The Ministry of Tourism is leasing 18 islands from ten atolls for resort development. The announcement was made during the Maldives’ Investment Forum at the ongoing Dubai Expo 2020. The ministry previously opened bidding for 23 islands in April. Despite receiving 12 proposals, the ministry leased only one island.
Islands to be leased:
- Medhafushi, Haa Alifu Atoll (10.90 hectares)
- Alidhuffarufinolhu, Haa Alifu Atoll (3 hectares)
- Kudafarufasgandu, Haa Dhaalu Atoll (1.20 hectares)
- Kudalhaimendhoo, Shaviyani Atoll (14.70 hectares)
- Ethagilli lagoon and Alifushi lagoon, Raa Atoll (10 hectares and 20 hectares respectively)
- Seedheehura and Seedheehura Sandbank, Meemu Atoll (4.28 hectares)
- Maausfushi, Meemu Atoll (10.40 hectares)
- Enbulufushi, Faafu Atoll (1.00 hectares)
- Jinnathgau, Faafu Atoll (0.89 hectares)
- Kaadoo, Thaa Atoll (3.9 hectares)
- Olhufushi and Olhufushifinolhu, Thaa Atoll (3.54 hectares)
- Kashidhoo, Laamu Atoll (3.1 hectares)
- Bodumungnyafushi, Laamu Atoll (3 hectares)
- Dhonbereha and Holhareha, Laamu Atoll (4.44 hectares)
- Maareha, Gaafu Alifu Atoll (17 hectares)
- Funadhooviligillaa, Gaafu Alifu Atoll (5 hectares)
- Kandahalagalaa, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll (7.4 hectares)
- Ferettha Viligillaa, Dhekaanbaa, Koderataa, as well as an additional island in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll (9.26 hectares)
Investors have the opportunity to reclaim land between islands in the same lagoon if they wish to do so. Furthermore, the government has decreased the import duty for materials needed to develop resorts.
Additionally, the tourism ministry noted that further information will be provided during virtual information sessions. They are to be held on 4th November 2021 and 20th January 2022.
The bid document will be available for purchase from 31st October 2021 to 24th February 2021. Investors are to submit their bids for the islands by the end of February 2022. Those prioritizing environmental matters, staff training and renewable energy will be awarded more points.
