President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has officially inaugurated the Maldives Expo 2026, the largest exhibition of its kind held in the country, bringing together hundreds of entrepreneurs, artisans and innovators to showcase more than 4,400 locally produced goods and creative works.
The exhibition opened at Hulhumalé Central Park on Saturday evening, with Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, cabinet ministers and senior officials from various government institutions attending the inauguration ceremony.
Following the official opening, President Muizzu toured the exhibition grounds, meeting participants and viewing a wide range of products developed by Maldivian creators and businesses.
Among his first stops were displays featuring creations by persons with disabilities, highlighting the importance of providing opportunities for individuals of different abilities to participate in the country’s growing creative and entrepreneurial sectors.
Organised jointly by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and the Business Center Corporation (BCC), this year’s exhibition is being held under the theme “Future Maldives – Innovation, Creativity and Global Connections.”
The expo will continue until November 2, with visitors able to explore the exhibition daily between 4:00 pm and 11:00 pm.
According to figures released by the organisers, 419 participants are showcasing approximately 4,400 products this year, reflecting a significant expansion from the previous edition.
Last year’s exhibition featured 240 participants and 2,400 products, meaning the number of participating exhibitors has increased by approximately 74.6 percent, while the number of products on display has risen by 83.3 percent.
The growth reflects increasing participation by local producers and entrepreneurs, with individual creators accounting for the largest share of exhibitors.
Of the 419 participants, 321 are individual artisans and creators, while 75 are registered businesses. The exhibition also includes 16 participants with disabilities, alongside representatives from educational institutions, non-governmental organisations and state-owned enterprises.
Approximately three-quarters of the products displayed at the expo have been contributed by individual creators, highlighting the significant role played by independent producers in the Maldives’ creative and small business sectors.
The exhibition features products spanning 73 categories across 16 major sectors, ranging from traditional handicrafts to digital technology and renewable energy.
Handicrafts account for the largest number of exhibits, with 1,695 products representing the skills and craftsmanship of Maldivian artisans.
The creative arts and design sector follows with 920 products, reflecting the growing participation of local designers and creative professionals.
Other sectors represented include food and beverages, jewellery, fashion, literature, fisheries, information and communications technology, transportation and renewable energy.
The diversity of products on display demonstrates the range of entrepreneurial activities emerging across the Maldives, including industries that extend beyond the country’s traditional economic sectors.
This year’s exhibition has also expanded its layout to seven dedicated districts, compared with five in the previous edition, allowing organisers to accommodate a broader range of products, services and activities.
The Competition District features products entered into the exhibition’s competitive categories, providing a platform for participants to demonstrate their skills and receive recognition for their work.
The Creative Economy District focuses on industries driven by creativity, design and innovation, while the Digital and Innovative District highlights technological developments and digital products created by Maldivian entrepreneurs.
The Entertainment District showcases cultural performances and entertainment-related activities, offering visitors an opportunity to experience elements of Maldivian heritage alongside contemporary creative productions.
A dedicated Marketplace District has been established to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) promote and sell their products and services directly to visitors.
The district provides smaller businesses with an opportunity to reach potential customers, build brand recognition and explore new commercial relationships.
Two additional districts have been introduced this year to expand the exhibition’s economic and international reach.
The Visitor Economy District focuses on products and services associated with tourism, creating a platform for businesses seeking opportunities within the country’s largest economic sector.
The International Exhibitors District, meanwhile, features products and services from overseas participants, providing opportunities for Maldivian entrepreneurs to explore international products, commercial connections and potential markets.
The expansion of the exhibition comes as the government continues to promote entrepreneurship, domestic production and economic diversification as key priorities.
President Muizzu’s administration has placed particular emphasis on strengthening MSMEs and developing the creative economy, with a target for creative industries to contribute 15 percent of the national economy by 2030.
The government has also announced several measures aimed at supporting smaller enterprises, including expanded business financing, proposed import duty exemptions on production materials and initiatives to improve access to international payment services.
These efforts are intended to encourage more Maldivians to establish businesses, develop locally produced goods and explore opportunities beyond the domestic market.
For many independent artisans and entrepreneurs, exhibitions such as the Maldivian Production Expo provide an important opportunity to present their work to a wider audience, particularly those who may not have access to permanent retail outlets or extensive marketing resources.
The inclusion of traditional craftsmanship alongside digital innovation and modern manufacturing also reflects the evolving nature of Maldivian entrepreneurship.
While traditional products remain an important expression of the country’s cultural identity, emerging industries such as digital services, design and technology offer additional opportunities for economic participation.
With thousands of products on display and participation expanding across multiple sectors, the Maldivian Production Expo 2026 is expected to serve as a major platform for promoting local talent, strengthening business connections and encouraging greater recognition of Maldivian-made products.
The exhibition will remain open to the public at Hulhumalé Central Park until November 2.
