AGP Executive Report

Manga & Anime: Crunchyroll Manga has launched in the Maldives as part of its expansion to 11 markets, bringing more than 250 English-language titles to local fans. Maldivian Film: Filmmaker Mohammed al Kindi has won a jury prize at a festival in Georgia. Culture: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu’s “Roots & Tides” festive programme, running 22 December to 7 January, will celebrate Maldivian heritage with traditional music, performances and local food. Youth Sport: Registrations are open for the Dhiraagu Maldives Junior Open, set for 13–19 December in Malé, with age-group and Para/Special Olympics categories.

Manga: Crunchyroll Manga has expanded to the Maldives, bringing more than 250 English-language titles to local readers through its app and website. Maldivian Film: Filmmaker Mohammed al Kindi has won a jury prize at a festival in Georgia, giving Maldivian cinema international recognition. On Screen: The Maldives will feature in a special destination episode of MasterChef Sri Lanka. Island Culture: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu’s “Roots & Tides” festive programme will celebrate Maldivian heritage with cultural, culinary and nature-led experiences from 22 December to 7 January.

Underwater Photography: Machchafushi will host Nikon photographers and international media from 14–17 October to capture the marine life and reef landscapes of South Ari Atoll. Manga & Anime: Crunchyroll Manga has launched in the Maldives, giving readers access to more than 250 English-language titles, including stories linked to popular anime. Art & Island Life: JOALI Maldives, known for its art-led design, was named the Indian Ocean’s top resort in Condé Nast Traveller UK’s 2026 readers’ awards. Maldivian Heritage: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu’s December “Roots & Tides” programme will celebrate local traditions with music, performances and Maldivian food. The Maldives will also feature in a special destination episode of MasterChef Sri Lanka.

Festive Island Culture: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu’s “Roots & Tides” programme, running Dec 22-Jan 7, will spotlight Maldivian heritage through Bodu Mas, traditional songs and island food. Halloween Entertainment: Sun Siyam resorts are bringing themed productions to five islands this October, from a horror walkthrough at Siyam World to a Beetlejuice-inspired celebration at Olhuveli. Maldivian Flavours on Screen: A special MasterChef Sri Lanka episode filmed in the Maldives aired Oct 3, showcasing local ingredients, cuisine and hospitality to regional viewers. Anniversary Sounds: Joy Island marked its third anniversary with live music, a DJ set, traditional Maldivian dance and a fire performance.

Live Entertainment: Joy Island marked its third anniversary with a beachfront gala featuring live music, a DJ, a band and traditional Maldivian and fire dances. Maldivian Culture: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu’s upcoming “Roots & Tides” programme will celebrate island heritage through performances, local food and ocean-inspired experiences; Island Carnival also brought Boduthiladhunmathi together. Screen & Art: A Maldives-set episode of MasterChef Sri Lanka showcased local cuisine and culture to regional viewers, while The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Vommuli plans artistic collaborations as part of its 10th-anniversary celebrations. Seasonal Fun: Sun Siyam’s Halloween events range from an immersive horror experience to beachfront festivities and tropical trick-or-treating.

Resort Anniversaries & Festive Culture: The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort marks its 10th anniversary with a 10-day celebration (Nov 10–20, 2026) featuring top chefs, wellness, family activities, artistic collaborations and coral restoration. Brand Refreshes & Family All-Inclusive: Kandooma Maldives relaunches after 17 years as an experience-led all-inclusive for families, adding new Family Beach Pool Villas and expanding dive and island activities. Seasonal Programming: Ifuru Island Maldives unveils “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” (Dec 21, 2026–Jan 10, 2027), blending marine and celestial themes across décor, dining and entertainment. Food & Wine as Art: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa launches its Masters of Food & Wine Series (Oct 2026–Apr 2027) with six MICHELIN-starred chefs and seasonal culinary chapters. Community & Media: MMBC urges responsible broadcasting on National Broadcasting Day. Live Events: Registrations open for The Maldives LONG RUN 2026 (Dec 4, Hulhumalé) with 5K to full marathon distances.

