President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has described the Sinamalé Bridge as a powerful symbol of the longstanding friendship between the Maldives and China.

In a message on X marking the seventh anniversary of the bridge’s inauguration, President Dr Muizzu said the project had become a vital gateway for national development. He observed that it reflected the trust between the two countries and underscored China’s role as a genuine partner in the Maldives’ progress. The President added that the bridge continued to embody the friendship and confidence shared between both nations.

The project was carried out under President Dr Muizzu’s direct supervision during his tenure as Minister of Housing. Reflecting on the development during his state visit to China in January last year, he told a local broadcaster that the China–Maldives Friendship Bridge was the largest and most challenging infrastructure initiative of its kind in the Indian Ocean. He noted that it had provided a significant boost for the residents of Malé and supported the wider economic growth of the country, describing it as a landmark achievement.

Construction began in 2014 and took three years and eleven months to complete. The bridge was formally inaugurated on 30 August 2018 in a ceremony marked by colourful celebrations.

The total cost of the project amounted to 300 million US dollars. Of this, 100 million dollars was provided as a grant by the Chinese government, while 170 million dollars came in the form of loan assistance. The Maldivian government contributed 30 million dollars.

Spanning 1.39 kilometres in length and 20.3 metres in width, the Sinamalé Bridge carries two lanes for four-wheel vehicles and two lanes for motorcycles. By connecting Malé, Hulhulé and Hulhumalé, it has established a crucial transport link that continues to serve both residents and visitors.