President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has reversed a 2021 decree issued by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih that assigned the development of an integrated tourist resort in Addu city’s Hankede to the Maldives Fund Management Corporation (MFMC).
The President’s Office announced on Wednesday that President Muizzu has decided to launch a new tourism project in Hankede.
As a result, the presidential decree issued in December 2021 declaring Hankede a tourism real estate development zone, has been repealed. The island has now been placed under the Ministry of Tourism and Environment for the implementation of a new project.
Under the previous administration, MFMC contracted China National Electric Engineering Company (CNEEC) on March 23, 2023, to carry out the project on an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) basis, valued at USD 142.9 million.
Addu Hankede bridge.
The Hankede integrated tourism project was publicly announced in January 2023, coinciding with the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) presidential primary. Concept illustrations of the proposed development were also released at the time.
However, no progress was made on the project following the end of the MDP government.
Three months ago, the interim government announced that Hankede would be one of six designated areas for halal tourism development in the Maldives.
Halal tourism is designed to cater to the needs of Muslim travelers while remaining inclusive for all guests. The concept will be integrated into both the resort development and operational phases.
Following the announcement, MPs from Addu expressed dissatisfaction with the abrupt change in plans for Hankede’s development.