Male Maldives: The Maldives welcomed the start of 2026 with a large-scale drone show and fireworks, even as the country continues to face a deepening financial crisis marked by rising public debt, fiscal pressure, and growing concern over government spending priorities.
The New Year celebrations began on 30 December with the Maldives Culture and Food Festival at Hulhumalé Central Park, a public event organized by the government-backed tourism body, Visit Maldives. The festival, which concludes today, featured cultural performances, food exhibitions, and entertainment programs.
A 15-minute drone and pyrotechnic display was held at the park at 9:00 pm, showcasing a visual retelling of a Maldivian children’s folktale using 75 pyrodrones and approximately 600 synchronized drones. Traditional performances, including boduberu, were staged ahead of the midnight countdown, drawing large crowds of families and spectators.
While authorities promoted the event as a celebration of culture and tourism, the scale of the production has sparked public criticism, as the Maldives continues to grapple with serious economic challenges. The country is currently facing high levels of public debt, foreign exchange shortages, and increasing costs of living, prompting repeated calls for fiscal restraint and transparency in government spending.
Critics argue that hosting costly public spectacles at a time of economic hardship reflects misplaced priorities, particularly when essential sectors such as healthcare, housing, and social welfare remain under strain. The government has not publicly disclosed the total cost of the New Year event.
The celebrations were organized by Visit Maldives in collaboration with partners including the Bank of Maldives (BML) and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC). Officials have not responded to questions regarding budget allocations or the justification for the expenditure amid the ongoing financial crisis.
