The briefing
At MDP's fifth congress, the "Major Change" agenda proposed by Fayyaz Ismail was passed with 520 votes, amending the basic regulation to designate the Chairperson as the party's top leader and abolish the positions of President and Vice President. Former President Abdulla Yameen visited Addu City and opened a PNF office in Feydhoo. Additionally, former President Mohamed Nasheed stated that he is ready to take over the government at any time. The Local Government Authority (LGA) has instructed councils to stop using council resources for political purposes. Furthermore, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef spoke regarding the hopes for the development of the Maldives. The remarks made by Speaker of the People's Majlis Abdul Raheem Abdulla regarding the situation of the country also gained support in the political arena.
Under the eighth amendment brought to the Maldives Goods and Services Tax Act, foreign tour operators and online booking platforms without a permanent business in the Maldives have been required to register with MIRA and pay 17 percent TGST effective from October 1, 2026. Housing Development Corporation (HDC) Managing Director Ali Zuhair announced on October 3, 2026, that work is currently underway to build over 3,100 apartments in Hulhumalé, including 1,763 semi-luxury and 1,400 luxury units, and that land has been allocated to carry out affordable housing projects in collaboration with the Bank of Maldives. In addition, HDC has been tasked with constructing 5,000 housing units in the atolls, with physical work on 400 housing units in HDh. Kulhudhuffushi already underway.
Relevant authorities have shut down 12 food preparation establishments due to poor hygiene. This measure was taken to protect public health and maintain required hygiene standards in food preparation.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu marked the first anniversary of the National Service Program, revealing that 1,028 youth have been trained over the past year, while Minister of Defense and National Service Hassan Rasheed stated at the graduation ceremony on October 3, 2026, for 73 participants of the program's second technical and vocational batch, that the program would continue uninterrupted regardless of any financial cost. Furthermore, a new academic calendar has been published granting students a three-month vacation next year. Along with these changes, significant progress will be brought to students' education and training schedules.
While reports have revealed that claims alleging two Maldivians were arrested on suspicion of attempting to hijack a flydubai flight are completely baseless, the attempt to hijack and crash flydubai flight FZ 1073 en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, 2026, was carried out solely by the flight's Omani co-pilot, Hamam Al-Hammami. The co-pilot who attempted the incident was immediately brought under control and has now been taken into the custody of the relevant authorities of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Employment Tribunal member Fathimath Saushan passed away suddenly on the morning of Saturday, October 3, 2026, while in India for medical treatment. Statistics released by Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) show that out of 3,926 flats under the Gedhoruveriya scheme, rent is being paid regularly for 3,362 flats, while payments have been disrupted for 564 flats. Under an agreement reached with Fenaka Corporation, work has begun to officially hand over water and sewerage services in Addu and Fuvahmulah to MWSC before October 13. To ensure road safety, the police have begun towing illegally parked vehicles, issuing digital fines, and taking action against reckless drivers. Following repairs, that section of Ameenee Magu has now been reopened to general traffic. An individual was treated for injuries following an accident on the Sinamalé Bridge highway. The Criminal Court sentenced 26-year-old Abdulla Faseeh to 50 years in prison along with a fine of 200,000 Rufiyaa in a drug case. Kuwait's Interior Ministry arrested five individuals who fraudulently acquired money in the name of an association.
