The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has launched a landmark bidding process for the development of resort projects across 15 islands and lagoons, marking one of the single largest releases of tourism land in recent history.
The initiative, announced in separate notices, allocates projects ranging from small island plots to expansive lagoons, with a special focus on three sites earmarked for halal‑friendly tourism.
The halal‑designated sites comprise a 200 hectare lagoon at Makunudhoo (Haa Dhaalu Atoll) reef, an 8.18 hectare plot in Fonagaadhoo (Laamu Atoll), and a 10.23 hectare area in Dhonherai (Seenu Atoll). Developers awarded these projects must construct a minimum of 150 beds at Makunudhoo and at least 100 beds each at Fonagaadhoo and Dhonherai.
All halal resorts will operate under 50 year leases and are required to observe strict Islamic principles—no pork or alcohol sales, certified halal food and beverage offerings, gender‑segregated wellness facilities, and the construction of two mosques—one for staff and another for guests.
The bulk of the release consists of ten lagoons in the northern atolls. Maadhuni (Haa Alifu Atoll), Makunudhoo‑Maafaru (Haa Dhaalu Atoll), and Gonaa (Shaviyani Atoll) each contribute lagoons—3, 4, and 3 respectively—each spanning 200 hectares and mandating a minimum capacity of 150 beds. Lease acquisition costs for these lagoons fall between USD 1.5 million and USD 2.1 million.
Two individual islands are also up for bid in Nalandhoo (Shaviyani Atoll) with 63.99 hectares and Farumuli (Noonu Atoll). Prospective developers for Nalandhoo must demonstrate a financial capacity of USD 10 million and provide at least 200 beds, while Farumuli carries a lease acquisition cost of USD 2.25 million for a minimum of 150 beds.
Land reclamation is permitted across all 15 sites, and successful bidders will have 36 months to complete construction before the properties enter a uniform 50 year lease term. To encourage investment, the government has announced fiscal incentives with general resort projects enjoying a 15 percent concession on import duties, whereas halal tourism developments will receive a more generous 20 percent reduction.
Bid submissions are open from 17 to 23 November, with online pre‑bid meetings scheduled throughout September and October to assist interested parties.