Monetary Authority HQ & FX crackdown: The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) is inviting expressions of interest for a new 8,064 sq m Hulhumale’ office on a contractor-finance basis, aimed at easing space constraints and improving treasury security and bank safety. In parallel, the MMA has renewed warnings against unlicensed foreign exchange trading, saying 59 licensed entities are operating and that illegal currency dealing remains an offence; police also reported 65 hotline cases, including unauthorised dollar trading by 27 foreigners and 16 online platforms. Transport rules & city pressure: Under the new Land Transport Act, vehicles over 20 years will be acquired only after fair compensation, with a three-year grace period before restrictions bite. Meanwhile, Male’ congestion is worsening, with an Economic Minister citing a 2025 survey showing the capital has far more vehicles than recommended, leaving just 18% of road space for pedestrians. Thilafushi port sovereignty: The Economic Ministry says the new international port in Thilafushi will stay under government control, pushing back on claims it was being handed to a foreign partner. Tourism & hospitality signals: Hotelier Maldives’ Bestbuy Maldives returns as Silver Sponsor for the GM Forum 2026, while NHGAM, Visit Maldives and MATATO plan a CIS roadshow across Moscow, St. Petersburg and Almaty with a delegation of 25 companies. Marine conservation milestone: Bank of Maldives-backed efforts helped set a Guinness World Record for 314 simultaneous snorkelers at Niva Kurumba Maldives, topping the prior 305-person mark.