To expanding tourism in the northern Maldives, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has officially designated 325.5 hectares of lagoon surrounding Kelaa Island in Haa Alifu Atoll for the development of two new resort projects. The decision, formalized through Presidential Decree No. 07/2025 on 29th March 2025, marks a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to stimulate regional tourism and create economic opportunities outside the central atolls.
The allocation was made in accordance with Section 56-1(a) of the Decentralization Act (Act No. 07/2010), empowering the President to assign jurisdictional areas to City and Island Councils. This legal framework allows for administrative redefinition to support national development objectives. As part of the decree, an updated official map outlining the revised jurisdiction of Kelaa has been made public, clearly reflecting the changes in administrative boundaries.
President Dr Muizzu had earlier visited Kelaa in February 2024, where he engaged directly with the island community and highlighted the island’s rich potential for tourism. During this visit, he assured residents of the government’s intention to transform part of the lagoon into a tourism hub, with a strong focus on generating employment opportunities for the youth and fostering economic self-sufficiency. The recent decree now delivers on that promise.
The development of the resort zone aligns with the administration’s broader goal of diversifying tourism across the Maldives and promoting equitable development across all regions. Until recently, tourism in the Maldives has been concentrated primarily in central and southern atolls. By initiating large-scale tourism investments in the north, the government is working to distribute economic benefits more evenly and attract new investment to lesser-developed islands like Kelaa.
Further reinforcing this initiative, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment signed an agreement with the Kelaa Island Council on 3 April 2024 to formally allocate the lagoon area for tourism use. This collaboration reflects a coordinated effort between local governance structures and national institutions to implement the President’s vision for the island.
Alongside the tourism projects, President Muizzu has also emphasized the importance of agricultural sustainability in Kelaa. Recognising the community’s strong agricultural traditions, he has pledged support for initiatives aimed at improving local food production and reducing dependency on imports, thereby contributing to national food security and rural livelihood development.
The newly designated resort area is expected to attract substantial investment, enhance visitor experiences in the northern Maldives, and support infrastructure upgrades across the region. With this allocation, Kelaa is set to become a vital contributor to the country’s tourism landscape, complementing the Maldives’ reputation as a world-class destination while offering a new and authentic experience to international travelers.
This move signals the government’s commitment to inclusive development, promising long-term socio-economic benefits for Kelaa and surrounding communities, and reaffirming the Maldives’ position as a dynamic and evolving destination for global tourism.
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