Maldives Arts & Culture: The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort marks its 10th anniversary with a 10-day celebration (Nov 10–20, 2026), featuring internationally acclaimed chefs, award-winning bartenders, wellness rituals, family activities, artistic collaborations and marine conservation. Festive Programming: Ifuru Island Maldives unveils “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” for Christmas and New Year (Dec 21, 2026–Jan 10, 2027), blending ocean-and-night-sky décor, themed dining, entertainment and activities across the season. Food & Entertainment: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa launches its Masters of Food & Wine Series (Oct 2026–Apr 2027), bringing six MICHELIN-starred chefs to “Our Living Island” for season-led culinary chapters. Family & Lifestyle: Kandooma Maldives rebrands from Holiday Inn Kandooma after 17 years, rolling out an expanded family all-inclusive concept with new Family Beach Pool Villas and added experiences like reef snorkelling and sunrise fishing. Arts in Motion: Sun Siyam’s Halloween lineup spans multiple islands, from Siyam World’s interactive “Cult Classics” production to Beetlejuice-themed fun and Maldivian tradition nights. Community & Sports: Registrations open for The Maldives LONG RUN 2026 in Hulhumalé (Dec 4), with 5K, 10K, half and full marathon distances. Media & Public Service: MMBC urges responsible broadcasting ahead of National Broadcasting Day, highlighting the role of media in protecting Maldivian identity and delivering accurate information.

Maldives Police Service: Ahmed Shiyam has been officially reappointed as the police spokesperson after a High Court reinstatement, returning to oversee media relations and public awareness communications. Festive Island Culture: Ifuru Island Maldives is set to run “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” from 21 Dec 2026 to 10 Jan 2027, blending ocean-and-night-sky visuals across décor, dining, entertainment and activities. Family All-Inclusive Relaunch: Kandooma Maldives launches a refreshed, experience-led all-inclusive concept (from 1 Oct 2026), adding new family pool villas and “Dive Free” perks. Culinary Arts: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa unveils the “Masters of Food & Wine” series (Oct 2026–Apr 2027), bringing six MICHELIN-starred chefs for season-themed dining chapters. Sports & Community: Registrations are open for The Maldives LONG RUN 2026 on 4 Dec in Hulhumalé, with 5K, 10K, half and full marathon distances. Media Responsibility: MMBC urged broadcasters to share news responsibly on National Broadcasting Day, highlighting the role of media in protecting Maldivian identity and Islamic values. Wellness Trend: A National Geographic Traveller feature spotlights Maldives-style wellness shifting from spa routines to nature-led rituals and deeper experiences.

Education & Wellbeing: Maldives’ Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu marked Teachers’ Day by saying schools are being made “safer, happier” with stronger mental health support for teachers and students, plus efforts to raise respect for the profession. Police & Media: Ahmed Shiyam has been reappointed as Maldives Police Service spokesperson, returning after reinstatement following a long legal battle; he’ll oversee media relations and public awareness. Sports & Community: Registrations are open for The Maldives LONG RUN 2026 in Hulhumalé on Dec 4, with 5K, 10K, half and full marathon distances. Arts, Culture & Festive Resorts: Ifuru Island Maldives is rolling out “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” for Christmas and New Year (Dec 21, 2026–Jan 10, 2027), blending ocean-and-sky visuals across décor, dining and entertainment. Family Travel & Hospitality: Kandooma Maldives officially relaunches from Holiday Inn Kandooma with a refreshed experience-led all-inclusive concept, adding new family pool villas and island activities. Food & Wine: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa announces its Masters of Food & Wine Series (Oct 2026–Apr 2027) with six MICHELIN-starred chefs.

