Monetary Policy Tightening: The Maldives Monetary Authority approved higher bank reserve requirements and expanded open market operations to drain surplus rufiyaa liquidity, with the MRR set to rise from 10.5% to 11.0% from September and a path to 13% by Dec 2027, as the US dollar has strengthened in the local market. Currency Confidence Debate: Former President Abdulla Yameen warned that the rufiyaa’s value has fallen so far people no longer want to save in it, warning of rising black-market dollar rates and a risk to public confidence. Banking & Consumer Promotion: Maldives Islamic Bank is running a daily expo quiz at the Maldives Living Expo 2026 in Hulhumalé, with a chance to win MVR 50,000. Housing & Land Rules: Updated regulations now allow government-majority-owned companies to be allocated land for non-residential purposes, with pricing set by a land valuation committee. Tourism Trade Momentum: Food & Hospitality Asia Maldives (FHAM) 2026 (Sept 7–9) is set to bring 100+ exhibitors and buyers from 120+ resorts, highlighting the Maldives’ push into culinary and hospitality business. Aviation & Cargo: Raya Airways plans a scheduled Penang–Malé freighter service mid-August, aiming to boost cargo capacity in the Indian Ocean corridor. Hospitality Careers: Taj Coral Reef Resort & Spa promoted Ahmed Shujau to Director of Food & Beverage, expanding leadership over restaurants, bars, in-villa dining and banqueting. Marine Conservation: A Maldives social media-led push helped drive a 2020 ban on parrotfish catch, and conservation groups are now scaling up habitat protection efforts.