By The Maldives Expo 2025, a vibrant celebration of Maldivian creativity and innovation, launched with a spectacular awards ceremony at the Social Center in Malé on May 22, 2025. Addu City Hithadhoo claimed the prestigious title of Overall Best City/Island, while Lujain Ahmad Waheed shone brightly, securing first place in the Individual Category.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu presided over the event, personally presenting the top awards, including the prize for the first runner-up from the entire center. Other awards across the 14 categories and 82 sub-categories, totaling 275 winners, were presented by various ministers, recognizing outstanding contributions to Maldivian craftsmanship. With 383 exhibitors showcasing over 3,600 items, the expo highlighted the nation’s rich artisanal heritage, with handicrafts drawing the largest number of entries. Participation spanned islands from Haa Dhaalu Atoll to Laamu Atoll, with Malé and B. Thulhaadhoo leading in submissions.
Category Winners
- Individual Category: Lujain Ahmad Waheed
- Island-Level Participation: Ga. Vilingili
- Business Category: CIDEES Kitchen Private Limited
- Educational Institutions: Maldives Polytechnic
- Special Needs Category: Fathimath Shafaq, Readiamuge, Th. Vilufushi
- Associations/Organizations: Women Entrepreneurs Association Maldives
- Overall Best City/Island: Addu City Hithadhoo
- State-Owned Companies: State Electric Company Private Limited
Runner-Up Awards
The five highest-scoring entries across all categories received runner-up awards:
- Lujain Ali Waheed, H. Hulhuduffaaru Age, Malé
- Abudi Maldives
- Maldives Polytechnic
- Mohamed Moosa, Garaadhige, R. Inguraidhoo
- Ali Mahiru
Expo Highlights
Approved by the Cabinet on May 20, 2024, the Maldives Expo 2025, organized by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and the Business Center Corporation (BCC), aims to boost entrepreneurship, promote exports, and drive economic growth through tourism. Held at Hulhumalé Central Park from May 23 to May 31, 2025, the expo opens to the public tonight, May 23, at 8:30 PM, with daily hours from 16:00 to 18:00 and 20:00 to 22:00.
The event showcases a diverse range of local handcrafted products, sustainable goods, and curated international items, featuring innovative stalls like Dhiraagu’s in the Market Place District. As the largest expo of its kind in the Maldives, it fosters global collaboration and celebrates the nation’s cultural and commercial vitality.