AGP Executive Report

Digital Infrastructure: India and the US are exploring joint projects in the Maldives and other Indian Ocean states, including telecommunications networks, 6G and maritime security. Resort Energy: At a recent industry forum, Maldivian and international specialists discussed floating solar and battery storage to cut resorts’ diesel use, while weighing costs and impacts on island views. AI in Healthcare: The First Lady highlighted AI’s potential to detect subtle signs of breast cancer, alongside the need for modern diagnostic equipment and trained staff. Coral Science: Dhiraagu, Soneva Conservation & Sustainability Maldives and Dharavandhoo partners will train 10–15 residents in reef restoration and monitoring, and establish a community coral nursery. Earth Observation: A new EU-backed regional programme will help Maldives and six other South Asian countries use satellite data for disaster preparedness, climate adaptation and infrastructure planning. Tourism Technology: Sun Travels’ new B2B platform offers real-time resort availability and booking-system integrations for travel agents.

Indian Ocean Connectivity: India and the US are exploring joint investment in ports, telecommunications and next-generation 6G networks in the Maldives and other regional countries, alongside maritime security cooperation. Coral Restoration: Dhiraagu, Soneva Conservation & Sustainability Maldives and Dharavandhoo partners will train local residents in reef restoration and monitoring, and establish a community coral nursery. Health Technology: At a breast cancer symposium, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed highlighted AI’s potential to help identify early signs of the disease, while stressing the need for diagnostic equipment and trained specialists. Satellite Data: A new EU, CDRI and ESA programme will help seven South Asian countries, including the Maldives, use satellite observations and climate data for disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure. Clean Energy: Resort leaders are weighing solar and battery projects to cut diesel use; a forum presentation described a microgrid nearing completion with about 4MW of peak solar generation.

Digital Infrastructure: India and the United States are exploring joint investment in ports, telecommunications and maritime security across the Indian Ocean, including the Maldives, with 6G standards among the areas under discussion. Renewable Energy: A Maldivian solar firm outlined lagoon-based floating solar as a way for resorts to reduce diesel use without taking up island space; one microgrid project is nearing completion with about 4MW of solar capacity and battery storage. AI in Healthcare: At a breast cancer symposium, the First Lady highlighted AI’s potential to detect subtle changes earlier, alongside the need for modern diagnostic equipment and trained specialists. AI in Resorts: Hospitality leaders said AI can improve resort operations, but staff must be ready to intervene and take responsibility when systems make mistakes. Coral Science: Dhiraagu and Soneva Conservation & Sustainability Maldives are backing community-led reef restoration in Dharavandhoo, including training, coral nurseries and monitoring. Satellite Data: A new EU, CDRI and European Space Agency programme will help Maldives and six other South Asian countries use Earth-observation data for disaster preparedness and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Climate Science: September 2026 was Earth’s second-hottest September on record, with January–September also ranking second-highest; the heat underscores the climate risks facing vulnerable island nations. Satellite Monitoring: The EU, CDRI and European Space Agency launched a €19 million, four-year programme using satellite data and climate services to strengthen disaster preparedness and infrastructure planning in the Maldives and six other South Asian countries. Coral Research: Dhiraagu and Soneva Conservation & Sustainability Maldives will establish a community coral nursery in Dharavandhoo, training residents in restoration and reef monitoring. Clean Energy: Financing options presented at the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum include rooftop and floating solar, alongside battery storage, to improve resorts’ energy resilience. Digital Payments: Bank of Maldives’ Swipe wallet was presented as a way to make payments smoother for resort guests and local businesses.

Climate Science: September 2026 was the planet’s second-hottest September on record, according to NOAA, NASA and Copernicus—another warning for a low-lying nation exposed to climate risks. Energy Resilience: At the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum, IFC outlined financing options for resort solar projects, including rooftop and floating systems, alongside battery storage. Coral Research: Dhiraagu and Soneva Conservation & Sustainability Maldives are launching a community coral-restoration programme in Dharavandhoo, training 10–15 residents and establishing a nursery of up to 50 structures. Satellite Technology: A €19 million EU, CDRI and European Space Agency programme will help Maldives and six other South Asian countries use satellite data for disaster preparedness, climate adaptation and infrastructure planning. Digital Services: Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla highlighted eFaas and the OneGov platform, which connects services from 17 government agencies and has more than 272,000 registered users.

