President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed toured Maldives Expo 2025 on Saturday evening, engaging with local innovators, artisans, and entrepreneurs in what is regarded as the nation's largest exhibition to date. The event serves as a showcase of Maldivian craftsmanship, creativity, and technological advancement, providing a platform for emerging and established talent.
Held at Hulhumalé Central Park, the weeklong exhibition fosters innovation, collaboration, and economic growth. Organised under the initiative of President Muizzu, the exhibition seeks to enhance productivity and expand business opportunities across the country. It offers a space where artistic and technological excellence converge, reflecting both traditional craftsmanship and modern ingenuity.
The exhibition commenced on 23 May with a formal ceremony and brings together more than 3,500 products, presented by 383 participants across 14 categories and 82 sub-categories. The handicraft sector features the most extensive representation, highlighting its enduring role in Maldivian culture.
As part of the event's structure, four thematic districts have been established to provide attendees with immersive experiences tied to skill, artistry, and productivity. The Creative Economy District celebrates Maldivian artistry, featuring painters, musicians, and cultural contributors whose work embodies the nation’s rich traditions. The Digital and Innovative District highlights developments in technology, showcasing products designed by local innovators.
The Entertainment District explores both historical and contemporary Maldivian entertainment, integrating live performances and interactive exhibits. The Market Place District focuses on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), fostering a business-to-business (B2B) environment to facilitate the sale of local products in both domestic and international markets.
President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha toured all four districts, meeting exhibitors and observing their work firsthand. Their visit underscored the government's commitment to advancing local industry and fostering an environment in which local talent can thrive.
The exhibition is open to the public daily from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. until its conclusion on 31 May. Government officials have highlighted its role in recognising the contributions of Maldivian artists, celebrating productivity, and encouraging the sustainable production of locally crafted goods.
Productivity exhibitions have long been a tradition in the Maldives, with the earliest recorded event dating to 1944. Over the decades, the format has evolved under various banners, leading to Maldives Expo 2025, the largest of its kind. Its return after a six-year hiatus marks a renewed commitment to national craftsmanship, innovation, and economic development.