President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has vowed to erase the long-standing label of “atoll without tourism” from Haa Dhaalu Atoll, pledging to turn it into one of the nation’s strongest tourism regions. Speaking during the community meeting in Naivaadhoo, the President underscored his government’s determination to deliver long-delayed development and unlock new economic opportunities for the atoll’s people.
Strategic Investments and Investor Concessions
President Muizzu revealed that his administration has already opened around ten lagoons and lagoon areas in Haa Dhaalu Atoll for development, offering significant concessions and discounts to attract investors. He confirmed that several parties have expressed interest and submitted bids, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the atoll’s economy.
“This government will ensure that tourism flourishes here. We have started important groundwork, and we are committed to delivering what no administration has been able to do before” the President assured.
Reviving the Naagoshi Project
The President also announced that long-stalled efforts to develop Naagoshi Island are finally back on track. Initially awarded to the Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) in 2006, the project had been halted for more than a decade due to financial and contractual disputes. Despite multiple handovers—including a failed attempt by Dubai’s Galadari Holdings—the resort project had remained idle.
President Muizzu confirmed that his government, through the Ministry of Finance, has provided MTDC with the necessary concessions to relaunch the Naagoshi resort. Mobilization is already underway, paving the way for swift progress.
A Manifesto Promise in Action
The President reiterated that his administration’s manifesto prioritizes developing tourism in atolls that have yet to benefit from the industry’s growth. He stressed that the people of Haa Dhaalu Atoll will soon witness the fruits of these initiatives, as tourism expands to bring employment, prosperity, and community development.
Since announcing nationwide concessions for investors in June, the government has seen strong interest in previously untapped regions. With this momentum, President Muizzu affirmed that Haa Dhaalu Atoll’s long absence from the country’s tourism map will finally come to an end.