Digital Payments: Bank of Maldives’ Swipe wallet could help resorts and local businesses make it easier for visitors to pay, including for purchases beyond the resort. Energy Resilience: At the Hotelier Maldives forum, IFC outlined financing options for resort solar and battery projects to reduce reliance on fuel. Coral Science: Dhiraagu and Soneva Conservation & Sustainability Maldives will train Dharavandhoo residents in reef restoration and monitoring, and establish a community coral nursery. Health Technology: First Lady Sajidha Mohamed highlighted AI’s potential to help detect subtle signs of breast cancer early, alongside the need for modern diagnostic equipment and trained staff. Satellite Data: A new EU-backed regional programme will help Maldives and six other South Asian countries use satellite observations and climate data for disaster preparedness and infrastructure planning. Digital Government: More than 272,000 people are registered on eFaas, which provides services from 17 government agencies through OneGov.

Coral Science: Dhiraagu and Soneva Conservation & Sustainability Maldives are backing community-led reef restoration in Dharavandhoo, with hands-on training for 10–15 residents and a local coral nursery planned. Health Technology: At the Maldives’ breast cancer awareness symposium, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed called for stronger diagnostic capacity, noting AI’s potential to help identify early signs and urging women not to delay screening. Climate Resilience: A new four-year, €19 million EU, CDRI and European Space Agency programme will bring satellite-based Earth observation and climate services to seven South Asian countries, including the Maldives, to support disaster planning and infrastructure resilience. Digital Government: Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla highlighted eFaas and the OneGov platform, which serves more than 272,000 registered users and provides services from 17 government agencies.

Skills & Research: India’s ITEC programme has trained 765 Maldivians over five years, with 80 enrolled this financial year; annual places for the Maldives have risen from 200 to 300. Coral Science: Dhiraagu, Soneva Conservation and Sustainability Maldives, local NGO Muraka Farm and Dharavandhoo residents will establish a community coral nursery and train 10–15 people in restoration and reef monitoring. Digital Government: At an international parliamentary gathering, Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla said eFaas has more than 272,000 registered users and connects services from 17 agencies through OneGov. Marine Skills: Applications are open for a 14-day mariculture course covering hatchery production, seaweed cultivation and aquaculture, starting October 31 on Maniyafushi.

Skills Development: More than 765 Maldivians have completed training through India’s ITEC programme over five years. Annual places for the Maldives have risen from 200 to 300, with 80 people enrolled this financial year. Coral Science: Dhiraagu and Soneva Conservation and Sustainability Maldives are backing community-led reef restoration in Dharavandhoo. The project will train 10–15 residents and establish a coral nursery with around 30–50 structures. Citizen Science: Digital tools are helping volunteers collect data for research. At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, guests can join coral planting and reef surveys with a resident marine biologist. Mariculture Training: Applications are open for a 14-day course on hatchery skills, including sea cucumber and grouper production, disease prevention and seaweed cultivation. The programme will take 15 participants to Maniyafushi from October 31.

Maldives Tourism Policy: The Maldives has reportedly postponed a controversial 17% Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST) on foreign travel firms until April 1, 2027, after UK travel trade lobbying—while the government points to a digital and AI-driven tourism masterplan ahead of Visit Maldives Year 2027. Telecom x Tourism: Dhiraagu CEO Valdemar Ferradaz says tourism growth and telecom development are tightly linked, and urges faster adoption of new technology to keep Maldives travel competitive. Renewable Energy for Resorts: Atoll Solar and Ocean Sun will present lagoon floating solar options at the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026, targeting resorts that need more renewable power beyond rooftops. Energy Resilience: A separate industry focus argues the next step for Maldivian resorts is not just more solar, but integrated resilience—solar plus batteries plus smart microgrid control to reduce diesel dependence and improve reliability. Citizen Science in the Maldives: A feature highlights how citizen science is rising, including Maldives resort guests helping with coral planting and long-running marine surveys. Mariculture Training: Applications are open for MMRI’s fourth Marine Hatchery Skills Development Program (Oct 31–Nov 12) covering hatchery and nursery production, live-feed, disease prevention, and environmental protection. Governance Tech: Maldives Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla told the IPU in Tanzania that digital systems like eFaas and OneGov are bringing services closer to people, with 272,000+ registered users.

