President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has urged to develop local tourism in the Maldives in such a way that Islamic values are not compromised. He made the remark while addressing the residents of Ukulhas, Alifu Alifu Atoll, as part of his ongoing tour of the atoll.
In his speech, the President described the people of Ukulhas as hardworking, and noted that the island was among one of the first islands to introduce local tourism. He stressed that as local tourism operates within inhabited islands, there are important considerations that must be taken into account when conducting business.
The President expressed the government’s desire to also promote local tourism, and reiterated the government’s commitment towards it. However, he emphasised that there are principles that business operators must uphold and adhere to, including avoiding practices prohibited in Islam, and that which are not deemed appropriate for the community. He advised businesses to operate within the bounds of Islamic principles and the laws of the Maldives, urging them to seek prosperity through means consistent with faith and local values.
The President also shared a note he had received from a child during his visit to Ukulhas, which raised concerns about activities unfamiliar to the community and its religion. The President warned that there is no benefit of infrastructural development without the cultivation of the mind and spirit. He pledged that the government would continue to support the sector while ensuring it aligns with Islamic tenets.
Development Plans for Ukulhas
Earlier in the day, President Muizzu met with the Ukulhas Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s most pressing development priorities.
During the discussions, Council members emphasised the housing issue and space constraints at the Council Secretariat. Members highlighted the difficulties faced by the school due to lack of a science laboratory and a library. They further relayed concerns regarding the space constraints at the Health Centre and conveyed the need for expediting the completion of the extension building as well as the need for additional staff.
President Dr Muizzu assured the Council that the government would work towards practical solutions to the issues raised. He also provided updates on ongoing development projects, accompanied by Cabinet Ministers and senior officials from State-Owned Enterprises.
Addressing the residents later, the President highlighted several ongoing and upcoming development projects aligned with his presidential pledges for the island. The President revealed that these projects would be treated as high priority, closely monitored, and expedited. He also acknowledged the importance of several initiatives, including the development of a boat landing area, the extension of the island’s school building, and the construction of a sports complex, describing them as essential to Ukulhas’s continued growth.
Further addressing what he described as the community’s most pressing concern, the President pledged to resolve housing challenges through the completion of land reclamation efforts. He noted that the Land Use Plan (LUP) had been approved, with 250 land plots earmarked for allocation. The government, he added, would authorise the issuance of these plots to the island council within the coming week.
President Dr Muizzu also announced that a project to construct 50 housing units would be contracted within the year. This is expected to bring solutions to land and housing issues, he said, adding that the government will build even more housing units on the island in the future.
The President also assured residents that efforts would be made to strengthen the health and infrastructure sectors, aligning with broader national development goals.
Education and Sports Development
As part of the visit, the construction of the office building of Ukulhas School was contracted to Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC). The agreement was signed on behalf of the government by the Minister of Education Dr Ismail Shafeeu, while FDC was represented by its Deputy Managing Director, Ibrahim Razzan.
The President described the project as essential for the island, and said its completion will bring ease to the school, its students, teachers and staff. He pledged continued support to strengthen the school’s facilities.
In the sports sector, an agreement was signed between the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) to construct a sports complex in Ukulhas. Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu signed the agreement on behalf of the government, while MACL was represented by its Managing Director, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed.
The President also addressed the island’s ongoing road construction project, assuring residents it would be implemented according to the wishes of the people.
Additionally, the President said the community would have full discretion in using the Galigili lagoon allocated to Ukulhas, provided activities remain within the law.
Police Station Project Launch
During the President’s visit to Ukulhas, the practical implementation of the island’s police station was also launched by the Homeland Security Minister, alongside Commissioner of Police, Ismail Naveen, Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC)’s Managing Director, Ahmed Saudi and President of Ukulhas Council.
The project was awarded to MTCC, as part of efforts to ensure police presence on all inhabited islands of the Maldives. As per President Muizzu’s policy, the government aims to achieve this within two years.
The project will develop a 5,200-square-foot area, including cells to hold detainees. It also includes groundwork, concrete and machinery works, tiling, installation of doors and windows, metalwork, painting, hydraulic and drainage works, and electrical wiring. The project is valued at USD 461,089 and is scheduled for completion within 240 days.
BML Branch Opening
A Bank of Maldives (BML) branch and US Dollar automated teller machine (ATM) was inaugurated in Ukulhas by the President during his visit. BML’s Chairperson Ahmed Ali Habeeb, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mohamed Shareef attended the ceremony alongside the President. Following the inauguration, the President toured the facility.
To mark the launch of the ATM, the President symbolically withdrew cash from the ATM and presented a commemorative plaque to the Ukulhas Council. The plaque was received by Ukulhas Council President Shaukath Ibrahim.
BML noted that while Ukulhas is known for its thriving guest house industry, the island is also a key economic hub in Alifu Alifu Atoll. The new branch will cater to both individuals and businesses, including the growing tourism-related businesses through its “Islamic Finance First” banking services.
The bank’s CEO state that with the new branch and USD ATM, residents and entrepreneurs on Ukulhas, as well as neighbouring islands will have convenient access to tailored financial solutions that will support local development and contribute to economic growth.
This strategic expansion reinforces the BML’s position as the Maldives' leading financial institution, with an extensive network comprising 42 branches across all 20 atolls, 144 Self Service Banking Centres, 202 ATMs, comprehensive Agent Banking Services, and advanced Digital Banking solutions.
Tour of Alifu Alifu Atoll
President Muizzu arrived in Ukulhas on Wednesday evening, marking the eighth and final stop in his tour of inhabited islands within Alifu Alifu Atoll. He was received at the harbour by a large contingent of institutional leaders and residents, who extended a warm welcome.
The three-day tour encompasses eight islands, including Thoddoo, Rasdhoo, and Ukulhas, and forms part of a nationwide initiative to engage with councils across all atolls, islands, and cities. The president is accompanied by several ministers and senior officials from various government bodies.