President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has issued a new Presidential Decree re-establishing the types of economic activities permitted in the Maldives’ Special Economic Zones (SEZs), along with revised minimum investment requirements.

The changes were announced under Presidential Decree No. 1/2026, in accordance with the Special Economic Zones Act (Act No. 24/2014).

The law mandates an annual review and publication of permitted SEZ activities, based on recommendations submitted by the Board of Investments.

Under the revised framework, strategic investments within SEZs must meet a minimum investment threshold of USD 100 million.

Meanwhile, sustainable township development projects are required to involve investments of at least USD 500 million, with the decree stipulating that the full amount must be directly allocated to township development specifications.

The decree approves nine categories of economic activities eligible under the USD 100 million investment threshold.

These include export-oriented manufacturing, transhipment ports and international logistics services, as well as ports, airports, bunkering and docking facilities.

It also covers the establishment of universities, tertiary and specialty hospitals, and world-class research and development centres.

In addition, the framework allows investments in information and communication technology parks, international financial services and trade centres, renewable energy projects, food security initiatives, and activities introducing technologies not currently available in the Maldives.

Gas, oil and mineral exploration activities are also included among the approved sectors.

Presidential Decree No. 1/2026 follows a review of the previous year’s decree and has been published in the Government Gazette, in line with statutory requirements.

The move forms part of the government’s broader strategy to attract large-scale foreign investment and position Special Economic Zones as hubs for strategic, high-value economic activity.