The Government has designated Dhonhera in Addu City for halal tourism, making it the seventh island announced under the scheme. Applications for development of the island have now been opened.

Dhonhera, which spans eight hectares, will be developed with an initial capacity of 100 beds, with additional land reclamation planned to support the project. The Ministry of Tourism and Environment said the opportunity is open to both Maldivian and foreign developers.

Under the Tourism Act, the island has been allocated for a period of five years, with the lease acquisition cost set at USD 498,420. Developers will be required to complete construction and bring the project into operation within three years of signing the agreement.

A pre-bid meeting will be held on 27 October and 10 November, with bid submissions scheduled for 8 December.

The Government has placed special emphasis on boosting tourism in Addu City. Efforts are also underway to reopen the Shangri-La Resort before the end of the year. The resort has remained closed since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.