Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) is preparing to offer interior and furniture packages to recipients of its social housing flats, a move that has triggered concern among private businesses already operating in the same space.
FDC is currently in the process of handing over the Amaan Dhoadhi and Amaan Udhares towers, part of the 4,000‑unit social housing project in Hulhumale’, to flat recipients, with handovers expected to be completed before the start of the new academic year. The corporation says basic works such as doors, fans and tiling have already been completed.
FDC Managing Director Hamdhaan Shakeel told Sun that the new service will be available only to those who have received flats from FDC.
He described it as an additional “option” for flat recipients who want help with interior work.
Inside housing units developed by Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) in Hulhumale' Phase II under the 'Gedhoruveriya' housing project. (Sun Photo/Maaniu Mohamed)
“Our main goal is interior work, and space‑saving furniture,” Hamdhaan said, adding that the packages would be offered at a relatively cheap price and with easy payment options.
He said prices for the packages have not yet been finalised, and that FDC has opened the matter for public comment.
As residents begin moving into newly built flats, private furniture importers and interior designers typically roll out special packages targeting new homeowners. Many such businesses already operate in Male’ and Hulhumale’, offering customised furniture, interior design and turnkey fit‑out services.
Against that backdrop, some people have taken to social media to question why a state‑owned housing company is entering a line of business where private firms and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are already active.
Former Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Riyaz Mansoor, in a post on X, said FDC should clearly explain why it is moving into the home and living business, at a time when the government and its companies are already involved in multiple commercial activities traditionally handled by the private sector.
Honest question to @FDC_mv.Among the many business areas that @MMuizzu @GovernmentMv has started competing with the private sector and SMEs;Has FDC started offering business solutions in the home/living space? If yes, can you explain why?These videos are from the "FDC Amaan… pic.twitter.com/lMoS6OTKk8
— Riyaz Mansoor (@RiyazMansoor) January 7, 2026
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has previously said this year would be a “special year” for SMEs. However, his administration has also set up several new state‑owned or state‑linked companies, many of which have yet to fully begin operations. These include a company formed to import medicines and a development bank.
At the same time, business owners have voiced concern over:
State Trading Organization (STO) importing vegetables and fruits, competing directly with private traders  
Male’ City Group Hospitals (MCGH), which runs the main government hospital, entering the eyewear business  
Government‑linked entities such as Bank of Maldives (BML), Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) being entrusted with gyms, land dredging and other commercial activities  
Critics argue that when state‑owned companies expand into areas already served by private businesses, it can crowd out SMEs and distort the market, especially in a small economy like Maldives.
FDC, established in 2019 as a state‑owned company to develop and manage social housing, is mandated to implement government housing schemes and maintain those units. Its move into interior and furniture packages now places it at the centre of a growing debate over how far state‑owned enterprises should go into commercial sectors beyond their core mandate.