A total of 279 applications have been received to participate in Maldives Expo 2026, surpassing the number of participants recorded for last year's inaugural exhibition.

Business Centre Corporation (BCC) said 240 participants took part in the 2025 edition of the expo, while applications for this year's event have already reached 279 with more than a month remaining before the deadline. Applications will remain open until 31 August.

Scheduled to be held from 23 to 31 October, Maldives Expo 2026 will showcase products and services across 73 categories in 16 fields. Participation is open to Maldivians aged 13 and above, as well as Maldivian-owned businesses, state-owned enterprises, educational institutions, local councils and persons with disabilities.

Organised by BCC under the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, the expo aims to promote Maldivian creativity and provide local creators, entrepreneurs and businesses with opportunities to market their products. Applications can be submitted through the expo.mv portal, while participation guidelines have been published in the Government Gazette.

The first Maldives Expo, held at Hulhumalé Central Park last year, was the largest exhibition of its kind in the country and attracted significant public interest. The event featured participants from across the Maldives as well as international exhibitors, leading to the continuation of the expo as an annual event.