The Maldives is poised to enter a new era in tourism, with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announcing plans to designate specific islands exclusively for the development of halal tourism, positioning the country as a global leader in this rapidly growing niche.

In a post on X on Friday, President Dr Muizzu stated that the initiative would be supported by substantial investment incentives, describing it as a strategic move to diversify and elevate the Maldives’ tourism offerings. The Ministry of Tourism is expected to unveil full details of the plan in the coming week.

“Our tourism industry is one that is renowned across the world. We remain a model for sustainability, visitor experience and hospitality,” President Dr Muizzu wrote. He added that the Administration is aiming to embark on being a leader and a benchmark in Halal Tourism.

Halal tourism caters to Muslim travellers seeking services aligned with Islamic principles, including halal-certified food, prayer facilities, and privacy-conscious accommodation. 

The announcement comes as the Maldives continues to demonstrate strong recovery and growth in its tourism sector. In 2024, the country welcomed over 2 million tourists. Tourism contributes over 21 per cent to the Maldives’ GDP and remains its largest economic driver.

Through this new halal tourism initiative, the Maldives aims to tap into an expanding global market, while reaffirming its status as an investment-ready destination committed to innovation, inclusion, and sustainable development.