FHAM 2026 Culinary Challenge and Exhibition kicks off

Food & Hospitality Asia Maldives (FHAM) 2026 has kicked off the Manhattan Grand Hotel in Hulhumalé, bringing together hospitality professionals, suppliers and industry leaders for three days of business, innovation, competitions and networking.

The event, running from September 7 to September 9, was inaugurated by Minister of State for Tourism Dr. Abdulla Niyaz.

The opening ceremony was attended by Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the Maldives Mohamed Rizwi Hassen, Pakistan High Commissioner to the Maldives Vice Admiral (Retd.) Faisal Rasul Lodhi, US Ambassador to the Maldives  Dave Williams, Indonesian Ambassador to the Maldives Dewi Gustina Tobing, Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the Maldives Yahya Hassan Alqahtani, HDC’s Managing Director Ali Zuhair and Lily International Private Limited’s Managing Director Amir Mansoor.

This year’s FHAM features more than 100 exhibitors from over 22 countries, making it one of the event’s most internationally diverse editions. Four international country pavilions are also taking part, creating opportunities for international suppliers to connect with the Maldives’ expanding hospitality sector.

FHAM 2026 has also broadened its focus as a MICE platform, offering business opportunities and end-to-end solutions for resorts, hotels, restaurants, guesthouses and cafés. The event brings together buyers, suppliers, hospitality professionals and industry leaders at a single platform.

The event is being held at the newly opened Manhattan Grand Hotel, which has been developed to support the Maldives’ growing meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector.

The exhibition also marks the hotel’s opening to the public, making FHAM 2026 a significant event for both the new venue and the country’s wider hospitality and events industry.

A major component of this year’s event is the FHAM Culinary Challenge, which will see more than 600 participants from over 60 resorts compete in various culinary disciplines.

The event also features a Barista Championship with 20 participants representing 20 resorts, a Housekeeping Competition involving teams from 30 resorts, and a Mocktail Competition with 35 participants from more than 30 resorts.

The exhibition and competitions will continue through September 9 with the FHAM 2026 Award Ceremony scheduled for September 10.

With international exhibitors, hospitality professionals and competitors from across the Maldives coming together, FHAM 2026 aims to further strengthen the country’s role as a regional hub for hospitality trade, culinary excellence, MICE and industry collaboration.