On 05th February 2026, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the 2026 session of the People’s Majlis and delivered the Presidential Address, in accordance with Article 84 of the Constitution. During the address, the President highlighted several key milestones, ongoing development projects, and policy priorities of the Administration, while outlining plans for national progress in the year ahead.
Importance of integrated land, sea, and air transport networks
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has emphasised that establishing a strong and integrated transport network across land, sea, and air is vital to improving public mobility, facilitating trade, and driving national economic growth.
The President stated that continued investment in airport development, the expansion of international and domestic air routes, and the establishment of resilient transport networks are essential. He also noted that these initiatives form a key component of the Government’s climate adaptation efforts. Outlining the progresses, the President stated that multiple airport development projects are currently underway nationwide, along with the commencement of integrated air connectivity services using Twin Otter aircraft with wheeled landing capabilities, which began on 1 February.
The President also highlighted the Administration’s efforts to strengthen inter-island connectivity through harbour development projects currently underway across the country. Addressing land transport, the President outlined ongoing initiatives to establish high-quality and sustainable road infrastructure. To accelerate road construction projects and reduce costs associated with renting machinery, he announced that modern equipment and machinery will be procured for the Road Development Corporation (RDC) by the end of April.
Direct distribution of tourism benefits to every citizen
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced a new system designed to ensure that the benefits of the tourism industry reach individual citizens directly.
The Government has decided to develop a minimum of 10 resorts through a State-Owned Enterprise over the next three years. A significant portion of the profits from these resorts will be deposited equally into the bank accounts of every Maldivian citizen, without exception. These payments will be made annually in foreign currency.
Furthermore, the President announced that a new law will be enacted to designate every Maldivian citizen as a shareholder in all resorts developed under this project. He estimated that the benefits of this historic initiative will begin to reach the public by 2030.
Revitalising fisheries as a pillar of the community
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that while fisheries represent one of the nation’s most significant inherited economic strengths, the sector had experienced prolonged neglect in previous years.
Addressing key challenges facing the sector, the President identified limited cold storage capacity as a major constraint. To address this, he announced that cold storage development projects in 8 regions are scheduled to be completed and handed over within the next 15 months. The President further stated that fuel affordability is a persistent challenge for fishermen. As part of measures to ensure access to fuel at State Trading Organisation (STO) rates, he noted that the first STO fuel skid was inaugurated in R. Dhuvaafaru on 13 December 2025, and stated that fuel skids will be established in every atoll within the next 3 months.
Furthermore, the President also noted that arrangements are being made to provide subsidised fuel to yellowfin tuna fishermen, comparable to the benefits extended to skipjack tuna fishermen, and that physical work on a modern packing facility in Hulhumalé will commence within the year. Moreover, the President also stated that expanding the FAD network remains a key Government policy. Moreover, the President described the establishment of the National Register of Fishermen as a significant milestone aimed at strengthening the social and economic security of fishermen. He stated that 100 per cent of active fishing vessels have now been registered.
Three-year investment push in Addu City to develop small and medium-sized businesses
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced special measures for Addu City over the next three years to support the development of small and medium-sized businesses, including the provision of special concessions.
In his address, the President outlined a range of measures aimed at developing small and medium-sized businesses, including the designation of specific areas for such ventures and the introduction of special concessions. In this regard, Addu City, including the areas of Addu Hulhudhoo and Addu Meedhoo, has been identified as the first focus of this initiative, with a three-year programme set to commence on 1 January 2027. The President called on partners and collaborators to utilise this opportunity, with the aim of ensuring that Addu City becomes the nation’s IT hub.
Securing 13,000 tinnes of water for growing population centres of Hulhumale' and Hiya Sector
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has revealed that practical work is underway to secure 13,000 tonnes of water to meet the needs of the growing population centres of Hulhumalé and the Hiya sector.
The President stated that, once completed in 2027, the project will increase the water storage capacity of the Greater Malé Region by 130 per cent. Reflecting on progress to date, the President said that work on a 10,000-tonne water storage facility was completed last year and has since been operationalised. He added that practical work on an additional 13,000-tonne facility is currently underway. Once operational, these units will oversee and manage the maintenance and upkeep of such facilities, including minor dredging works in lagoons, harbour repairs, and road maintenance, in a cost-effective and timely manner.
Promoting small and medium enterprises
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu affirmed the Government's aim to promote small and medium enterprises in the Maldives.
In his address, the President announced the Government’s decision to designate a specific area for a fixed period, with significant regulatory ease, to further advance and develop SMEs. He emphasised that the Government aims to elevate Maldivian innovation by building upon initiatives implemented in 2025 and by fully utilising the facilities already established, along with measures planned for this year. He further stated that the long-term national objective is to see the Maldives included among developed countries by 2040.
The President also assured that the relocation of the commercial harbour to Thilafushi would be completed and opened by 11 November 2027. He expressed confidence that once operational, unloading times for cargo vessels would be reduced from up to seven days to within 48 hours.
Radiation chambers, diagnostic centre for cancer treatment to be created this year
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that efforts to establish radiation chambers and a diagnostic centre for cancer detection and treatment will commence in the middle of this year.
The President indicated that practical work will also begin this year on the 100-bed tertiary hospital in Vilimalé, a grant project under Chinese aid, and on phase two of the 500-bed multi-speciality hospital in Hulhumalé.
He further announced that construction will commence this year on a 250-bed multi-speciality tertiary hospital as an extension to Hulhumalé Hospital. The extension will feature MRI facilities, urology services — including urodynamic services — an endoscopy suite, CXL surgical services, expanded ophthalmology services, and a dental laboratory. The President also announced that the “National Centre for Neuroscience and Stroke” will open in the coming week, advancing care for neurological cases across the country. Furthermore, the President noted that patient care has been relocated to Orange Hiyaa, where improved and advanced services are now provided. A monthly allowance of MVR 2,000 will also be introduced this year for these patients.
The President also highlighted work carried out to address fertility issues, noting that treatments for conditions such as endometriosis and PCOS are now covered under the Aasandha health insurance scheme, enabling more individuals to access care.
Atoll Fihaara to be developed as modern commercial front
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to develop the Atoll Fihaara area into a modern commercial front, with opportunities for investors to partner with the Government set to open by mid-year.
He noted that the Atoll Fihaara area has formed an integral part of the Malé waterfront for generations, adding that priority will be given to preserving the area’s façades as development progresses. The President further noted that access to financial services has improved nationwide through the introduction of Self-Service ATMs across all inhabited islands. He said US dollar ATMs have already been installed on seven islands, with work under way to install a further 70 machines, all of which are expected to be fully operational by the end of March.
Permanant housing as key to social development and security
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that social development and security can only be guaranteed by providing a permanent solution to the housing crisis.
He emphasised that resolving the housing issue remains a top priority for the Administration, highlighting ongoing efforts under the Housing for All (Boahiyaavahikan Enmenah) policy, particularly the opportunities created through the Family Housing (Aailee Boahiyaavahikan) programme. He added that the Government aims to complete the land reclamation of Rasmalé, which will provide 15,000 land plots, by April this year.
The President also shared statistics on the success of the Hiyaavehi Financing Scheme, launched to provide financial assistance in the housing sector, and highlighted efforts to increase Maldivian banking sector participation in housing provision. The President announced that the Government has proposed amendments to the Maldives Pension Act to define circumstances under which pension funds can be collateralised for purchasing, constructing, or renovating homes. He added that deliberations on the Government-proposed Housing Bill are currently underway at committee stage.
