2026 in the Maldives
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The following is a list of events that will occur in the Maldives in the year 2026, along with scheduled events that are yet to take place.
Incumbents
Government
Events
Eclipses
- 3 March – March 2026 Penumbral lunar eclipse – View in Malé.[1]
Ongoing
January
- 4 January – A constitutional amendment bill is proposed to the People's Majlis to merge parliamentary and presidential elections.[2]
- 5 January – The constitutional amendment bill passes amid a boycott by the Maldivian Democratic Party of extraordinary sittings, calling them "unlawful."[3][4]
- 26 January: Inauguration of a new school in Hulhumalé Phase 2.[5]
February
- 3 February – Mohamed Waheed Hassan resigns as Special Envoy of the President due to his connection with Jeffrey Epstein.[6]
- 8 February – The Maldives lifts its travel ban on Syria and drops Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham from the Terror list.[7]
- 27 February – Mauritius breaks diplomatic relations with the Maldives following the Chagos dispute.[8]
- 28 February – President Muizzu establishes a Special Cabinet Committee on Middle East Tensions.[9]
April
- 3 April – The Bangladesh national under-20 football team wins the SAFF U-20 Championship at the Galolhu Stadium.[10]
- 4 April –
- 2026 Maldivian local elections[11]
- 2026 Maldivian constitutional referendum: A majority of voters reject a proposed constitutional amendment that would place presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day in 2028.[12]
- 7 April – Beginning of the 2026 Maldivian protests: The People's National Front staged rallies in Malé demanding the president’s resignation. [13]
- 12 April – The Supreme Court of the Maldives removes Hithadhoo North MP Mohamed Sinan from the People's Majlis over a debt related to a MVR 3.8 million loan from the Maldives Islamic Bank.[14]
- 14 April –
- Ten cabinet ministers, namely Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel, Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, Family Development Minister Aishath Shiham, Local Government Minister Adam Shareef, Agriculture and Animal Welfare Minister Maryam Mariya, Youth Minister Ibrahim Waheed, Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim, Higher Education Minister Ali Haidar Ahmed and Dhivehi Language Minister Adam Naseer Ibrahim— resign en masse.[15] [16] Four new members of the cabinet are subsequently announced, namely Heena Waleed, Geela Ali, Iruthisham Adam, and Ali Shareef.[17]
- 2026 Maldivian protests: The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party organizes nightly demonstrations along with 12 demands.[18]
- 18 April – 2026 Maldivian protests: Maldives Police Service detain Vice President of the MDP Youth Wing Ahmed Maimoon Mohamed.[19]
- 21 April – 2026 Maldivian protests: Police injure an individual using a taser gun.[20]
- 27 April – President Mohamed Muizzu denies all allegations about his alleged affair with Aisha.[21]
- Police raid Adhadhu's office under a court order and seize many electronics.[22][23]
- 28 April – Maldives Immigration travel bans Adhadhu's CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Editor Hassan Mohamed in connection with the investigation into the documentary.[24]
- 30 April – Maldives drops 52.46 (104/180) into 49.23 (108/180) in Reporters Without Borders's Press Freedom Index.[25]
May
- 10 May – The Criminal Court issues a nationwide injunction prohibiting any direct or indirect discussion related to a documentary concerning allegations of an affair involving President Muizzu.[26]
- 11 May –
- Adhadhu journalist Mohamed Shahzan is removed from the President's Office after raising a question to Muizzu about the documentary, in violation of the gag order.[27]
- The Elections Commission fines the People's National Front MVR 100,000 for “repeated violations” of the Political Parties Act and the Peaceful Assembly Act (including alleged obstruction of other parties’ events).[28]
- 12 May – Adhadhu journalists Leevan Ali Nasir and Mohamed Shahzan are detained by court.[29] [30][31]
- The President's Office bars journalists from Adhadhu from attending future press briefings.[32]
- 13 May – 2026 Maldivian protests: Police detain 10 individuals during a protest that turns violent.[33]
- 14 May – Five Italian nationals die in the 2026 Thinwana Kandu cave diving incident in Vaavu Atoll.[34]
- 2026 Maldivian protests: A large number of journalists stage street demonstrations in Malé demanding the immediate release of Mohamed Shahzan and Leevan Ali Nasir.[35]
