Water Upgrade: MWSC says Male’ will soon tap water from 500 meters below sea level, with production starting mid-next year using Norwegian subsea desalination know-how, plus new pipelines via the Thilamale’ Bridge to Male’ and Hulhumale’. AI for Care Access: The Maldives National Drug Agency is partnering with China’s Yunnan University to use AI for mental health assessments and to support drug rehabilitation and counselling, aiming to expand services beyond the capital. Health Tech Rollout: STO has introduced GE HealthCare’s portable Vscan ultrasound to bring scanning closer to patients, including on smaller islands, with sharing via DICOM and trained local biomedical engineers. Education Infrastructure: Work on a new seven-storey CHSE building in Malé is set to begin toward the end of 2026, adding classrooms and science labs. Tobacco Control: Health Minister Geela Ali says the “Dhen Huttaalamaa” tobacco cessation push is guided by research and consultation, with a five-year national campaign plan. Engineering Awards: The Engineers Award 2026 nomination deadline has been extended to Aug 27, with categories spanning innovation, sustainability, and young engineers. Research Funding Boost: Bank of Maldives named Platinum Partner for IUM’s ICIA 2026 (Aug 30–31), supporting a learning-society theme across multiple research fields.

AI in Health: Maldives’ National Drug Agency is partnering with China’s Yunnan University to pilot AI-assisted mental health assessments and expand drug rehabilitation support, with a focus on culturally appropriate tools and training for local staff. Education Infrastructure: The new seven-storey CHSE building in Malé is set to start construction by year-end, adding 15 classrooms and four science labs. Portable Medical Tech: STO has introduced GE HealthCare’s Vscan portable ultrasound to bring diagnostics closer to patients, including on smaller islands, with sharing via DICOM and trained local engineers for after-sales support. Research & Learning Platforms: Bank of Maldives named Platinum Partner for IUM’s ICIA 2026, spotlighting advanced research tools and publication strategies across science, tech, and more. Public Health Policy: Health Minister Geela Ali says the tobacco cessation push is guided by research and broad stakeholder consultation, including free cessation services across islands. STEM/Innovation Calls: Engineers Award 2026 nominations extended to Aug 27, with categories spanning tech, sustainability, and student innovation.

Portable Healthcare: STO introduced GE HealthCare’s Vscan portable ultrasound in the Maldives, aiming to bring diagnostic scans to smaller islands and connect images to smartphones and DICOM sharing. Research & Education: Bank of Maldives named Platinum Partner for IUM’s ICIA 2026 (Aug 30–31), backing a learning-society theme with workshops and multi-field research submissions. AI for Recovery: Maldives National Drug Agency signed an MoU with Yunnan University to use AI in drug rehabilitation and mental health support, targeting gaps in treatment and post-care reintegration. Engineering Careers: The Engineers Award 2026 nomination deadline was extended to Aug 27, with categories spanning innovation, sustainability, women in engineering, and student projects. Public Health Policy: Health Minister Geela Ali said the tobacco cessation push is guided by research and consultation, including a generational ban and free cessation services across islands. Digital Travel Planning: Resort Life Travel launched AI tools for Maldives holiday discovery and itinerary planning using live resort data. Regional Trade Tech: India eased rules so exporters can invoice and receive payments in Indian rupees for many overseas deals, aligning trade policy with RBI foreign-exchange regulations.

Digital Trade & Payments: India eased rupee trade rules, letting exporters invoice overseas sales in Indian rupees (or foreign currency) and count eligible rupee receipts toward trade-policy benefits—aimed at widening rupee settlement beyond dollar dependence. Health Tech for Islands: STO introduced GE HealthCare’s portable Vscan ultrasound in the Maldives, enabling scans beyond clinic rooms and supporting smaller islands, with images shareable via DICOM. Research & Learning: Bank of Maldives named Platinum Partner of IUM’s ICIA 2026 (Aug 30–31), backing a learning-society theme and workshops on advanced research tools. AI in Recovery: Maldives’ National Drug Agency signed an MoU with Yunnan University to use AI for drug rehabilitation and mental health support, targeting treatment and post-care continuity. Banking Governance: MIB opened applications for an elected director seat for common shareholders (deadline Aug 31). Marine Tech & Data: Maldives Business School and partners launched the Maldives Consumer Sentiment Index to track monthly economic expectations. STEM Events: MNU opened Theveli 2026 with 330 research papers, spanning science, technology, AI, health, climate and society.

Trade & Finance: India eased rules for rupee export payments, letting exporters invoice and settle in Indian rupees (or other currencies) for many destinations, aiming to widen rupee use in global trade and unlock trade-policy benefits. Public Health: Maldives is pushing its five-year tobacco control plan through stakeholder consultation and research, including a generational ban and expanded free cessation services under the “Dhen Huttaalamaa” campaign. Marine Science: Scientists tracked tiger sharks and found they can act as long-distance connectors across ocean basins, adding urgency to shark conservation and better marine data. AI for Care: Maldives’ National Drug Agency signed an MoU with Yunnan University to use AI in drug rehabilitation and mental health support, targeting gaps in treatment and post-recovery reintegration. Economy Data: Maldives Business School launched the Maldives Consumer Sentiment Index with University of Michigan support to track household expectations and guide faster policy decisions. Research & Innovation: Maldives National University opened Theveli 2026 with 330 research papers, spanning AI, climate, health, and society. Cyber Risk: A new warning highlights how ransomware can cause physical production shutdowns that may fall outside standard cyber or property coverage. Tourism Tech: Resort Life Travel rolled out AI tools to help travellers plan Maldives trips using live resort data and guided experiences.

Fire Safety & Resilience: ICFIRE 2026 wrapped up with a focus on fire-resilient materials and systems for future-proof built environments, bringing together local and international fire safety experts. AI for Health: Maldives’ National Drug Agency (NDA) signed an MoU with Yunnan University to bring AI into drug rehabilitation and psychological support, aiming to expand capacity and improve post-treatment reintegration. Tourism Leadership: PATA named Visit Maldives CEO Ibrahim Shiuree to its Executive Board and added four more board members, while also spotlighting “peace tourism” and new leadership priorities. Engineering Recognition: The Engineers Award 2026 nomination deadline was extended to Aug 27, with categories spanning innovation, sustainability, and young/women in engineering. Digital Finance: Parliament passed an amendment to establish a National Payment Switch under the Maldives Monetary Authority to route bank and payment-provider transactions for better interoperability. Research & Innovation: MNU opened Theveli International Conference 2026 with 330 research papers, covering science, technology, AI, climate, health, and society. Coral Risk: An NTU study warns most Indo-Pacific coral reefs could “drown” as sea levels rise faster than reefs can grow.