The UAE government's Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) proposed a massive project that could transform Huvadhoo atoll to the outgoing administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Adhadhu has learned.
The government engaged in talks with ADFD about such a project, a senior official confirmed to Adhadhu.
The fund submitted a proposal as well but the government has not made a decision, Adhadhu has learned.
On Monday, President-Elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu traveled to Abu Dhabi on a jet sent by the UAE government.
Discussions about the project were expected to take place during Muizzu's visit.
Muizzu returned to Male' on Tuesday night, the President-Elect's Office confirmed, without disclosing any information about the purpose of the trip.
But after initially declining to comment, President-Elect's Spokesman Mohamed Firuzul confirmed that Muizzu traveled on a jet sent by the UAE government.
No one from the Progressive Party of Maldives-People's National Congress (PPM-PNC) leadership accompanied Muizzu on the visit, Adhadhu has learned.
However, some PPM-PNC leaders traveled with Muizzu during an unofficial visit to Singapore last week.
Sources have also told Adhadhu that Muizzu's first official visit upon taking office on November 17 will be to Saudi Arabia.
The UAE government's ADFD is currently carrying out projects in the Maldives, including the development of the Maafaru international airport and an "ultra-luxury" tourism zone in Noonu atoll, both of which were awarded to the fund by former President Abdulla Yameen's administration.
A USD 60 million airport was developed as part of the project. The second phase of the airport project is also ongoing with ADFD's assistance.
The fund is managed by the Abu Dhabi royal family. Established on July 15, 1971, ADFD's chairman is UAE Deputy Prime Minister Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
