What are the latest news in Maldives? August 31st, 2026

Greater Malé Connectivity Project Milestone President Mohamed Muizzu inspected and walked across the newly connected bridge segment linking Malé to Vilimalé as part of the Thilamalé Bridge / Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP). He reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to prioritizing bilateral infrastructure projects with India, noting that the full project is on track to complete within the coming year. -The Times of India+ 1———India–Maldives Defence & Security Talks A delegation from India’s National Defence College (NDC), led by Rear Admiral Sandeep Singh Sandhu, visited Malé to hold high-level consultations with Defence Minister Hassan Rasheed and the leadership of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) regarding bilateral defense cooperation and regional maritime security. Ommcom News———De-Dollarization and Domestic Currency Mandate The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) announced comprehensive measures aimed at transitioning all domestic transactions to Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) by 2030. New proposals include increasing mandatory foreign-currency conversion for tourist resorts from 20% to 40% to reduce reliance on the US dollar and ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves. Muslim Network TV———Proposed 17% Goods and Services Tax on Foreign Tour Operators Parliament is reviewing proposed tax legislation that would impose a 17% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on commissions and margins earned by foreign tour operators and travel agents selling Maldivian tourism packages, targeted to take effect in October 2026. Travel Gossip———Tourism & Economic Indicators

• The Ministry of Tourism reported a 2.8% year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals for August. -Maaldif Online – جزر المالديف——–
• The Maldives Bureau of Statistics released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for July 2026, recording a 0.24% month-on-month drop, driven by price declines in certain food items and tobacco, with an annual inflation rate standing at 2.31%.- IndexBox———