The briefing
Speaking at the gathering for the 96th National Day of Saudi Arabia, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated that the Multinational Maritime Defense Charter would elevate relations between the two countries to a new level. Responding to opposition criticism, the President also said that the $20 billion project in Ras Malé with Abu Dhabi's Eagle Hills would significantly increase the Maldives' GDP and cause no harm to the nation. Meanwhile, Chief Operating Officer of the Maldives Pension Administration Office and former President of the ACC, Mariyam Shiuna, has been suspended from her official duties due to internal administrative issues at the office. A petition has been submitted to the People's Majlis on behalf of citizens requesting the abolition of the health insurance scheme designated for Members of Parliament. Looking at political party activities, MDP held an investment forum as part of its congress, while Sun Polls initiated a public opinion poll regarding the party's presidential primary. In a drug operation conducted in Gd. Thinadhoo, 39-year-old Fazleen Mohamed and 30-year-old Azlif Mohamed were arrested and remanded in custody along with 16.25 grams of illicit drugs. In connection with the fatal accident on Sosun Magu in Malé on September 21 that claimed the life of 26-year-old Aishath Mahidha, 21-year-old Maahu Hassan, who was driving a motorcycle without a license, was arrested and remanded in custody by the court for 15 days. Additionally, police have uncovered a major scam in which money was fraudulently taken from numerous individuals with the false promise of earning income from home.
Arrangements have been made for Maldivians to make payments in Maldivian Rufiyaa through "Global Dukaan", an e-commerce platform run jointly by Maldives Post and India Post. The Ministry of Economic Development instructed on 23 September 2026 for foreign businesses operating illegally in sectors reserved for Maldivians, such as wholesale and retail trade and airline cargo and passenger sales agencies, to cease operations before October 8, and published the names of 8 uncontactable companies. Under the first amendment brought to the Foreign Exchange Act, the MMA has mandated Category 'A' tourism businesses to exchange 40 percent of their total monthly foreign currency revenue through banks before the 28th of the following month, with fines of up to 5 million Rufiyaa decided for transactions conducted outside the stipulated rate. During a meeting held in Islamabad with a delegation led by Speaker of the People's Majlis Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) CEO Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Amir Hayat announced on 23 September 2026 that direct flights to the Maldives are scheduled to commence once additional aircraft are acquired.
The Ministry of Finance opened bidding on 23 September 2026 for interested parties to construct a 50-bed mental health hospital in Hulhumalé. Meanwhile, 39-year-old Aishath Aathifa passed away while receiving treatment at the Fulidhoo Health Centre after experiencing breathing difficulties and falling ill during a water exercise program conducted jointly by the school and police in V. Fulidhoo. Additionally, 30-year-old Mohamed Shaffan of Lilimagé, R. Dhuvaafaru, who fell ill while diving in the Shaviyani Atoll maritime area, was pronounced dead upon arrival at Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital.
On 23 September 2026, the R. Vaadhoo Council announced a decision to implement around eight strict measures to improve the conduct of school children, including prohibiting them from being outdoors without a guardian after 9:00 PM and barring them from public parks and sports grounds after sunset. The Employment Tribunal has ordered the Civil Service Commission to pay MVR 82,529 to an Indian teacher who worked at Dh. Atoll School as compensation for the remainder of their contract, ruling that the dismissal was unlawful.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and his spouse Sajidha Mohamed attended a special ceremony held at Kurumba Maldives on 23 September 2026 to celebrate the 96th National Day of Saudi Arabia. Former President Mohamed Nasheed met with Sri Lankan lawyers on 23 September 2026 and stated that he would assist on humanitarian grounds in efforts to save Sivarasah Anojan, a Sri Lankan national sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia for allegedly insulting Islam. Furthermore, on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly, Vice President of the Maldives Hussain Mohamed Latheef met with Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and discussed further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
HDC has invited interested parties to submit expressions of interest for the development of a 10-lane bowling arena, a gaming arcade, and a multipurpose hall in the Ruggan'du 2 area of Hulhumalé Phase 1. Singapore has introduced a new regulation imposing a $500 fine for eating and drinking on buses in the country. The Manfaa Association has commenced the production of a video documentary series recognizing the services of Maldivian religious scholars. Ahmed Shakir (Kashimaa) shared valuable insights regarding positive social attributes and moral conduct. Various parties also commended businessman and political leader Ahmed Siyam Mohamed for his valuable contributions to the social sector. MNDF has now officially called off the search operation conducted to find Captain Mohamed Hamdhoon, Police Sergeant Ali Naafiu, and MNDF Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Ahmed, who went missing after the supply vessel "Friend 4" capsized in the Huvadhoo Sea.
The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) introduced a dedicated portal on 23 September 2026 to easily book sports courts in Hulhumalé online; sports enthusiasts can now secure slots instantly and book courts in advance via the "My Hulhumalé" portal (my.hdc.com.mv).
