The Tourism Ministry has opened bidding for the development of 15 new resorts, offering four islands and 11 lagoon plots for tourism purposes.
In an announcement released on Thursday, the ministry invited interested parties to submit bids for resort development across several locations: three 200-hectare plots from the Maadhunifaru lagoon in Haa Alif Atoll, one 200-meter area from the Makunudhoo reef in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, three 200-meter areas from the Maafaru reef in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, and three 200-meter areas from the Gonaa reef in Shaviyani Atoll.
The acquisition cost for each of the three plots at Maadhunifaru and the three plots at Gonaa reef is set at USD 2,115,000. Meanwhile, the acquisition fee for two areas at Maafaru reef and the area at Makunudhoo reef stands at USD 1,586,250 each.
The ministry has also invited bids for the development of three resorts under a Halal Tourism model. These include Laamu Fonagaadhoo, Addu Dhonhera, and a 200-hectare lagoon area from the Makunudhoo reef. The acquisition fee for Fonagaadhoo is set at USD 588,960, while Dhonhera is priced at USD 498,420. The area at Makunudhoo reef for this model carries an acquisition fee of USD 1,269,000.
Additionally, the government has reopened bidding for the development of a resort on Shaviyani Nalandhoo, an island previously put up for tender two years ago. Nalandhoo, which was leased for sea cucumber farming for many years, is noted for its unique natural features.
Bidding for the 63-hectare island, which is designated for a 200-bed capacity, opened on Thursday. The acquisition fee for Nalandhoo is USD 1 million, and bidders are required to demonstrate financial capability of at least USD 10 million.
Furthermore, the ministry has opened bidding for the development of a 150-bed resort on Noonu Farumuli. The acquisition fee for this island is set at USD 2,250,000.
The deadline for the submission of bids for these properties is November 18, 2026.
