News Desk
The Government has opened a fresh round of tenders for halal‑tourism development, placing lagoons and islands across several atolls on offer as part of its effort to push tourism beyond long‑established hubs. A lagoon, three islands and thirteen additional sites have been listed for investment, with the Ministry of Tourism setting a March deadline for bid submissions.
Halal‑tourism opportunities have been opened in two islands in Addu, one in Laamu and a lagoon in Hdh Makunudhoo. The thirteen islands designated for resort development follow the halal‑friendly model already common across the country. Developers bidding for halal‑tourism islands must submit a bid security of 35,000 US dollars, while those seeking standard resort plots are required to provide 40,000 US dollars.
The Ministry opened thirty‑two islands for resort development last year, although only a small number attracted bids. The new tender round forms part of a broader strategy to diversify tourism and spread economic benefits more evenly across the archipelago.
In his presidential address on 5 February, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu framed the expansion of tourism zones as central to his Administration’s economic agenda. Breaking down his remarks, he said the Government’s priority is to ensure that tourism benefits reach every part of the country. He noted that six regions with limited tourism activity have been opened for investment with special incentives, including opportunities for halal tourism. He added that eight islands have already been awarded for development, with six lease agreements signed. He also confirmed that one halal‑tourism island has been leased. Turning to Addu City, he highlighted efforts to revitalise the region’s tourism sector, noting the reopening of the long‑closed Shangri‑La Resort through cooperation between the Government and the resort’s management. He further announced that the previously stalled Hankede Integrated Tourism Development Project has been re‑awarded and is now progressing.
The President has repeatedly argued that expanding tourism into new regions is essential to reducing economic concentration and creating employment opportunities for young Maldivians.
Global trends appear to support the Government’s push. Although the UN World Tourism Organization does not publish a dedicated halal‑tourism index, it recognises Muslim travel as one of the fastest‑growing segments of the global tourism economy. Independent market‑intelligence assessments reinforce this trajectory. The Global Halal Tourism Market Research Report 2033 estimates that the sector reached 255.6 billion US dollars in 2024 and is projected to rise to 502.1 billion US dollars by 2033, driven by an annual growth rate of 8.3 percent from 2025 onwards.
Countries across Asia are also moving to capture this growth. South Korea and Japan have begun courting the halal‑tourism market, introducing Muslim‑friendly services and facilities as they compete for a share of one of the world’s fastest‑expanding travel segments.
Speaking at the UK Business Forum on 18 July 2025, President Muizzu underscored tourism diversification as a national priority, pointing to emerging opportunities in wellness, sports and halal tourism.
