The Maldives’ hospitality industry has gathered in Hulhumale' for a three-day international trade event bringing together suppliers, businesses and industry professionals from across the region.
Food & Hospitality Asia Maldives (FHAM) 2026 opened at the Manhattan Grand Hotel on 7 September and will run until 9 September, featuring exhibitions, culinary competitions and opportunities for business networking.
The event was officially inaugurated by Dr Abdulla Niyaz, Minister of State for Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior diplomatic and business representatives, including Sri Lankan High Commissioner Mohamed Rizwi Hassen, Pakistan High Commissioner Vice Admiral (Retd.) Faisal Rasul Lodhi, US Ambassador Dave Williams, Indonesian Ambassador Dewi Gustina Tobing and Saudi Arabian Ambassador Yahya Hassan Alqahtani.
Ali Zuhair, Managing Director of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), and Amir Mansoor, Managing Director of Lily International (Pvt) Ltd, were also among the guests.
Organisers say this year’s event is one of the most internationally diverse editions of FHAM, with more than 100 exhibitors from over 22 countries. Four international country pavilions are also taking part.
The exhibition provides a platform for international suppliers to connect with the Maldives’ expanding hospitality sector, which includes resorts, hotels, restaurants, guesthouses and cafés.
FHAM is also positioning itself as a platform for the country’s growing MICE sector – meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions – bringing together hospitality professionals, buyers, suppliers and industry leaders.
This year’s event is being held at the newly established Manhattan Grand Hotel in Hulhumalé. The venue is designed to cater to the growing demand for meetings and events in the Maldives, with facilities aimed at supporting the MICE industry.
The event also marks the hotel’s opening to the public, giving the three-day exhibition added significance for the venue and the wider hospitality and events sector.
Alongside the exhibition, more than 600 participants representing over 60 resorts are competing in the FHAM Culinary Challenge across a range of culinary disciplines.
Other competitions include a Barista Championship involving 20 participants from 20 resorts, a Housekeeping Competition featuring teams from 30 resorts, and a Mocktail Competition with 35 participants from more than 30 resorts.
Organisers expect the event to contribute to the Maldives’ development as a regional centre for hospitality trade, culinary skills, MICE events and industry collaboration.
The exhibition and competitions will continue until 9 September, with the FHAM 2026 awards ceremony scheduled for 10 September.