Public Health & Waste Management: Addu City will build the Maldives’ first cytotoxic medical waste facility, with AEH and WAMCO, to safely treat and contain chemotherapy-related hazardous waste—targeting operations within a year. Fisheries & SME Finance: The World Bank-backed Aaruveri Matching Grant Scheme launches with MVR 278 million for fisheries businesses, covering seven grant windows from mariculture and fish processing to renewable energy and value-addition (up to 40% of eligible costs). Trade & Customs Modernisation: Homeland Security and Technology Minister Ali Ihusan says customs must go beyond revenue and borders, pushing system-to-system connectivity to prevent delays from undermining trade corridors. Banking & Regulation: The MMA opens public consultation on two draft rules—Financial Consumer Protection and Simplified/Electronic Customer Due Diligence—until 26 August. Healthcare Access: STO introduces GE HealthCare’s portable Vscan ultrasound system to expand diagnostics beyond clinics, including support for small islands. Housing: President Muizzu pledges more housing allocations in Greater Malé in his final term year, via “Rayyithunge Adu” direct meetings. Foreign Exchange Crackdown: MMA revokes Express Money Exchange’s licence for illegal FX activity, while Parliament moves to penalise black-market USD rate reporting and inflated FX trading. Regional Business Push: Maldives hosts SIDS Global Business Network Forum 2026 and the inaugural Island Investment Forum (Aug 23–25) with 200+ participants from 30+ countries. Infrastructure Feedback: MTCC seeks public input (Aug 18–31) on West Park fish market platform redevelopment ahead of the EIA.