AGP Executive Report

Language & Screen Culture: Hindi Divas at the UN celebrated Hindi’s global reach, including Bollywood’s influence in the Maldives. Maldivian Arts: Artist Yakov Khomich will lead art masterclasses at Finolhu from 6–12 November, turning the resort’s Art Lab into a space for creative exploration. Island Heritage: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is set to celebrate Maldivian heritage with its “Roots & Tides” programme. Youth Sport: Registrations are open for the Dhiraagu Maldives Junior Open, with badminton players aged under 9 to under 19 and Para/Special Olympics athletes invited to compete in Malé in December. Art & Hospitality: JOALI Maldives, known for its art-led island experience, has been named the Indian Ocean’s top resort in Condé Nast Traveller UK’s 2026 readers’ awards.

Island Art: Artist Yakov Khomich will lead masterclasses at Finolhu’s Art Lab from 6–12 November, bringing his experimental contemporary painting practice to the Maldives. Manga & Entertainment: Crunchyroll Manga has launched in the Maldives, giving readers access to more than 250 English-language titles, with further releases planned. Maldivian Heritage: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is celebrating local heritage with its “Roots & Tides” programme.

Food & Festivities: Celebrity chef Jolly returns to The St. Regis Maldives from 28–30 October for Diwali dining events at Cargo. Youth Sport: Registration is open for the Dhiraagu Maldives Junior Open, with badminton players aged under 9 to under 19 competing in Malé from 13–19 December; a Para/Special Olympics category is included. Manga: Crunchyroll Manga has launched in the Maldives, giving fans access to more than 250 English-language titles, with more from Viz Media coming soon. Island Entertainment: Kandima Maldives’ festive programme will feature women’s football stars, coaching, matches and beachside events across Christmas and New Year.

Culinary Spotlight: Celebrity chef Surjan “Jolly” Singh returns to St. Regis Maldives Vommuli from October 28–30 for Diwali dining events at Cargo, celebrating Indian Ocean flavours. Digital Entertainment: Crunchyroll Manga has launched in the Maldives, bringing more than 250 English-language titles to local readers, including The Apothecary Diaries and Bocchi the Rock!. Maldivian Film: Filmmaker Mohammed al Kindi has won a jury prize at a festival in Georgia. Arts & Culture: JOALI Maldives, known for its art-led design and experiences, was named the Indian Ocean’s top resort in Condé Nast Traveller UK’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. Heritage: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is celebrating Maldivian heritage with its “Roots & Tides” programme.

Resort News: Kandooma Maldives was named South Asia’s Leading Family Resort at the SATA Awards, while Maldives resorts collected 36 awards overall. SO/ Maldives has announced an ocean-themed festive programme featuring live performances and island celebrations. Culture & Creativity: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu will celebrate Maldivian heritage this festive season with traditional performances, local food and nature-led experiences. Maldivian filmmaker Mohammed al Kindi has won a jury prize at a Georgia festival, and the Maldives will feature in a special destination episode of MasterChef Sri Lanka. Sport: Registration is open for the Dhiraagu Maldives Junior Open badminton tournament, set for 13–19 December in Malé, with six age groups and a Para/Special Olympics category.

Manga & Anime: Crunchyroll Manga has launched in the Maldives as part of its expansion to 11 markets, bringing more than 250 English-language titles to local fans. Maldivian Film: Filmmaker Mohammed al Kindi has won a jury prize at a festival in Georgia. Culture: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu’s “Roots & Tides” festive programme, running 22 December to 7 January, will celebrate Maldivian heritage with traditional music, performances and local food. Youth Sport: Registrations are open for the Dhiraagu Maldives Junior Open, set for 13–19 December in Malé, with age-group and Para/Special Olympics categories.

Manga: Crunchyroll Manga has expanded to the Maldives, bringing more than 250 English-language titles to local readers through its app and website. Maldivian Film: Filmmaker Mohammed al Kindi has won a jury prize at a festival in Georgia, giving Maldivian cinema international recognition. On Screen: The Maldives will feature in a special destination episode of MasterChef Sri Lanka. Island Culture: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu’s “Roots & Tides” festive programme will celebrate Maldivian heritage with cultural, culinary and nature-led experiences from 22 December to 7 January.

