News Desk
MALE’ — Applications to participate in this year’s Maldives creativity and crafts expo have already surpassed last year’s total, with 279 entries received so far against 240 participants in the 2025 edition, the Business Centre Corporation said.
Registration remains open until 31 August. The expo itself is scheduled to run from 23 to 31 October, organised by the Business Centre Corporation under the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Transport.
This year’s event will accept entries across 73 categories spanning 16 sectors. Eligibility has been kept broad. Any Maldivian citizen aged 13 or above can participate, as can fully Maldivian-owned registered companies, government entities, educational institutions, island and city councils and people with special needs.
Applications can be submitted through the portal at expo.mv. The participation guidelines have been published in the government gazette.
The 2025 expo, held at Hulhumale’ Central Park, was the largest of its kind held in the Maldives, drawing participants from across the country and some from abroad. The event was divided into five districts with a range of activities running alongside the main exhibition. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had announced the revival of the expo in his 2025 presidential address, after a long gap, and the response exceeded expectations.
The expo’s stated purpose is to promote Maldivian creativity and give local artisans and producers a platform to market their work. With applications already running ahead of last year’s pace and registration still open for two more months, this year’s edition appears set to be larger still.