Police & Media: Ahmed Shiyam has been reappointed as Maldives Police Service spokesperson, returning after a reinstatement battle that overturned his 2014 dismissal. Sports & Community: Registrations are open for Maldives LONG RUN 2026 (Dec 4, Hulhumalé) with 5K, 10K, half and full marathon options. Broadcasting Culture: MMBC marks National Broadcasting Day by urging responsible news sharing and highlighting the sector’s role in Maldivian identity and public awareness. Resort Rebrands & Family Fun: Kandooma Maldives officially launches its new all-inclusive, experience-led chapter with expanded family villas and added activities. Halloween in Paradise: Sun Siyam rolls out Halloween across multiple islands, from Siyam World’s Cult Classics immersive production to Beetlejuice-themed experiences. Food & Celebrity Hospitality: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa unveils its Masters of Food & Wine Series (Oct 2026–Apr 2027) with MICHELIN-starred chefs, starting with Ku Chi Fai for Chinese Golden Week. Arts on TV: Maldives will feature in a special destination episode of MasterChef Sri Lanka on TVM, spotlighting local cuisine and culture. Fashion & Music Anniversary: Ifuru Island Maldives plans “Global Harmony” for its 3rd anniversary (Dec 1, 2026), blending fashion, dance and music.

Sports & Community: Registrations are open for The Maldives LONG RUN 2026 in Hulhumalé on Dec 4, with 5K, 10K, Half and Full Marathon options and special recognition for the biggest running clubs and corporate teams. Media & Culture: The MMBC marked National Broadcasting Day by urging responsible, values-led news sharing and highlighting the history of radio and TV in the Maldives. Resort Rebrands & Family Fun: Kandooma Maldives officially relaunches after 17 years as Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma, rolling out an experience-led all-inclusive model with new Family Beach Pool Villas and added activities. Halloween Across the Maldives: Sun Siyam unveils Halloween programming across its islands, from Cult Classics at Siyam World to themed trick-or-treat adventures at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef. Food & Arts: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa launches its Masters of Food & Wine Series (Oct 2026–Apr 2027) with six MICHELIN-starred chefs, starting with Chef Ku Chi Fai for Chinese Golden Week. Film Spotlight: Omani filmmaker Mohammed al Kindi wins a jury prize at a Georgia festival for his short film Roofs. Art & Hospitality: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands hosts a Ruinart-linked artist residency by French visual artist Alexandre Benjamin Navet (Dec 18–23, 2026, then continuing through April 2027).

Culinary Arts & Hospitality: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is launching its season-long Masters of Food & Wine Series (Oct 2026–Apr 2027), bringing six MICHELIN-starred chefs to “Our Living Island,” with each chapter tied to major seasonal moments and local ingredients—kicking off with Cantonese master Chef Ku Chi Fai for two Golden Week dinners on 2 and 5 October. Local Culture & Community Events: Kulhudhuffushi’s Island Carnival and Boduthiladhunmathi Bodu Bazaar run until 4 October, mixing sports, business and entertainment with 22 local vendors and family-friendly attractions like laser tag and live performances. Tourism on Screen: The Maldives will feature in a special destination episode of MasterChef Sri Lanka on TVM (3 October), spotlighting Maldivian cuisine, culture and hospitality for a regional audience. Urban Development (Arts-adjacent): A diplomatic-style feature argues Ras Malé is bigger than its reported US$20bn value—framing it as a national shift toward new land, housing and an economic platform beyond resort dependence. Brand & Lifestyle: Kandooma Maldives officially rebrands from Holiday Inn Resort to Kandooma Maldives, rolling out a refreshed, experience-led all-inclusive concept for families.

Culinary Arts & Hospitality: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa launches its season-long Masters of Food & Wine Series (Oct 2026–Apr 2027), bringing six MICHELIN-starred chefs to “Our Living Island,” starting with Cantonese master Ku Chi Fai for Golden Week dinners on 2 and 5 Oct. Resort Culture & Family Fun: Kandooma Maldives rebrands from Holiday Inn Resort to an experience-led, refreshed all-inclusive concept, adding new Family Beach Pool Villas and expanded family pool options. Festive Season Programming: Coco Bodu Hithi unveils “Island Glow” (22 Dec 2026–7 Jan 2027) with live entertainment, Maldivian traditions, reef and craft activities, and Christmas Eve and New Year highlights. Art & Design at Resorts: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands hosts French artist Alexandre Benjamin Navet as a Maison Ruinart residency (Dec 18–23, 2026, continuing through Apr 2027) with installations and guest workshops. Entertainment on TV: Maldives cuisine and culture will feature in a special destination episode of MasterChef Sri Lanka (3 Oct 2026, TVM), filmed in the Maldives with VMC support. Local Community Events: Adventure Up’s Island Carnival returns in Kulhudhuffushi (through Oct 4) with the Boduthiladhunmathi Bodu Bazaar, family games, and live performances.