Underwater Photography: Machchafushi will host Nikon photographers and international media from 14–17 October to capture the marine life and reef landscapes of South Ari Atoll. Manga & Anime: Crunchyroll Manga has launched in the Maldives, giving readers access to more than 250 English-language titles, including stories linked to popular anime. Art & Island Life: JOALI Maldives, known for its art-led design, was named the Indian Ocean’s top resort in Condé Nast Traveller UK’s 2026 readers’ awards. Maldivian Heritage: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu’s December “Roots & Tides” programme will celebrate local traditions with music, performances and Maldivian food. The Maldives will also feature in a special destination episode of MasterChef Sri Lanka.

Festive Island Culture: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu’s “Roots & Tides” programme, running Dec 22-Jan 7, will spotlight Maldivian heritage through Bodu Mas, traditional songs and island food. Halloween Entertainment: Sun Siyam resorts are bringing themed productions to five islands this October, from a horror walkthrough at Siyam World to a Beetlejuice-inspired celebration at Olhuveli. Maldivian Flavours on Screen: A special MasterChef Sri Lanka episode filmed in the Maldives aired Oct 3, showcasing local ingredients, cuisine and hospitality to regional viewers. Anniversary Sounds: Joy Island marked its third anniversary with live music, a DJ set, traditional Maldivian dance and a fire performance.

Live Entertainment: Joy Island marked its third anniversary with a beachfront gala featuring live music, a DJ, a band and traditional Maldivian and fire dances. Maldivian Culture: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu’s upcoming “Roots & Tides” programme will celebrate island heritage through performances, local food and ocean-inspired experiences; Island Carnival also brought Boduthiladhunmathi together. Screen & Art: A Maldives-set episode of MasterChef Sri Lanka showcased local cuisine and culture to regional viewers, while The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Vommuli plans artistic collaborations as part of its 10th-anniversary celebrations. Seasonal Fun: Sun Siyam’s Halloween events range from an immersive horror experience to beachfront festivities and tropical trick-or-treating.

Resort Anniversaries & Festive Culture: The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort marks its 10th anniversary with a 10-day celebration (Nov 10–20, 2026) featuring top chefs, wellness, family activities, artistic collaborations and coral restoration. Brand Refreshes & Family All-Inclusive: Kandooma Maldives relaunches after 17 years as an experience-led all-inclusive for families, adding new Family Beach Pool Villas and expanding dive and island activities. Seasonal Programming: Ifuru Island Maldives unveils “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” (Dec 21, 2026–Jan 10, 2027), blending marine and celestial themes across décor, dining and entertainment. Food & Wine as Art: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa launches its Masters of Food & Wine Series (Oct 2026–Apr 2027) with six MICHELIN-starred chefs and seasonal culinary chapters. Community & Media: MMBC urges responsible broadcasting on National Broadcasting Day. Live Events: Registrations open for The Maldives LONG RUN 2026 (Dec 4, Hulhumalé) with 5K to full marathon distances.

Maldives Arts & Culture: The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort marks its 10th anniversary with a 10-day celebration (Nov 10–20, 2026), featuring internationally acclaimed chefs, award-winning bartenders, wellness rituals, family activities, artistic collaborations and marine conservation. Festive Programming: Ifuru Island Maldives unveils “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” for Christmas and New Year (Dec 21, 2026–Jan 10, 2027), blending ocean-and-night-sky décor, themed dining, entertainment and activities across the season. Food & Entertainment: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa launches its Masters of Food & Wine Series (Oct 2026–Apr 2027), bringing six MICHELIN-starred chefs to “Our Living Island” for season-led culinary chapters. Family & Lifestyle: Kandooma Maldives rebrands from Holiday Inn Kandooma after 17 years, rolling out an expanded family all-inclusive concept with new Family Beach Pool Villas and added experiences like reef snorkelling and sunrise fishing. Arts in Motion: Sun Siyam’s Halloween lineup spans multiple islands, from Siyam World’s interactive “Cult Classics” production to Beetlejuice-themed fun and Maldivian tradition nights. Community & Sports: Registrations open for The Maldives LONG RUN 2026 in Hulhumalé (Dec 4), with 5K, 10K, half and full marathon distances. Media & Public Service: MMBC urges responsible broadcasting ahead of National Broadcasting Day, highlighting the role of media in protecting Maldivian identity and delivering accurate information.

