President Mohamed Muizzu has designated Raa Dhuvaafaru as an urban centre in contravention of the government's development master plan and urban centres policy.

Speaking at the ceremony in Dhuvaafaru on Saturday night to mark the National Fishermen's Day, Muizzu promised to begin ferry service between the island and Raa Ungoofaaru.

In an announcement ahead of next year's local council elections, he declared that Dhuvaafaru and Ungoofaaru will be jointly developed as an urban centre and the ferry service will be the first step to achieve the target.

Under his presidential manifesto, the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) has planned to develop seven areas across the country as urban centres. The list includes only Ungoofaaru from Raa atoll.

“Under the government policy, I have decided to develop Dhuvaafaru and Ungoofaaru together as an urban centre. Hopefully we will develop this urban centre as an important pillar of sustainable development in the medium and long term,” Muizzu stated.

Islands announced as urban centres on November 9, 2024;

1. Raa Ungoofaaru
2. Baa Eydhafushi
3. Lhaviyani Naifaru
4. Alif Dhaal Mahibadhoo
5. Faafu Nilandhoo
6. Dhaalu Kudahuvadhoo
7. Laamu Fonadhoo

The government did not disclose plans for services and development or how they would be distributed between Ungoofaaru and Dhuvaafaru. There is a distance of about five kilometres between the two islands.

Dhuvaafaru is populous and has always been politically competitive. According to the 2022 census, the population of Dhivaafaru is 3,321 while the population of Ungoofaaru is 1,754.

Opposition political parties have previously expressed concern over the government's list of urban centres. The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) said the seven urban centres were identified without any consultation.