In a major initiative aimed at enhancing Islamic infrastructure and financial self-reliance, the Government of Maldives has allocated 10,000 square feet of land near Rasfannu in Malé for the construction of a dedicated Waqf building to establish the Quran Centre. The announcement was made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during a 15-hour press briefing held in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day, a session widely considered to be the longest media briefing ever conducted by a Head of State.
The designated land forms part of a larger 70,000-square-foot area previously assigned for the Coral Boulevard project. The upcoming Waqf structure will serve as a central feature in the government’s broader strategy to promote sustainable religious development through Waqf investments and reduce reliance on the State budget for Islamic programmes.
The president also highlighted two additional major Waqf projects under development: the Dar Al-Salam in Hulhumalé Phase One and Dar Al-Arqam in Malé. Both buildings are expected to rise to 12 storeys and are currently in the pre-tendering stage. These initiatives are part of a long-term plan to expand Waqf infrastructure across the country, boosting the financial capacity of Islamic institutions.
President Muizzu noted that the Maldives currently operates a single Waqf building, Dar Al-Eeman in Malé, which generates USD 390,000 in annual revenue. However, with the completion of the new Waqf developments, total annual revenue from Waqf assets is projected to rise to USD 3.24 million. This enhanced income will be reinvested in religious awareness campaigns, Quranic education, and community-based Islamic programmes, without relying on the national budget.
Beyond the capital, the government has also launched a Waqf investment programme targeting the outer atolls, aiming to support religious infrastructure nationwide. The initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to equitable religious development and long-term economic planning for Islamic institutions.
In tandem with the Waqf developments, the government is accelerating mosque construction efforts. President Muizzu confirmed that 21 mosque projects are currently underway, with contracts signed for 17. A large number of these are scheduled for completion within 2025, while the remaining are expected to conclude in 2026. According to the President, this marks the highest number of mosques constructed in a single year in Maldivian history.
Looking ahead, the government is preparing to introduce additional religious infrastructure projects, including new Islamic centres and Quranic learning facilities, with announcements expected over the coming year.
These developments reflect the administration’s broader policy of aligning religious growth with financial independence and infrastructure expansion. By harnessing the potential of Waqf investments, the Maldives aims to set a model for sustainable Islamic development across the Indian Ocean region.
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