A major tourism development initiative in southern Maldives is gaining fresh momentum with the introduction of a Turkish investor to lead the revitalization of the long-delayed Hankede project in Addu City. This fresh investment approach signals renewed commitment to expanding high-end tourism infrastructure across the southernmost atoll of the country, which has long awaited greater participation in the nation’s tourism-driven economy.
During a recent visit to Addu City, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu confirmed that the Ministry of Tourism has issued a Letter of Award to a Turkish investor for the Hankede integrated tourism project. The investor has been given a deadline of 7 December 2025 to make the acquisition payment. Once the payment is completed, the lease agreement will be formally signed. According to the President, the Tourism Minister has expressed confidence that the payment process will be completed within the coming week.
The new development plan includes the construction of at least 1,000 tourist beds in its initial phase, forming part of a broader vision for a 3,000-bed resort complex. This strategic expansion reflects the government’s focus on distributing tourism benefits more evenly across the country’s regions while simultaneously appealing to new and diverse markets.
Previously, the Hankede site had been awarded in 2021 to the China National Electrical Engineering Company (CNEEC) during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. While design work had been submitted in early 2023, no physical development commenced. On 1 October 2025, President Muizzu’s administration issued a resolution officially revoking the former decree and transferring the Hankede site from the Maldives Fund Management Corporation (MFMC) to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment to enable more agile project execution and accountability.
The new investor-led development is also part of a wider plan to boost halal tourism in the Maldives. Three months earlier, Hankede was declared as one of six designated zones for halal tourism, aligning with the administration’s strategy to attract culturally sensitive markets such as families and Muslim travelers, while also reinforcing the Maldives’ identity as a 100% Muslim nation.
Addu City’s Hankede region, known for its pristine natural environment and proximity to Gan International Airport, is uniquely positioned to become a premier destination for wellness, cultural, and family tourism. This renewed commitment not only unlocks economic potential for the southern atolls but also supports employment generation and regional infrastructure development in line with the national tourism diversification policy.
As the new phase of Hankede’s development moves forward, it reflects a broader narrative of inclusivity and long-term planning in the Maldivian tourism sector, which continues to evolve to meet global market expectations while preserving local values and heritage.
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