The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has opened bidding for the development and operation of three tourism resorts under the halal tourism model on islands and lagoons allocated for lease through the Government’s tourism development programme.

The Ministry said bids for the three halal tourism sites must be submitted by 9:00 a.m. on 6 August. The sites identified for halal tourism development include two locations in 200 hectares in Haa Dhaalu Makunudhoo, Laamu Fonagadhoo and Seenu Dhonhera as well as a 0.85-hectare island near it.

To provide prospective bidders with further details on the project requirements and bidding process, the Ministry will hold an information briefing session via Microsoft Teams at 10:00 a.m. on 2 March. Interested parties are required to register for the briefing by emailing [email protected] before 12:00 p.m. on 1 March 2026.

In addition to the halal tourism sites, the Ministry has also opened bidding for the development of 13 tourism resort locations across several atolls earmarked for tourism investment. Bids for these resorts must be submitted by 11:00 a.m. on 6 March.

The sites opened for general resort development include three locations near Haa Alifu Maadhuni Faru, two sites in Haa Alifu Kelaa, two sites in Haa Dhaalu Makunudhoo Faru, three sites in Haa Dhaalu Maafaru, and three sites in Shaviyani Gonaa Faru, with individual site areas ranging from approximately 156 hectares to 200 hectares.

A separate virtual briefing session for bidders interested in the 13 resort development sites will be held at 11:00 a.m. on 2 March 2026. Registration for the session must be completed by emailing [email protected] before 12:00 p.m. on 1 March 2026.

The Ministry said the bidding process is part of efforts to diversify tourism offerings and expand private sector participation in resort development across designated islands and lagoons.