Maldives Police Service: Ahmed Shiyam has been officially reappointed as the police spokesperson after a High Court reinstatement, returning to oversee media relations and public awareness communications. Festive Island Culture: Ifuru Island Maldives is set to run “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” from 21 Dec 2026 to 10 Jan 2027, blending ocean-and-night-sky visuals across décor, dining, entertainment and activities. Family All-Inclusive Relaunch: Kandooma Maldives launches a refreshed, experience-led all-inclusive concept (from 1 Oct 2026), adding new family pool villas and “Dive Free” perks. Culinary Arts: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa unveils the “Masters of Food & Wine” series (Oct 2026–Apr 2027), bringing six MICHELIN-starred chefs for season-themed dining chapters. Sports & Community: Registrations are open for The Maldives LONG RUN 2026 on 4 Dec in Hulhumalé, with 5K, 10K, half and full marathon distances. Media Responsibility: MMBC urged broadcasters to share news responsibly on National Broadcasting Day, highlighting the role of media in protecting Maldivian identity and Islamic values. Wellness Trend: A National Geographic Traveller feature spotlights Maldives-style wellness shifting from spa routines to nature-led rituals and deeper experiences.

Education & Wellbeing: Maldives’ Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu marked Teachers’ Day by saying schools are being made “safer, happier” with stronger mental health support for teachers and students, plus efforts to raise respect for the profession. Police & Media: Ahmed Shiyam has been reappointed as Maldives Police Service spokesperson, returning after reinstatement following a long legal battle; he’ll oversee media relations and public awareness. Sports & Community: Registrations are open for The Maldives LONG RUN 2026 in Hulhumalé on Dec 4, with 5K, 10K, half and full marathon distances. Arts, Culture & Festive Resorts: Ifuru Island Maldives is rolling out “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” for Christmas and New Year (Dec 21, 2026–Jan 10, 2027), blending ocean-and-sky visuals across décor, dining and entertainment. Family Travel & Hospitality: Kandooma Maldives officially relaunches from Holiday Inn Kandooma with a refreshed experience-led all-inclusive concept, adding new family pool villas and island activities. Food & Wine: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa announces its Masters of Food & Wine Series (Oct 2026–Apr 2027) with six MICHELIN-starred chefs.

Police & Media: Ahmed Shiyam has been reappointed as Maldives Police Service spokesperson, returning after a reinstatement battle that overturned his 2014 dismissal. Sports & Community: Registrations are open for Maldives LONG RUN 2026 (Dec 4, Hulhumalé) with 5K, 10K, half and full marathon options. Broadcasting Culture: MMBC marks National Broadcasting Day by urging responsible news sharing and highlighting the sector’s role in Maldivian identity and public awareness. Resort Rebrands & Family Fun: Kandooma Maldives officially launches its new all-inclusive, experience-led chapter with expanded family villas and added activities. Halloween in Paradise: Sun Siyam rolls out Halloween across multiple islands, from Siyam World’s Cult Classics immersive production to Beetlejuice-themed experiences. Food & Celebrity Hospitality: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa unveils its Masters of Food & Wine Series (Oct 2026–Apr 2027) with MICHELIN-starred chefs, starting with Ku Chi Fai for Chinese Golden Week. Arts on TV: Maldives will feature in a special destination episode of MasterChef Sri Lanka on TVM, spotlighting local cuisine and culture. Fashion & Music Anniversary: Ifuru Island Maldives plans “Global Harmony” for its 3rd anniversary (Dec 1, 2026), blending fashion, dance and music.

Sports & Community: Registrations are open for The Maldives LONG RUN 2026 in Hulhumalé on Dec 4, with 5K, 10K, Half and Full Marathon options and special recognition for the biggest running clubs and corporate teams. Media & Culture: The MMBC marked National Broadcasting Day by urging responsible, values-led news sharing and highlighting the history of radio and TV in the Maldives. Resort Rebrands & Family Fun: Kandooma Maldives officially relaunches after 17 years as Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma, rolling out an experience-led all-inclusive model with new Family Beach Pool Villas and added activities. Halloween Across the Maldives: Sun Siyam unveils Halloween programming across its islands, from Cult Classics at Siyam World to themed trick-or-treat adventures at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef. Food & Arts: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa launches its Masters of Food & Wine Series (Oct 2026–Apr 2027) with six MICHELIN-starred chefs, starting with Chef Ku Chi Fai for Chinese Golden Week. Film Spotlight: Omani filmmaker Mohammed al Kindi wins a jury prize at a Georgia festival for his short film Roofs. Art & Hospitality: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands hosts a Ruinart-linked artist residency by French visual artist Alexandre Benjamin Navet (Dec 18–23, 2026, then continuing through April 2027).