During the 2026 Presidential Address, which was held on 05 February 2026, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu underscored the central role of education in national development and announced that the Administration will begin holding weekly press briefings to strengthen transparency and public engagement. He outlined a dual-track strategy focused on drug reform and youth empowerment, announced the establishment of a 24-hour citizen complaints bureau, and emphasised the interconnection between economic progress and social development, citing the positive impact of employment initiatives while reaffirming citizens’ right to a responsible and credible media and stressing the importance of preventing lifestyle-related diseases.
Importance of education for economic diversification
In his address, the President highlighted that Maldives Polytechnic conducted a series of training programmes over the past year, with a strong focus on Maldivians and priority fields identified by the Government for national development. He said these efforts form part of broader initiatives, including the introduction of an inclusive employment policy and the development and publication of the Maldives’ first National Human Capital Need Index Analysis.
The President further noted that scholarship and student loan schemes were expanded in line with national development priorities, with 852 scholarships awarded and 880 students benefiting from student loan facilities. He also noted that 26 projects of Maldives National University are under way across 16 atolls, while 12 projects of the Islamic University of Maldives are being implemented in 10 atolls. In addition, projects to establish technical and vocational centres in 10 atolls and 14 projects to develop Dhanaal on-campus student accommodation facilities are currently in progress.
The President stated that an additional 2,728 students were enrolled under the first-degree scheme last year. Overall, 11,252 students received financial assistance amounting to MVR 92.6 million. He further announced that, for the first time in Maldivian history, administrative fees for student loans have been abolished. In support of students studying abroad, the President said the monthly card limit has been increased to USD 1,200. He also announced the launch of the Kuri portal on 3 February 2026, describing it as a modern, automated system designed to replace manual processes.
Weekly press briefings starting March and citizen's right to a responsible and credible media
The President stated that, barring official travel, public holidays, or unforeseen scheduling conflicts, he will hold press briefings every Monday morning from 10:00 to 11:00. Furthermore, the President noted that from March onwards, every Cabinet Minister will also meet with the press for one hour each week. He added that the President’s Office will regularly publish the schedule for these ministerial briefings. The President further revealed that 93 per cent of Right to Information (RTI) requests submitted to the President’s Office and various ministries last year have been fulfilled, and added that responses are currently being prepared for the remaining RTI applications, which were delayed due to the complexity of data collection or other administrative requirements.
Emphasising the importance of a strong and professional media sector, the President stated that a responsible media environment is essential for maintaining national stability, effectively communicating development progress, and ensuring public safety and security. Highlighting initiatives undertaken to support the media sector, the President noted that, for the first time in Maldivian history, the State Budget has allocated direct financial assistance to media organisations. Under this initiative, a total of MVR 27,295,532.69 has been disbursed to 40 media outlets.
Dual-track strategy for drug reform and youth empowerment
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the Administration is implementing a dual-track strategy to address the drug crisis while strengthening youth empowerment, as part of wider efforts to ensure national peace, stability, and public safety. He emphasised that tackling organised crime and gang activity – both directly and indirectly linked to drug trafficking – is critical to safeguarding national security.
Outlining progress in disrupting drug supply networks, the President said narcotics seized through enforcement operations have a combined street value of MVR 2.3 billion. He added that the volume of drugs confiscated over the past two years represents the highest recorded during the first two years of any administration across the past three terms.
Highlighting the importance of rehabilitation, the President said establishing a robust system for treatment and reintegration of drug-dependent individuals remains a priority. The President further announced a landmark decision to develop a rehabilitation-focused island based on the Open Prison Island concept – the first initiative of its kind in the Maldives.
Establishment of 24-hour citizen complaints bureau
In his address, the President stated that the primary responsibility of the Bureau will be to manage citizens’ complaints through a fully digitalised system. Complaints will be received via multiple channels, including letters, email, the Rayyithunge Adu portal, the GEM messaging platform, telephone calls, social media platforms, and other communication channels. The Bureau will be responsible for coordinating responses through the relevant government institutions. The President also announced that a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI)–based digital system will be developed to manage and track complaints efficiently.
Interconnection of economic and social development
The President highlighted measures introduced to assess student proficiency under the National Curriculum. Over the past two years, a special primary completion examination was administered to students completing Grade 6 to evaluate proficiency levels. In addition, pilot programmes to evaluate minimum proficiency levels were conducted last year for students completing Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
The President further stated that revisions to the early education framework and the development of a Curriculum Integration Model have initiated the reorganisation of Key Stage 1 textbooks into thematic books. In his address, the President announced that a fully digitalised system would be established in the new academic year, allowing teaching and learning decisions to be based on accurate and timely data.
The President noted that by December 2025, 142 classrooms, nine multipurpose halls, and 56 educational support facilities had been completed. He stated that an additional 216 classrooms, seven multipurpose halls, and 250 educational support facilities would be completed and brought into use during the current academic year. Furthermore, work is underway to construct an additional 955 classrooms, 78 multipurpose halls, and 2,923 educational support facilities nationwide.
Positive impact of employment initiatives and action on undocumented expatriates
In his address, the President noted that as a result of policies implemented to increase the number of educated Maldivian youth and Maldivians across all age groups, a total of 21,174 job opportunities have been created since 17 November 2023. Statistics from the Pension Office reveal that this includes 6,724 jobs in the private sector. He further announced that, effective from 5 February 2027, only Maldivians will be permitted to work as cashiers. In addition, the President stated that at least 25,000 more job opportunities are expected to be created for Maldivians over the next year.
The President also noted that between 17 November 2023 and 3 February 2026, a total of 11,496 undocumented expatriates were repatriated from the Maldives.
He stated that the ongoing operation to address undocumented expatriate workers would be completed by 2 May 2027, at which point the actual number of undocumented expatriates in the Maldives would be confirmed.
Prevention of lifestyle-related diseases and promotion of healthy living
In his address, the President highlighted the Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen sports and fitness infrastructure across the country. He noted that 33 sports and fitness projects were completed last year, while an additional 59 projects that had been left incomplete were finalised during the current Administration. Furthermore, the President stated that 879 sports and fitness projects are currently underway nationwide.
The President announced that all ongoing projects are expected to be completed within the next 12 months. These include the establishment and opening of fitness and recreational centres on all inhabited islands, the development of 16 modern indoor sports complexes with a seating capacity of 1,200 people including Hulhumalé Phase II and Vilimalé.
The President also announced the commencement of construction of a state-of-the-art multi-storey futsal complex, featuring an indoor futsal stadium designed to host international matches, along with four additional indoor training pitches. He further stated that the construction of a state-of-the-art multi-storey netball complex in Hulhumalé, also designed to host international matches, is scheduled to begin in April this year.
The President stated that work on establishing an e-sports centre, arcade gaming facilities, a bowling arena, and an indoor activity complex for children will also commence in April this year.
