Resorts can expand property for annual rent, but no development allowed

Dec 8, 2025, 12:39 PM
Resorts can expand property for annual rent, but no development allowed

The Tourism Ministry has changed the rules to allow places allocated for tourism purposes to expand their property by including the surrounding lagoons, islands and sandbanks.

The amendment allows the expansion of the area of ​​tourist resorts by paying a price, such as rent. However, development projects cannot be carried out in any of these expanded areas.

With this change, all investors who have invested or proposed an investment of more than USD 250,000 to the Tourism Ministry have the opportunity to request to expand the area of ​​the property.

The area of ​​resorts includes lagoons or islands or sandbanks not exceeding 50 hectares within a radius of 1000 meters from the lagoon of the property. The acquisition fee is based on the size of the lagoons, islands or sandbanks.

Acquisition Fee Prices

  • USD 500,000 for less than 20 hectares
  • USD 1 million for area between 20 and 30 hectares
  • USD 1.5 million for area between 30 to 40 hectares
  • USD 2 million for area between 40 to 50 hectares

Rent

  • USD 100,000 per year for less than 20 hectares
  • USD 200,000 for an area between 20 and 30 hectares
  • USD 300,000 for an area between 30 and 40 hectares
  • USD 400,000 for an area between 40 and 50 hectares

Tourist resorts are defined as resort islands, resort hotels, integrated tourist resorts, hotels and yacht marinas.

Currently, the area of ​​tourist resorts extends from the beach to 500 metres. This area can be extended up to 1,000 meters for a fee of USD 100,000.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

Villa College selected as host institution for King's Fellowship

Villa College has been selected as the official host institution in the Maldives for the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme. This fully funded undergraduate initiative aims to build climate resilience and leadership in Small Island Developing States. Applications are now open for eleven fellowships covering tuition, travel, and stipends.

Fed rate hike will exacerbate dollar crisis in Maldives

The Federal Reserve's 0.25% interest rate hike is expected to worsen the dollar shortage in the Maldives by driving capital back to the U.S. This shift increases global borrowing costs and debt servicing expenses for the import-dependent nation, placing significant strain on its budget and requiring more effective fiscal management.

Bassam named on MIRA’s tax defaulter list

MIRA has named former FAM President Bassam Adeel Jaleel and several high-profile entities on its list of tax defaulters. Each of the 33 individuals and companies listed owes over MVR 1 million in unpaid taxes. Other notable names include former government official Hassan Ismail and comedian Yoosuf Rafeeu.

Star Medical to host free pre-pregnancy session for couples

Star Medical will host a free pre-pregnancy awareness session for couples on September 24 at 8:45 pm. Led by experienced nurses, the event offers guidance on healthy conception and a Q&A segment. Interested couples can register by contacting the clinic directly.

Businesses face challenges in securing dollar support from BML

Bank of Maldives has notified businesses that dollar support for transfers is now strictly subject to availability. Importers face automatic cancellations if accounts lack full invoice amounts, as the bank struggles with a severe foreign exchange shortage. Business owners report receiving zero support and no prior notice of these changes.

Dollar transfers will return to normal within next week: BML

Bank of Maldives expects dollar transfer services to return to normal next week following recent delays caused by a surge in demand. The bank implemented measures to manage unsustainable outflows from Rufiyaa accounts, noting that the issue is a temporary supply imbalance and not a reflection of its overall financial health.

BML denies funding $50 million debt repayment to SBI

Bank of Maldives denied claims that it provided $50 million to the government for debt repayment to the State Bank of India. The bank clarified that no customer deposits or internal resources were used for the payment. BML maintained its financial stability despite ongoing dollar liquidity challenges and warned against spreading misinformation.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox