Maldives Expo 2026 will differ significantly from previous editions and is expected to become the largest exhibition ever held in the country, Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed has said.
The event, organised by Business Center Corporation Limited and the ministry, is scheduled for 25 October to 2 November 2026.
Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, Minister Saeed noted that exhibitor participation has increased by 225 per cent compared with last year. The exhibition will feature 780 exhibitors, up from 240, while the number of products on display will double from 2,400 to 4,800.
Two additional districts bring the total to seven. The new Visitor Economy District and International District will expand opportunities. Ten islands will participate in the Visitor Economy District in a competitive setting. The International District will include 15 Chinese businesses introducing innovations for small businesses, along with 15 participants from India. Efforts are under way to secure participation from the United Arab Emirates.
Last year’s event ran for 10 days and attracted more than 80,000 visitors daily. The minister expressed hope that visitor numbers would double this year.
The Expo aims to connect local producers with the tourism market and support the creative economy. A cabinet-level Visitor Economy Council has been established to use tourism-related activities for island development.
