President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, on Wednesday, announced his administration’s decision to return Maamaduvvari — an uninhabited island in Baa Atoll that was previously utilized by Hithaadhoo residents for economic activities — back to the people of Hithaadhoo.
Maamaduvvari is presently leased to Coastline Investments for the development of a resort.
The uninhabited island was leased to the company in 2019 while Hithaadhoo residents were utilizing it for economic purposes, enraging the residents.
Speaking to Hithaadhoo residents as part of his ongoing tour of the inhabited islands Baa Atoll – President Muizzu noted that Maamaduvvaree holds historical significance for the people of Hithaadhoo, who have long had substantial economic interests in the island. 
He noted that the development of Maamaduvvari, which has been under a long-term tourism lease, has not progressed as stipulated.
As such, he said the agreement would be nullified in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements, after which the island would be handed over to Hithaadhoo.
 “I want to note that we have decided to handover Maamaduvarri to Hithaadhoo after the cancellation of this agreement in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. This work is being carried out by Tourism Miniter in collaboration with the Attorney General. Upon completion, that island will be handed over to this island,” he said.
Maamadduvari had been previously utilized by Hithaadhoo residents for a wide range of economic benefits including farming. As such, the return of the island to Hithaadhoo would pave way for residents to resume these benefits.
Notably, Maamadduvari has been previously leased to Maamadduvari Investment for agricultural purposes which had failed to pay rent for the island.
In 2012, then-administration’s cabinet decided to recover the rent payment in three year installments. However, Civil Court quashed the decision and order the company to settle the dues to the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) within three months.