Economy.

On October 1, 2026, the President visited the site to inspect the progress of the important project to relocate the Male' Commercial Port to Thilafushi. During this visit, relevant officials provided detailed information to the President regarding the progress of the physical work on the project and how matters are proceeding in accordance with the project schedule. Aimed at reducing congestion in Male' and modernizing commercial port services, the President closely observed the works of the various stages of the project and gave instructions to expedite their completion.

On October 1, 2026, the maximum amount of cash in dollars that a customer can withdraw per month through Bank of Maldives (BML) ATMs was set at $3,500. According to the national bank, despite this change, no change will be brought to the designated daily withdrawal limit of $1,600. BML stated that this decision was made to reduce reliance on cash, promote digital financial transactions, and in response to the fact that the volume of dollars that needs to be sold for foreign currency transactions exceeds the dollars received by the bank. The bank also stated that, even with this measure, services will continue to be facilitated without disruption to digital business transactions conducted via mobile banking and cards.

Following the drop in the dollar rate in the Maldivian market due to robust measures taken by the government, former minister Ahmed Mahloof commented on the matter, shedding light on it. He noted that the steps being taken by the government to stabilize the economy and address foreign currency shortages have begun to significantly lower the dollar rate on the black market. Mahloof stated that with this change, businesses and the general public will experience ease in procuring goods and services. He also noted in his remarks that such robust measures will bring positive changes to the financial sector and provide major support for sustaining economic stability.

Information regarding the Maldivian 1,000 Rufiyaa note has been brought to public attention, with important details shared regarding the security features and characteristics of the note. In this regard, information was clarified on how to verify the authenticity of the note, the special security features included on it, as well as things to be mindful of when handling the note. The main objective of disclosing this information is to raise public awareness during circulating currency transactions and to help protect against counterfeit currency.

With the aim of operating a second stock exchange in the Maldives and facilitating the sale of Shariah-compliant financial instruments and sukuk, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu established "National Exchange Limited" as a 100 percent state-owned company on Thursday, October 1, 2026. The company was established under decree number 16/2026 issued through the legal authority vested in the President. The main purpose of this company is to further strengthen the Maldivian financial market and expand investment opportunities through Islamic finance instruments.

The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Board of Directors has removed the company's Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and Executive Director Mohamed Mihad, as well as board member Saharu Waheed, on 1 October 2026. Although the Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) announced the removal of the two individuals from their posts, the exact reason behind the decision was not disclosed. While Mihad has been serving as MACL's CCO since 2024, Saharu Waheed is the Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Bank of Maldives (BML), as well as a board member of Addu Hankede Development Corporation. Despite being removed from the board, Mihad still remains in the post of MACL's CCO.