The upcoming Maldives Expo 2026 is poised to feature products from over 1,000 businesses, marking its largest and most comprehensive edition yet as it expands its focus toward tourism integration and global markets.
According to Ibrahim Ziyau, Managing Director of the Business Center Corporation (BCC), the event has grown exponentially from its roots 80 years ago, when it launched as a modest trade show for local artisans. This growth is reflected in the event’s competitive segment, where business participation surged from 308 entrants last year to 780 this year, alongside a rise in registered products from 3,600 to over 6,000.
A key update to this year’s competition rules requires all entries to be registered under the individual creator’s name. This initiative aims to give local producers proper credit while helping them build and scale their own brands.
The 2026 expo will span seven specialized districts, introducing two brand-new zones:
- Visitor Economy District: Gives local islands and tourism-related enterprises a dedicated space to showcase their offerings and form partnerships with international buyers.
- International Exhibitors District: Focuses on bringing global innovation to the local market while creating export pathways for Maldivian products, which have traditionally seen limited international exposure.
Maldives Expo 2026 will span nine days, running from October 25 to November 2 at Central Park in Hulhumalé. The event will cover 73 distinct categories across 16 different industry sectors.
