The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has formally transferred the land designated for the construction of the Hulhumalé Grand Mosque to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, paving the way for the development of what is set to become the largest mosque in the Maldives. The handover reflects continued progress on one of the country’s most prominent religious infrastructure projects, which is expected to contribute meaningfully to the spiritual, educational and cultural life of the nation for generations to come.
The transfer was marked at a special ceremony held on 10 June, attended by Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed. The land handover agreement was signed by Dr Shaheem on behalf of the Ministry, while Managing Director of HDC, Brigadier General (Retired) Ali Zuhair, signed on behalf of the corporation. The ceremony underscored the significance attached to the project at both institutional and national levels, as relevant authorities continue preparations to move the initiative into its construction phase.
Planned for a strategic site between Hulhumalé Phase II and Phase III, the Hulhumalé Grand Mosque is being conceived not only as a major place of worship, but as a comprehensive Islamic complex designed to meet the needs of a growing urban population. Its location in one of the Maldives’ fastest-developing residential regions is expected to enhance accessibility for worshippers and visitors, while also reinforcing Hulhumalé’s role as an emerging centre for community life, public services and national development.
The Ministry has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Rajhi company to finance the construction of the mosque, providing important momentum for the implementation of the project. This partnership reflects the broader spirit of cooperation that continues to support religious and developmental initiatives in the Maldives, while also demonstrating confidence in the project’s long-term value and national importance.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu earlier announced the project during his Presidential Address this year, placing the mosque within a wider national vision centred on faith, heritage and future planning. Physical works are expected to commence in connection with the commemoration of the 900th anniversary of the Maldives’ embrace of Islam, giving the project added historical and symbolic significance. The Ministry is currently working toward starting construction in September this year, as technical and administrative preparations continue.
According to Minister Shaheem, the development will extend well beyond the construction of a mosque itself. The wider Islamic complex is expected to include a Quran Museum alongside a range of religious and educational facilities intended to enrich public understanding of Islamic history, scholarship and values. This broader vision positions the project as a national institution that can serve worshippers, students, researchers and families alike, while offering a dedicated space for learning, reflection and community engagement.
The planned complex is also expected to strengthen the Maldives’ religious infrastructure at a time of continued urban growth and rising demand for well-planned public institutions. By integrating worship, education and heritage within a single development, the Hulhumalé Grand Mosque is poised to become an enduring centre of service to the public and a distinguished addition to the country’s civic landscape. For international readers, the project also reflects how the Maldives continues to invest in institutions that preserve identity, support social cohesion and provide lasting benefit to future generations.
With the land now officially transferred, the project has entered a decisive stage of implementation. As preparations advance toward construction, the Hulhumalé Grand Mosque stands as a significant national undertaking that brings together vision, heritage and public purpose. Once completed, it is expected to serve as one of the most important religious and cultural destinations in the Maldives, reflecting the country’s continued commitment to faith, education and community development.
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