Less than two years into his presidency, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has completed visits to every inhabited island in the Maldives, a milestone last achieved 42 years ago.
According to the President’s Office, he reached this landmark with his arrival in K. Thulusdhoo on Tuesday, concluding a two-day tour of Lhaviyani Atoll and three islands in Malé Atoll.
With this visit, President Muizzu has now toured all 187 inhabited islands and cities across the country within one year and eleven months of his administration. During this period, he also made second visits to 63 islands, underscoring what the President’s Office described as a commitment to direct engagement and decentralised development.
The last time a Maldivian president completed such a nationwide tour was in the early 1980s, when former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom visited all inhabited islands over a five-year span.
Throughout his travels, President Muizzu met with Island Councils and Women’s Development Committees to discuss local priorities. He also held open meetings with residents, listening to their concerns and sharing updates on development projects. These visits were often accompanied by Cabinet Ministers and heads of State-Owned Enterprises, allowing for on-site consultations and faster decision-making.
According to the President’s Office, the tours facilitated the rollout of several key services:
Police services were introduced in all inhabited islands, closing a gap that previously left 66 islands without resident officers.
Bank of Maldives ATM services were extended nationwide, with installations scheduled for completion by the end of October.
National ID and passport services were launched in every atoll, reducing the need for travel to Malé for basic documentation.
President Muizzu also oversaw the launch of island-specific projects in housing, education, health, and wellness. Whenever time permitted, he visited schools, hospitals, mosques, council offices, sports grounds, and powerhouses to inspect service conditions and meet with staff.
While the President’s Office has framed this achievement as a symbol of rapid development and inclusive governance, the broader impact of these visits, particularly in terms of long-term project delivery and community outcomes, remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the scale and speed of the tour mark a notable chapter in the country’s political history.