BCC Opens Maldives Expo 2026 Applications Until August 31

The Business Center Corporation (BCC) has opened applications for Maldives Expo 2026 until 31 August, with entries accepted in 73 categories across 16 fields this year.

Speaking during the fourth episode of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade’s Trade Desk podcast, BCC Deputy Managing Director Samih Adam said any Maldivian citizen aged 13 and above would be eligible to participate in this year’s exhibition.

Last year, participation was limited to applicants aged 18 and above. Samih said the change was introduced to encourage broader participation among young Maldivians.

The Maldives Expo 2026 features 16 dynamic categories and 73 diverse subcategories.
Showcase your products, gain recognition, and elevate your brand on a national stage. This is more than an exhibition—it’s your opportunity to stand out and connect with a wider audience. pic.twitter.com/1vvZEubkKY— Business Center Corporation (@BCC_mv) April 30, 2026

“This year, unlike last year, we are opening applications for people aged 13 and above. Last year it was 18 years. We came to this thinking because 13 is when [students] start their secondary education. From then onwards, there may be students who wish to become entrepreneurs or business-owners, after they finish school,” he said.

Samih said the decision was also intended to provide students with an opportunity to showcase their work at a national-level exhibition. He noted that similar opportunities were previously more accessible to those in higher education, but the revised eligibility now allows younger participants to take part.

In addition to individual applicants, companies registered in the Maldives with 100 percent Maldivian ownership, state-owned companies, educational institutions, island and city councils, and persons with disabilities are also eligible to participate.

Samih also said this year’s application process had been structured in phases to make participation easier.

“As of now, some parties might not be certain which product they will submit. Therefore, with that in mind, in this initial phase, they only need to mention their personal information along with which of our existing categories they are applying for and how many products. The purpose of this is that at this stage, it is very important for us to know how many products will be participating,” he said.

Under the revised process, applicants are required to submit only personal information, the category of entry, and the number of products via their online portal before the 31 August deadline. Product details can be submitted until 15 September, while additional information regarding entries can be added until 30 September.

BCC also introduced a dedicated category for religious content for the first time this year. The corporation said the category would provide an opportunity for individuals working to promote Islamic education and religious awareness to showcase their work nationally.