As part of its efforts to promote healthier lifestyles in rural communities, the Government has contracted the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) with the task of setting up outdoor gyms in 71 islands.

The agreement was signed on Monday at a ceremony held at Meeruma. Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Abdulla Rafiu, signed on behalf of the Government, while HDC’s Managing Director, Brigadier General (Retd) Ali Zuhair, signed on behalf of the corporation.

The Government has announced plans to establish outdoor gyms in every inhabited island across the Maldives. While some islands have already opened outdoor gyms, 102 islands in total, including the 71 awarded under this agreement, have been contracted for development.

According to the Ministry, contracts for the development of outdoor gyms in an additional 41 islands will be awarded this year and next.

Alongside this project, the Government is also implementing major initiatives in sports and health infrastructure, including the development of futsal and football fields in rural areas. Other pledges include establishing a fitness and recreation centre in every island and building children’s parks.

The Government has set 2026 as the target year to complete these projects across all atolls.