The Government has officially launched a revised Master Plan for Hulhumalé, introducing extensive changes to support the city’s rapid urban expansion and growing population.

The plan was unveiled by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu at a ceremony held in Hulhumalé Phase 2 on May 26, 2025.

The event was attended by senior Government officials, including Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar, Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib, and executives from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).

According to HDC, the revised master plan has been developed to address changing urban demands, optimise land use in the lagoon area, and enhance service delivery across residential, commercial, and institutional sectors. It reflects extensive technical discussions and assessments carried out over recent years.

The updated blueprint outlines key allocations across various sectors: 29.84 per cent of land has been designated for residential purposes, 10.41 percent for schools, mosques and institutions, 5.56 per cent for commercial use, 1.44 percent for mixed-use zones, and 30.62 per cent for green spaces, sports, and recreational facilities. Office and industrial zones account for 3.64 percent and 5.76 percent of land respectively.

The master plan includes expansion of the port area from 36 hectares to 53 hectares and the integration of 11 land connections between Phases 2 and 3. Additional land has been allocated for new family facilities and the ongoing Binveriya project. The plan also includes provisions for infrastructure to support the country’s first international financial institution.

A 3D model of the revised plan was presented during the event, showcasing the proposed developments. A new official website for HDC was also launched to provide public access to planning updates and services.

Hulhumalé, which began resettlement in 2004, has seen dramatic transformation over the past two decades. Phase 1 spans 194 hectares and is planned to accommodate 100,000 residents, while Phase 2 covers 251 hectares with a projected population of 250,000. The newly launched plan sets the foundation for Phase 3 and future developments, positioning Hulhumalé as a key urban and economic hub for the Maldives.