Both Acts were passed by the People's Majlis in late 2025, coming into force this new year.
President's Office
On 01 January 2026, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu established the Maldives Intellectual Property Office (MIPO) under Article 4(a) of the Maldives Intellectual Property Office Act. The Office will operate under the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.
The Act provides a comprehensive framework for the protection and promotion of intellectual property in the Maldives, particularly within the commercial sector, while supporting broader economic development.
The Act was passed by the People’s Majlis and ratified by the President on 21 August 2025, and came into force on 1 January 2026.
Accordingly, the President’s Office has announced, through Directive No. 02/2026, that all correspondence addressed to the Maldives Intellectual Property Office shall reference the number 1136.
On the same day, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu also established the Maldives Zakat House to operate under the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, in accordance with Article 11(a) of the Zakat Act.
With the establishment of the Maldives Zakat House under the new legal framework, the Zakat House that previously operated under the Ministry of Islamic Affairs before the enactment of the Zakat Act has been dissolved.
The Zakat Act provides a comprehensive legal framework for the payment, administration and distribution of Zakat in the Maldives in accordance with Islamic principles, ensuring the effective and transparent management of Zakat funds. The Act was passed by the People’s Majlis and ratified by the President on 6 December 2025, and came into force on 1 January 2026.
Accordingly, the President’s Office announced, through Directive No. 01/2026, that the Maldives Zakat House has been formally established under the provisions of the Zakat Act.
