Government opens bids for three halal tourism islands and 13 lagoons

Bids have been opened for the development of tourist resorts in 13 lagoons and three islands designated for halal tourism, the Tourism Ministry has announced.

Halal tourism zones are designed to cater to the needs of Muslim travellers while remaining welcoming to all guests. According to the Ministry, halal tourism will be permitted in H.Dh. Makunudhoo lagoon area, L. Fonagaadhoo, and Dhonhera in Addu City.

Dhonhera has already been opened for bidding. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had initially announced in June last year that halal tourism would be developed in Hankede, Addu. However, following public criticism, the Tourism Ministry announced in October that the President had decided to shift the halal tourism project from Hankede to Dhonhera.

13 lagoons opened for resort bids

The Ministry has opened bidding for the development of resorts in the following lagoons:

• H.A. Maadhuni lagoon 1  

• H.A. Maadhuni lagoon 2  

• H.A. Maadhuni lagoon 3  

• Kelaa lagoon 1  

• Kelaa lagoon 2  

• Makunudhoo lagoon 1  

• Makunudhoo lagoon 2  

• Maafaru lagoon 1  

• Maafaru lagoon 2  

• Maafaru lagoon 3  

• Gonaa lagoon 1  

• Gonaa lagoon 2  

• Gonaa lagoon 3

The deadline for submitting bids for the halal tourism islands is April 6 at 09:00, while bids for the lagoon resort developments will be opened until 11:00 the same day.

Bidding documents are available at the Ministry of Tourism reception from 09:00 to 13:00 on working days until April 5, or via email at [email protected].

In his presidential address on Thursday, President Muizzu said the government aims to develop at least 10 new resorts within the next three years, with every Maldivian becoming a shareholder.

He said foreign currency earnings from these resorts would be deposited directly into the accounts of all Maldivian ID holders, estimating an annual payout of USD 400 per citizen.