15 Resort Sites Opened for Bids, Including First Halal Projects

The Tourism Ministry has opened competitive bids for the development of resorts on 15 islands and lagoons, marking the largest simultaneous release of tourism land in recent years and introducing the country’s first fully dedicated Halal tourism sites.

The package includes a 200-hectare lagoon off HDh. Makunudhoo Faru, an 8.18-hectare plot on L. Fonagadhoo and a 10.23-hectare area on S. Dhonhera that must operate strictly according to Islamic principles for a 50-year lease term. These properties will prohibit the sale of pork and alcohol, serve only Halal-certified food, provide gender-segregated wellness facilities and build separate mosques for staff and guests.

Ten of the lagoons, each measuring 200 hectares and requiring a minimum of 150 rooms, are concentrated in the northern atolls: three off HA. Maaduni Faru, four off HDh. Makunudhoo Faru and Maafaru, and three off Sh. Gona Faru. Lease acquisition costs for these lagoons range between $1.5 million and $2.1 million.

Two additional islands are also on offer: Sh. Nalandhoo (63.99 hectares), where bidders must demonstrate financial capacity of $10 million, and N. Farumuli, whose $2.25 million lease acquisition cost is the highest in the round. Land reclamation is permitted across all sites.

Bids will be accepted from Nov. 17 to Nov. 23. Halal tourism projects will receive a 20 percent concession on import duties.