The Maldives is set to enter the global culinary spotlight on 12 February 2026 as it hosts the World Cake Artistry Awards for the first time, marking the country’s debut as a physical host of a major international artistry award show.
The landmark event will bring together world-renowned cake artists from more than 37 countries, positioning the Maldives as an emerging hub for creative excellence beyond its traditional tourism identity. A total of 60 international awards will be presented, recognising outstanding achievement in cake artistry, sugar art, design innovation, and professional mastery.
The awards are organised by My Cakes and Sweets, led by Maldivian entrepreneur and cake artist Mujuthaba Abdulla, whose initiative has elevated the Maldives onto the global culinary arts calendar.
Global Participation Reflects Industry Reach
Artists and professionals from across six continents are confirmed to participate, including representatives from Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, India, Japan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, South Africa, and the Maldives, among many others. The breadth of participation underscores the awards’ growing international credibility and influence within the global cake artistry community.
Strategic Significance for the Maldives
Hosting the World Cake Artistry Awards represents a strategic expansion of the Maldives’ international profile.
From a national branding perspective, the event strengthens the country’s positioning as a venue capable of hosting high-profile global award ceremonies. It also extends the Maldives’ image beyond leisure tourism into arts, culture, and high-value creative industries.
For the local culinary sector, the awards provide Maldivian cake artists and chefs with a rare opportunity to showcase their work on a global stage without leaving home soil. Industry stakeholders say this exposure is expected to drive skills development, innovation, and professional growth within the domestic creative economy.
Tourism and Economic Impact
The event is projected to generate direct economic benefits through increased arrivals of international artists, judges, media professionals, and industry guests. Hospitality providers, travel operators, local vendors, and event service companies are expected to benefit from the influx, while reinforcing the Maldives’ appeal as a destination for future international culinary and creative events.
Beyond economics, organisers emphasise the importance of cultural exchange and professional networking, with the awards designed to foster collaboration between Maldivian professionals and global leaders in cake artistry and design.
A Historic First with Long-Term Vision
Industry observers describe the 2026 edition as a historic first for the Maldives, laying the groundwork for what organisers envision as a recurring global event. By physically hosting the awards, the Maldives joins a select group of destinations recognised not only for natural beauty, but also for their ability to convene international creative excellence.
The World Cake Artistry Awards 2026 will take place on 12 February in the Maldives, bringing together artistry, innovation, and global hospitality in a setting unlike any other.
More information is available via the official awards platform on Instagram.
