In a landmark move to revitalise Maldivian heritage, the Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage has formally entrusted the development of the ‘Usgekolhu’ as an immersive museum to the Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC).
The project, a key initiative under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s policy to restore and popularise national heritage, promises to introduce a new and interactive way for citizens and tourists to engage with the nation’s history.
The official agreement was signed at a ceremony attended by top officials. Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim signed on behalf of the ministry, while FDC was represented by its Managing Director, Hamdaan Shakeel.
Minister Adam Naseer highlighted the significance of the project, stating that the interactive museum would represent a new landscape in the field of heritage for the Maldives.
"When Usgekolhu is developed as an interactive museum, it will truly showcase a new landscape of heritage that the people of Maldives have never seen before," he said.
The Ussgekolhu will feature the latest facilities, designed to appeal to visitors of all ages.
The Minister added that the new format would fundamentally change how Maldivians perceive their own heritage, bringing it to life in a way that modern audiences can appreciate.
For his part, FDC Managing Director Hamdaan pledged the corporation's full support for the project.
"The full team of FDC is now ready for this," Shakeel said, adding that the development marks the first time an immersive museum will be created in the Maldives.
Immersive museums are an emerging global trend that uses state-of-the-art technology to allow visitors to actively participate in the exhibits, a detail that Shakeel highlighted as central to the project's success.
The project aligns with President Dr Muizzu's key policy of protecting Maldivian heritage. His administration aims to not only safeguard historical sites and artifacts but also to find avenues for funding their management and maintenance.
The Ministry is already actively working to protect ancient heritage sites across the country.
The historic Usgekolhu, located in Sultan Park, was formerly part of the Royal Palace and later served as the country’s National Museum. The new development will restore and transform the site, re-establishing it as a vibrant center of Maldivian history and culture for future generations.