Politics
On September 1, 2026, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu ratified the 19th amendment to the Decentralization Act passed by the People's Majlis, which grants the Cabinet the authority to reclaim land within the jurisdiction of local councils for state development projects. This amendment, which stipulates that the Ministry of Finance must provide compensation for prior investments when the government reclaims land, has faced strong criticism from opposition MDP members and councils, who argue that it undermines the powers of the decentralization system.
Economy
In a case suspected of conducting illegal foreign currency exchange operations without an MMA permit, the police on September 1, 2026, froze the accounts of Naid Investments, searched the company's office, and arrested six foreigners exchanging dollars on the black market. With the commencement of the implementation on September 1, 2026, of the amendment to the Foreign Currency Act ratified by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, resorts are now required to convert 40 percent of their foreign currency revenue into Maldivian Rufiyaa through banks before the 28th of the following month. Following the eighth amendment to the GST Act, the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has notified tourism businesses to submit details of foreign travel agencies and booking platforms before September 6, 2026. Concerns have arisen regarding MTDC opening a rights issue to sell additional shares to the government in a way that alters shareholding distribution, as well as the transfer of the head lease of GDh. Maguddhuvaa. In addition, while opposition parties express concern regarding dollar limits and the country's economic hardships, Minister of Fisheries Ahmed Shiyam has disclosed details regarding the state of the fishing industry.
Health
A recent study has shown that paper straws, used as an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic straws, contain high amounts of toxic substances such as "forever chemicals" or PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances), which can pose major health risks such as cancer, thyroid issues, and fertility problems.