Tourism Ministry Opens 17 New Sites for Halal Tourism and Resort Development

The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has announced the opening of 17 new sites for tourism investment, including dedicated halal tourism islands and lagoon-based resort development opportunities, as part of efforts to diversify the country’s tourism sector and encourage development in lesser-visited atolls.

The portfolio, unveiled yesterday, comprises four islands earmarked exclusively for halal tourism and 13 lagoons offered for conventional tourist resort development.

According to the Ministry, the initiative is intended to tap into the growing global halal tourism market while expanding investment opportunities beyond established resort zones. The islands designated for halal tourism are Makunudhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Fonagaadhoo in Laamu Atoll, and Dhonhera together with a nearby small island in Seenu Atoll. The largest site, the 200-hectare Makunudhoo lagoon, carries a minimum lease acquisition cost of USD 1.3 million, equivalent to MVR 20 million. The lowest entry threshold is set for the nine-hectare site in Addu City, priced at USD 498,000, or MVR 7.7 million.

At the same time, 13 lagoons across Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, and Shaviyani atolls have been opened for standard resort bids. The highest-valued offerings are six lagoons of 200 hectares each, three located in Haa Alifu Atoll and three in Gona Falhu, Shaviyani Atoll, with each site priced at USD 2.1 million, or MVR 32 million. Additional lagoon areas in Kelaa, Makunudhoo, and Maafaru have also been included, with prices varying based on size and location.

The Ministry has specified that prospective bidders must submit bid securities of USD 35,000 for halal tourism islands and USD 40,000 for resort development sites. All bid documents must be submitted by 5 April.

Officials said the current development round focuses on atolls where tourism infrastructure remains limited, reflecting a broader policy objective to decentralise the industry and spread economic benefits more evenly across the country.

The announcement follows a similar offering of 32 islands last year, which saw limited investor uptake. The Ministry said the revised and more targeted portfolio is intended to better align with market demand and investor interest in the Maldives’ expanding tourism landscape.