President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu Ratifies Urban Development Act

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Urban Development Act, passed by Parliament on November 27, 2024. The Act establishes a comprehensive legal framework for zoning, categorisation, land use, and development standards in urban areas across the Maldives, promoting orderly and sustainable urban growth.

Under the Act, the President will set national urban development policy upon Cabinet recommendations. The Ministry of Housing, Land, and Urban Development will oversee policy implementation. Additionally, an Urban Development Authority will be formed to create and manage the Urban Area Development Master Plan, granting development permissions and guiding developers.

The Act, now published in the Government Gazette, will take effect six months from ratification, marking a significant step towards modernising urban development and ensuring legal compliance in future projects.