Four companies from America, China, Maldives, and Malaysia have submitted bids to develop Hope Island and the Central Jail in North Thilafushi, as announced by Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan during a Public Service Media (PSM) program. These projects, designated under the Tourism Law through a Presidential decree, aim to advance economic and social policies for public benefit.
The Expression of Interest (EOI) for these projects was opened in April 2025, inviting proposals from interested parties. Minister Ihusan confirmed that the four companies have been shortlisted and invited to submit detailed proposals. The government plans to select the most suitable bidder, with development work expected to commence in July 2025.
Hope Island, envisioned as a treatment and rehabilitation facility for at-risk youth, will involve the reclamation of 15 hectares of land. The facility, designed to accommodate 700 individuals, including staff, will feature residential units, an education hub, training facilities, sports areas, medical services, a mosque with a 700-person capacity, and a community and family area. The project aims to provide correctional and rehabilitative services to prevent youth involvement in crime.
The Central Jail project entails the reclamation of 30 hectares of land to create a comprehensive correctional facility. It will include residential units, a drug rehabilitation center, a halfway house, education and training facilities, a mosque with a 1,000-person capacity, medical services, and other essential prison amenities. The initiative seeks to address challenges associated with operating multiple separate prisons by consolidating services into a single, modern facility.
These developments reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing social welfare and correctional infrastructure, leveraging international expertise to create facilities that meet the Maldives’ long-term needs.