Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has said the Government is aiming to develop more sustainable township projects across the country.

He made the remarks during an interview on State media following the groundbreaking ceremony of the Ayla Sustainable Township Project, held on Thursday.

Describing Ayla as the first sustainable township in the Maldives, the Minister said the project represents the largest development initiative undertaken in the country to date. He said investors are targeting the opening of the township by 2028 and expressed confidence that similar projects will be introduced in other parts of the Maldives.

Saeed noted that economic activity in the Maldives has traditionally been centred on tourism, adding that changes within the industry in recent years highlight the importance of diversifying income sources.

He said the sustainable township project will deliver wide-ranging benefits to the country, with total investment exceeding USD 800 million. The project will include a world-class healthcare facility, which is expected to support the expansion of health tourism in the Maldives.

The Minister added that the township will feature internationally recognised training facilities for local youth and visitors, and will operate using 60 per cent renewable energy. He said such developments are important for strengthening the Maldives’ position in an increasingly competitive global market.

The Ayla Sustainable Township is being developed across Dhigufaru, Dhekenanfaru, and Kuramaadhoo Falhu in Noonu Atoll as a pilot project under the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Act. The project has been contracted to Crystal Holdings Pvt Ltd and is scheduled for completion by 2028.