- An opposition coalition from three former Presidents, Mohamed Nasheed, Abdulla Yameen and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is formed.[36][37] [38]
- 16 May — An MNDF diver dies during the search operation for the missing Italian divers.[39]
- 31 May — Ahmed Nazim resigns as the Deputy Speaker of the People's Majlis amid an impeachment motion against him.[40]
June
- 1 June — Ahmed Saleem (Redwave Saleem) elected as the new Deputy Speaker of the People's Majlis.[41]
- 8 June:
- Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises Moosa Zameer resigns, citing health reasons.[42]
- President Mohamed Muizzu appoints Hassan Zareer as the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises.[43]
Holidays
Source:[44]
- 1 January – New Year's Day
- 5 February – Majlis Presidential Address and Opening of the Parliament
- 18 February – Ramadan
- 9 to 22 March – Eid al-Fitr Holiday
- 5 to 6 April – Post-Election & Referendum Government Holiday
- 1 May – Labour Day
- 24 to 30 May — Eid al-Adha Holiday
- 16 June – Islamic New Year
- 26 July – 61st Independence Day
- 27 July — 61st Independence Day holiday
- 14 August – National Day (Qaumee Dhuvas)
- 25 August – Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
- 13 September – The Day Maldives Embraced Islam
- 3 November – Victory Day
- 11 November – Republic Day
Academic Days
Source:[45]
- January to March – GCE Ordinary Level Examination for 2025 students
- 24 January – International Day of Education
- 25 January – Teacher's Reporting Day
- 27 January – First day of school in Maldives
- 1 to 8 March – Professional Development Days
- 9 to 22 March – Eid al-Fitr Holiday
- 17 May to 15 June – School Transfer Period 1
- 24 to 30 May – Eid al-Adha Holiday (ie: Mid-term Break)
- 30 June to 9 July – Exam
- 16 July – School break
- 17 July to 1 August – School Break Holiday
- 2 August – Beginning of Second term in Maldives
- 22 to 25 August – Camps and Activities (KS1-KS4)
- 13 to 19 September– Mid-term Break
- 5 October – Teacher's day
- October to November – GCE Ordinary Level & GCE Advanced Level Examination
- 18 October to 17 November – School Transfer Period 2
- 12 November – Professional Development Day
- 1 to 10 December – Final examination
- 17 December – Annual holiday starts
- 18 December 2026 to 16 January 2027 – Annual Holiday
Sport
Deaths
- 26 February: Ahmed Nimal, 62, actor, film director, and editor.[46]
- 16 May: Mohamed Mahudhee, 43, Staff Sergeant First Class at MNDF.[47]
References
- ↑ "3 March 2026 — Total Lunar Eclipse — Male, Maldives". Time and date. Retrieved 30 October 2025.
- ↑ "Parliamentary term to be adjusted to hold elections together". PSM News. 4 January 2026. Retrieved 6 January 2026.
- ↑ Shafeeq, Umar Shan (5 January 2026). "Bill to merge two elections passes, MDP voted against". The Edition. Retrieved 9 January 2026.
- ↑ Shahid, Malika (5 January 2026). "MDP decides to boycott parliament sittings". The Edition. Retrieved 6 January 2026.
- ↑ "Shaheed Ali School Officially Opened by Government". ONE Online. 26 January 2026. Retrieved 26 January 2026.
- ↑ Mohamed, Mariyath (2 February 2026). "Epstein files prompts Dr Waheed's resignation". The Edition. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
- ↑ "Maldives lifts travel ban on Syria, drops HTS from terror watchlist". SSTV. 8 February 2026. Retrieved 8 February 2026.
- ↑ Mohamed, Mariyath (27 February 2026). "Mauritius suspends diplomatic ties with Maldives over Chagos". The Edition. Retrieved 28 February 2026.
- ↑ "President establishes Special Cabinet Committee amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East". The President's Office. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
- ↑ "Bangladesh Edge India on Penalties to Lift SAFF U-20 Crown". Adhadhu. 3 April 2026. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
- ↑ "EC: Each voter will be issued three ballot papers for the elections scheduled for April 4". Raajje TV. 1 April 2026. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
- ↑ "Voters overwhelmingly reject government plan to merge elections". Adhadhu. 5 April 2026. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
- ↑ Azhaar Abdul Azeez (8 April 2026). "PNF launches series of rallies in Male' calling for President Muizzu's resignation". SSTV. Retrieved 8 April 2026.
- ↑ "Supreme Court ousts MP Sinan over bank debt". Adhadhu. 12 April 2026. Retrieved 14 April 2026.
- ↑ Mohamed, Mariyath (14 April 2026). "Nine cabinet ministers have resigned". Mihaaru. Retrieved 14 April 2026.
- ↑ "Ten cabinet ministers resign following ruling party's crushing electoral defeat". Adhadhu. 14 April 2026. Retrieved 14 April 2026.