Governance & Digital Services: Maldives Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla told the IPU in Arusha that good governance must deliver real results for people, stressing citizen listening, equal opportunities, and trust—while highlighting how eFaas and OneGov are bringing services closer (272,000+ registered). Tourism Policy & Telecom Link: At Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026, industry leaders urged more open consultation and better data use in policymaking, while Dhiraagu CEO Valdemar Ferradaz said tourism growth and telecom development are tightly connected. Tourism Tax Update: Maldives appears to have postponed the 17% TGST on foreign travel firms to April 1, 2027 after UK trade lobbying. Energy Resilience: Hotelier GM Forum 2026 also spotlighted lagoon floating solar and the next step for resorts: pairing solar with batteries, generators and smarter control for true resilience. Mariculture Training: Applications opened for the 4th Marine Hatchery Skills Development Program (Oct 31–Nov 12) at Maniyafushi, teaching hatchery and nursery production plus disease prevention. Media Responsibility: MMBC urged broadcasters to share news responsibly on National Broadcasting Day, citing the role of tech in strengthening skills and independent, responsible journalism. China–Maldives Stance: Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua rejected “backyard” claims and said cooperation includes renewable energy, fisheries, agriculture and the digital economy.

Maldives Tourism Policy: The government has reportedly postponed the 17% Tourism Goods and Services Tax on foreign travel firms until April 1, 2027, after industry lobbying—while the ministry points to a Visit Maldives Year 2027 push using digital and AI. Renewable Energy for Resorts: At Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026, Atoll Solar and Ocean Sun will pitch lagoon floating solar as a way to boost renewable output beyond rooftops. Energy Resilience: A new resort-focused piece argues the next step is integrating solar, batteries, generators and smart microgrid control so islands can stay reliable even when fuel logistics wobble. Blue Economy: A roundup highlights how ocean-based sectors are becoming major growth engines—relevant for Maldives fisheries, ports, marine tourism and marine energy. Marine Training: Applications opened for a 14-day mariculture hatchery skills course (Oct 31–Nov 12) at Maniyafushi, covering live-feed, hatchery/nursery work, disease prevention and environmental protection. Education & Wellbeing: The education minister says schools are being made safer and more supportive, with stronger mental health support for teachers and students. Tech & Finance Regionally: UPI is expanding again with Zimbabwe talks, and Sri Lanka’s Union Bank modernised credit cards with BPC SmartVista—signals for wider digital payments momentum across the Indian Ocean. Climate Diplomacy: World powers are gathering in the Pacific to set the stage for COP31, with island nations pushing for stronger ocean-focused action and climate finance.

Tourism Policy: Maldives is set to postpone the 17% Tourism Goods and Services Tax on foreign travel firms until April 1, 2027, after industry lobbying—an effort to protect the peak winter season. Education & Wellbeing: The Education Minister says schools are being made safer and “happier,” with stronger mental health support for teachers and students, plus upgrades to training and recognition for the teaching profession. Renewables for Resorts: At Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026, Atoll Solar and Ocean Sun will pitch lagoon floating solar as a way to cut diesel dependence and expand renewable generation for island properties. Energy Resilience: A Maldives resort-focused report argues the next step is integrating solar, batteries, generators and smart control into one resilient microgrid system. Marine Skills: Applications are open for the 4th Marine Hatchery Skills Development Program, training 15 people in mariculture and hatchery techniques at Maniyafushi. Wellness Tourism: Amilla Maldives launches autumn 2026 wellness residencies, while a National Geographic Traveller feature highlights how Indian Ocean wellness is shifting from “spa days” to landscape-led, culture-led experiences. Tech & Media: MMBC urges responsible broadcasting around National Broadcasting Day, stressing independent, responsible journalism as technology advances.

