Economy
Changes have been decided for the Bank of Maldives' dollar limit issues and Islamic banking services. Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has revealed that 60,489 people earning an income of more than MVR 60,000 per month are registered as income tax payers. International airlines are preparing to increase flights to the Maldives in conjunction with the winter tourism season. The national airline, Maldivian, opened ticket bookings on 13 September 2026 for scheduled flights to Dhaalu Airport in Dh. Kudahuvadhoo, with official flights scheduled to commence on 17 September.
Significant matters were highlighted on 13 September 2026 regarding issues related to Bank of Maldives (BML)'s dollar limit and the changes decided to be brought to the bank's Islamic banking services. These changes include finding a solution to the challenges encountered in foreign currency allocation standards for customers, in addition to taking appropriate reform measures for services provided through Islamic banking in accordance with Sharia principles. These decisions are steps aimed at reducing difficulties faced by customers in utilizing banking services and conducting financial transactions more robustly.
The national airline, Maldivian, officially commenced scheduled flights to Dhaalu Airport (Dh. Kudahuvadhoo) on Sunday, 13 September 2026. These flights were launched with the aim of increasing travel convenience for residents of the region and tourists. Maldivian stated that with the launch of these flights, Velana International Airport and Kudahuvadhoo are now connected by air, which will bring further progress to business and economic activities in Dhaalu Atoll.
As the number of tourists arriving in the Maldives from across the globe is expected to increase in conjunction with the upcoming winter season, international airlines have begun preparations to increase their flights to the Maldives. In this regard, to coincide with the winter peak season, airlines are planning to increase scheduled flights as well as resume seasonal and charter operations. These changes are expected to provide more travel options for tourists visiting the Maldives and bring further growth to the country's tourism sector. Additionally, Velana International Airport and other relevant authorities have also begun early preparations to welcome the increased traffic during this period.
Statistics regarding high-income earners in the Maldives were released on 13 September 2026. These figures provide an understanding of information regarding top earners across various sectors in the Maldives and their income brackets. Furthermore, these statistics are vital for formulating the country's economic policies, strengthening the tax system, and assessing societal wealth. Along with this, these figures will greatly assist relevant authorities in bridging the income gap and in financial planning.