Maldives Expo 2025: Redefining possibilities

For over three decades, the Maldives Expo – locally known as Dhiveheenge Ufehduntherikamuge Maurazu – has served as an important national platform for business, innovation, and cultural engagement. Held under various banners over the years, the Expo has not only celebrated Maldivian heritage and creative output but has also fostered a space for dialogue, growth, and commercial opportunity. Now, in 2025, the event is set to return on a larger scale, continuing its legacy while introducing new elements aimed at broadening its reach and relevance in today’s global context.

As one of the most anticipated events in the national calendar, Maldives Expo 2025 is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across the country and the region.

The Maldives Expo first emerged as a formal national event in 2015, organised to bring together traditional artisans, local creatives, and small businesses in a unified platform. The 2015 edition, held at Dharubaaruge in Malé, marked a turning point in how Maldivian arts, culture, and enterprise were presented to the public. It also introduced the format of a curated, multi-sectoral exposition.

In 2019, the event was rebranded as Fannu Expo and once again hosted at Dharubaaruge. This iteration was notable for expanding the scope of the event and involving a wider array of sectors. Organised by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Fannu Expo 2019 further cemented the event as a national showcase that encouraged collaboration between government, private sector, and the creative industries.

Maldives Expo 2025 builds on these foundations and aims to position the event at the same level as internationally recognised expos. With a structure that integrates contemporary design, themed pavilions, and multi-dimensional programming, this year’s edition is set to offer both a domestic and international audience an opportunity to experience the full breadth of Maldivian talent, culture, and economic potential.

What to Expect: Five Districts, One Unified Experience

Maldives Expo 2025 has been carefully curated to offer a diverse and engaging experience through five simultaneous, stand-alone events, each of which explores a different aspect of Maldivian identity and enterprise.

Dhiveheenge Ufehduntherikamuge Maurazu

This central exhibition remains the heart of the Expo, continuing its longstanding tradition of showcasing creativity from across the islands. Thousands of exhibits will be on display, ranging from heritage crafts to emerging forms of visual and digital art. The exhibit will highlight traditional lacquer work, mat weaving, boat building, and other crafts, while also featuring contemporary practices such as photography, sculpture, and multimedia installations.

This section aims to demonstrate the evolution of Maldivian creativity – how the country’s artistic expressions are rooted in tradition but also adaptable to modern forms and global dialogues.

Creative Economy District

This district reflects the goals of the Maldives Creative Economy Strategic Plan. It brings together professionals and practitioners from various creative industries, including animation, illustration, design, fashion, and more. Visitors can expect to see live demonstrations, interactive exhibitions, and hands-on workshops that aim to educate and inspire.

The Creative Economy District is designed not only to display talent but to foster professional development. It will also serve as a networking space where creators can meet potential collaborators, investors, and supporters, promoting long-term growth for the creative sector in the Maldives.

Entertainment District

While details for the Entertainment District are still being finalised, this zone will be focused on music, performance, and media arts. The space is expected to feature concerts, film screenings, live acts, and other activities that highlight the vibrancy and diversity of the Maldivian entertainment sector.

The Entertainment District is envisioned as a public gathering space that appeals to all ages and backgrounds, encouraging people to engage with the performing arts in both informal and curated formats.

Digital & Innovation District

The role of technology in business and society is becoming increasingly central. This district will provide a platform for innovators, startups, and tech developers to present their work. The Digital & Innovation District will host exhibitions on fintech, AI, renewable energy, software development, and smart solutions designed for small island contexts.

This part of the Expo will be of particular interest to businesses, investors, and young entrepreneurs looking to connect with the rapidly growing tech ecosystem in the Maldives.

Marketplace District 

As with previous editions, economic development remains a core focus of the Maldives Expo. The Marketplace District will host participants from various sectors, including tourism, agriculture, fisheries, construction, and logistics. Exhibitors, including SMEs, will be able to showcase products, services, and innovations, while also exploring potential partnerships and market opportunities.

Government agencies, foreign trade delegations, and private companies are expected to participate, making this a crucial venue for networking and commercial engagement. The other components of the district, such as food stalls and retail areas, act as added incentives for all participating entities and visitors.

The Business Centre Corporation (BCC) is encouraging businesses, artists, institutions, and the general public to take part in Maldives Expo 2025. Whether as an exhibitor, collaborator, or visitor, participation in the Expo is an opportunity to engage directly with a wide and diverse audience.

For businesses, the Expo offers visibility and access to new markets. For artists and creatives, it is a space to share their work, build their profile, and connect with peers. For the public, it is a chance to explore the latest developments across arts, technology, and trade, and to experience the richness of Maldivian culture and enterprise in one place.

Applications for participation are now open. BCC encourages early registration, particularly for exhibitors, as spaces are limited and demand is expected to be high.

Maldives Expo 2025 is more than just a national event. It is a platform that reflects the country’s aspirations, talents, and potential. With five distinct districts, dozens of live events, and thousands of participants, it is set to become one of the most comprehensive showcases ever held in the country.

To learn more about how to participate in the Expo, scheduled to take place at Hulhumale Central Park from May 23-31, please visit https://expo.mv/ or contact the Business Centre Corporation directly.