Digital Tourism & Data: MIRA launched the Maldives Guest Information System (MGIS), a centralized digital platform to help guesthouses and tourism businesses submit guest data more efficiently and link it with state financial institutions. Renewables for Resorts: At Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026, Atoll Solar and Ocean Sun will pitch lagoon floating solar as a way to boost renewable power beyond rooftop limits. Energy Resilience: A new push in resort planning argues solar, batteries, generators and microgrid control must be treated as one integrated system for reliable island power. Marine Skills: Applications opened for the fourth Marine Hatchery Skills Development Program, training 15 people at Maniyafushi on hatchery, nursery, live-feed, disease prevention and environmental protection. Broadcasting Standards: MMBC urged responsible news sharing on National Broadcasting Day, highlighting the sector’s role in accurate public information and digital-era skills. Connectivity Boost: Dhiraagu marked its 38th anniversary with free 38GB data, IDD minutes and an AI calling tool, plus broadband router upgrades. Climate Diplomacy: World powers head to Pacific talks ahead of COP31, with island nations pressing for 1.5°C, ocean-focused action and climate finance. Local Infrastructure: President Muizzu inspected the Thilafushi commercial port relocation, a USD 250m project aimed to start operations by Nov 11 next year.

COP31 Prep & Climate Accountability: Australia and Turkey face fresh criticism for hosting UN climate talks while staying closely tied to coal, as Pacific leaders push for stronger fossil-fuel phaseout plans ahead of COP31 in Antalya. Marine Skills & Aquaculture: Applications are open for the fourth Marine Hatchery Skills Development Program, a 14-day mariculture course (15 spots) at Maniyafushi covering hatchery, nursery, live-feed, disease prevention and environmental protection. Tourism Tech & Data: MIRA launched the Maldives Guest Information System (MGIS), a centralized digital platform to help guesthouses and tourism businesses submit guest information and automate reporting under Maldives 2.0. Energy for Resorts: Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026 will feature lagoon floating solar talks from Atoll Solar and Ocean Sun, plus a panel on using AI, data and automation in resort operations. Renewables at Scale: RAH GILI MALDIVES highlighted a 2MW solar-plus-battery hybrid setup to cut diesel dependence. Ports & National Productivity: President Muizzu inspected the USD 250m Thilafushi commercial port project, aiming to start operations by Nov 11 next year. Broadcasting Standards: MMBC urged responsible news sharing on National Broadcasting Day as it backs an independent, accountable media environment.

Maldives Tech & Tourism: Atoll Solar and Ocean Sun will pitch lagoon floating solar for island resorts at the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026, as the industry pushes beyond rooftop limits toward hybrid renewable power. Energy Resilience: A new focus for Maldivian resorts is treating solar, batteries, generators and smart control as one integrated microgrid system to keep electricity reliable without heavy diesel dependence. Digital Government: MIRA launched the Maldives Guest Information System (MGIS), a centralized digital platform to streamline guest data reporting and link it with state financial systems under Maldives 2.0. Connectivity & AI: Dhiraagu marked its 38th anniversary with free data and IDD minutes, plus an AI calling tool (“Ive”) to manage calls when customers can’t answer. Ports & Infrastructure: President Muizzu inspected the Thilafushi commercial port project, a USD 250m plan aimed at easing Male’ congestion and boosting national productivity. Geopolitics & Tech: China’s ambassador rejected the “backyard” narrative and pointed to cooperation in renewable energy, fisheries, agriculture and the digital economy. Climate Diplomacy: World powers are meeting in the Pacific to set the course for COP31, with island nations warning that sea-level rise and ocean impacts need urgent climate finance. Industry Events: Hotelier Maldives confirmed Storm Events as Organising Partner for GM Forum 2026, with panels on AI, data and automation in hospitality. Ocean & Science: A study suggests Arabian Sea humpback whales may be a distinct subspecies, adding new depth to marine conservation science. Tourism Innovation: Sun Siyam unveiled Halloween across multiple Maldives islands, blending themed productions with local traditions.