Diplomacy & Investment: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu met Qatar’s new ambassador and reaffirmed plans to expand cooperation in economy, tourism, investment and infrastructure. Tourism & Trade Links: Maldives and Namibia also discussed stronger ties across tourism, trade, fisheries and healthcare. Foreign Relations: Muizzu received credentials from five non-resident ambassadors (Dominican Republic, Cuba, Kosovo, Slovenia and Somalia), with follow-up talks on sector-specific collaboration. Aviation Connectivity: Maldives signed an air services agreement with Ethiopia to enable direct scheduled flights, adding Ethiopia as the sixth African country with such a framework. Hospitality & Brand Signals: Reethi Faru Resort won Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026, while Sheraton Maldives marked seven graduates from Marriott’s Kurimagu Leadership Programme. Digital Banking: Bank of Maldives rolled out Aaya updates to streamline customer banking requests via the app and internet banking. Logistics & Trade: Sarjak Container Lines partnered with Ocean Gate Logistics to strengthen last-mile and specialised cargo handling in the Maldives. Security: Police in KLIA arrested 50 suspected drug mules, including Maldivians, with syndicates using new tactics like last-minute bookings and peak-hour flights.