The government has designated Addu City’s Dhonhera for halal tourism and is now seeking partners to develop the island.
The government has so far announced six islands for halal tourism, with Dhonhera being the seventh. The eight-hectare island has been opened for tourism with plans for further reclamation to expand land space. The project aims to introduce 100 beds to the market.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, the opportunity is open to both local and foreign developers. The island will be leased for a period of five years under the Tourism Act, and must be developed and brought into operation within three years of the agreement being signed.
The lease acquisition cost is set at USD 498,420. Pre-bid meetings for the project will take place on 27 October and 10 November, with bid submissions scheduled for 8 December.
Islands previously designated for halal tourism so far are Beenaafushi and Kandaalifikolhu of Haa Alifu Atoll, Makunudhoofaru of Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Fushifaru of Shaviyani Atoll, Maagulhi of Thaa Atoll and Fonagaadhoo of Laamu Atoll.
Halal tourism is a new segment of tourism being promoted by the government, and aims to provide tourism services tailored to Muslim travellers in line with Islamic principles. The government said it would develop halal tourism sector to provide a wide range of services to tourists.
The islands developed for halal tourism will feature mosques where tourists can pray, and alcohol and pork will be prohibited on these islands. In addition, the dress code of the employees of these resorts and the food served will comply with Islamic standards.
The government has prioritised tourism development in Addu City, with efforts underway to re-open the Shangri-La Resort before the end of the year. Shangri-La was closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the government aims to complete the Addu City Hankede tourism project during the current presidential term.