Island Festivities & Culture: Ifuru Island Maldives will mark its 3rd anniversary on 1 Dec 2026 with “Global Harmony,” a borderless fashion, dance and music celebration. Family Fun & Community Events: Adventure Up’s Island Carnival kicked off in Kulhudhuffushi with the Boduthiladhunmathi Bodu Bazaar and runs until 4 Oct, mixing business, sports and entertainment like laser tag and inflatables. Resort Lifestyle & All-Inclusive Upgrades: Kandooma Maldives officially rebrands from Holiday Inn Resort, rolling out an experience-led, refreshed all-inclusive with new family pool villas and private splash options. Food & Arts on the Island: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa launches its Masters of Food & Wine series with MICHELIN-starred Cantonese chef Ku Chi Fai for two Golden Week dining events (2 & 5 Oct). Wellness Trends: A new wellness wave across the Indian Ocean spotlights full-moon rituals, ocean-tide practices and deeper diagnostic-style retreats—less “spa day,” more lived experience.

Resort All-Inclusive Upgrades: Kandooma Maldives officially rebrands from Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, rolling out an experience-led all-inclusive model plus new family pool villas and refreshed accommodation. Festive Island Culture: Coco Bodu Hithi launches “Island Glow” (22 Dec–7 Jan) with tree lighting, live entertainment, Maldivian traditions, coral planting and family activities. Ocean-Inspired Celebrations: Dusit Hotels & Resorts unveils Ocean Carnival at Dusit Thani Maldives and Reef & Rhythm at dusitD2 Feydhoo, blending music, food and ocean-themed fun. Food & Wine as Art: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa kicks off its Masters of Food & Wine series with MICHELIN-starred Cantonese chef Ku Chi Fai (2 & 5 Oct). Creative Residency: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands hosts French artist Alexandre Benjamin Navet with Ruinart, running Dec 18–23 then continuing through April 2027. Kids’ Halloween Week: Niva Kuramathi Maldives runs “A Spooktacular Island Adventure” (26 Oct–1 Nov) with crafts, games, eco-centre nocturnal life and a zombie dance party. Local Carnival & Markets: Adventure Up’s Island Carnival returns to Kulhudhuffushi (through Oct 4) with the Boduthiladhunmathi Bodu Bazaar, laser tag and other entertainment.

Fashion & Music Spotlight: Ifuru Island Maldives will mark its 3rd anniversary on 1 Dec 2026 with “Global Harmony,” a borderless celebration where fashion sequences flow into dance and music. Culinary Arts: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa launches its Masters of Food & Wine Series with MICHELIN-starred Cantonese Chef Ku Chi Fai for two dining events on 2 and 5 Oct 2026. Island Entertainment: Adventure Up’s Island Carnival kicked off in Kulhudhuffushi with the Boduthiladhunmathi Bodu Bazaar and a mix of sports, business and performances running until 4 Oct. Resort Brand Refresh: Kandooma Maldives officially rebrands from Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma, rolling out an experience-led, family-friendly all-inclusive concept plus new villa types. Festive Season Programming: The Standard, Maldives unveils “The Festive Isle” (20 Dec 2026–7 Jan 2027), a candy-themed calendar of shows, dining and island activities. Art & Residency: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands hosts French artist Alexandre Benjamin Navet’s residency (Dec 18–23, 2026, continuing to Apr 2027) blending installations, workshops and Champagne with island life. Major Development Watch: Eagle Hills and the Maldives government agree commercial terms for a $12bn Ras Malé waterfront destination with hotels, residences and a marina.