- ↑ "Cabinet announced with four newcomers, Heena, Geela, Iruthisham and Ali Shareef". Adhadhu. 14 April 2026. Retrieved 14 April 2026.
- ↑ Makhuthoom (15 April 2026). "MDP takes to the streets, calling on government to implement 12 urgent reforms for the sake of national security, citing a total loss of public confidence in President Muizzu". Raajje TV. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
- ↑ Fazeel Abdul (18 April 2026). "MDP's ongoing protests: Police officers accused of assaulting protesters and inciting unrest". Raajje TV. Retrieved 18 April 2026.
- ↑ Makhuthoom (22 April 2026). "MDP Emergency Protest: Participant hospitalized at IGMH after suffering a seizure from police taser strike". Raajje TV. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
- ↑ Thaufeeq, Shazma (28 April 2026). "Vice President calls for journalists to be responsible". The Edition. Retrieved 29 April 2026.
During a press conference held yesterday, when asked about the documentary, President Muizzu denied all accusations made in it.
- ↑ Moosa, Hassan; Hameed, Shafaa (28 April 2026). "Inside the Adhadhu raid: qazf, seizures, and a state closing ranks". Maldives Independent. Retrieved 29 April 2026.
- ↑ Thaufeeq, Shazma (27 April 2026). "Police enter "Adhadhu" office over documentary issue". The Edition. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
- ↑ Mohamed, Mariyath (28 April 2026). "Adhadhu CEO Fiyaz and Editor Hassan's passports seized". The Edition. Retrieved 29 April 2026.
- ↑ "Maldives Drops in 2026 Press Freedom Index Amid Media Crackdown Concerns". MV+. 30 April 2026. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
- ↑ Makhuthoom (11 May 2026). "Court issues nationwide injunction banning any direct or indirect discussion regarding "Aisha" Documentary". Raajje TV. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
- ↑ "Adhadhu Journalist Removed from President's Office Over Alleged Court Order Breach". MV+. 11 May 2026. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- ↑ Amna Imad (11 May 2026). "PNF fined MVR 100,000 for allegedly conducting illegal protests". Raajje TV. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
- ↑ "Maldives jails two journalists for reporting on president's alleged affair". Aljazeera. 13 May 2026. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- ↑ "Journalist Leevan jailed without opportunity to present defense over article". Adhadhu. 12 May 2026. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- ↑ "Journalist Shahzan jailed without allowing defence". Adhadhu. 12 May 2026. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- ↑ Azhaar Abdul Azeez (12 May 2026). "President's Office cites Criminal Court order, bars Adhadhu from all briefings". SSTV. Retrieved 12 May 2026.
- ↑ Laisha Ahmed (14 May 2026). "10 arrested in Male' protest demanding release of journalists!". Raajje TV. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
- ↑ "Five Italians die during cave dive in Maldives". BBC. 14 May 2026. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
- ↑ Fazeel Abdul (15 May 2026). "Journalists stage protest in Male', calling for release of their imprisoned colleagues". Raajje TV. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
- ↑ Mariyath Mohamed (14 May 2026). "Three ex-presidents to meet on protecting press freedom". Mihaaru. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
- ↑ Laisha Ahmed (15 May 2026). "Three former presidents agree to work together to put the nation back on track!". Raajje TV. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
- ↑ Laisha Ahmed (15 May 2026). "All three presidents declared that enough is enough!". Raajje TV. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
- ↑ "Five Rescue diver dies during search for bodies of Italians who drowned in Maldives caves". BBC. 16 May 2026. Retrieved 16 May 2026.
- ↑ Shafeeq, Umar Shan (31 May 2026). "Nazim denies allegations, resigns as Deputy Speake". The Edition. Retrieved 1 June 2026.
- ↑ Shafeeq, Umar Shan (1 June 2026). "Saleem elected as Deputy Speaker of Parliament". The Edition. Retrieved 1 June 2026.
- ↑ Mohamed, Mariyath (8 June 2026). "Finance Minister Zameer resigns". The President's Office. Retrieved 9 June 2026.
- ↑ "President appoints Minister to Cabinet". The President's Office. 8 June 2026. Retrieved 9 June 2026.
- ↑ "Maldives Public Holidays 2026". Public Holidays Global. Retrieved 31 October 2025.
- ↑ "Academic Calendar - 2026 (Tentative)" (PDF). Ministry of Education (Maldives). 8 October 2025. Retrieved 18 November 2025.
- ↑ "Veteran actor and director Nimal passes away". SunOnline International. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ↑ "Five Rescue diver dies during search for bodies of Italians who drowned in Maldives caves". BBC. 16 May 2026. Retrieved 16 May 2026.
