President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has decided to establish a cultural and buffer zone around the Friday Mosque in Male' City. The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting following discussions on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage.
The paper highlighted the need to identify a cultural zone around the Male' Friday Mosque as a buffer zone. The cultural zone aims to safeguard the Friday Mosque and raises the likelihood of it being inscribed permanently on the list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites. The zone also opens new tourism and economic opportunities in the area, with more information being readily available to tourists.
The cultural zone designated by President Solih includes several old monuments in Male'. These include the Friday Mosque, Medhu Ziyarai, Muleeaage, Dharumavantha Rasgefaanu Mosque, Usgekolhu, Kalhuvakaru Mosque, Bandaara Koshi, Old Nadi Building, Dharul Uloom and the Republic Square.
The paper also noted the significance of having a cultural zone to protect Male' City's historic structures and heritage. It additionally stated that rules and regulations will be in place to govern the zone's operations.