Maldives Government Revives Plans to Develop Hankede as a Halal Tourism Island

Maldives Government Revives Plans to Develop Hankede as a Halal Tourism Island

The government has officially reignited efforts to transform Hankede, a long-neglected island in Seenu Atoll’s Addu City, into a dedicated halal tourism destination—nearly two decades after the idea was first introduced.

Originally designated for tourism development in 2005, Hankede has seen a string of failed attempts by successive administrations to bring the project to life. Now, with fresh focus and broader goals for tourism diversification, the island is back in the national spotlight.

A New Chapter for Halal Tourism in the Maldives

The Ministry of Tourism recently included Hankede among six key regions selected for halal tourism development—a growing global travel segment that caters specifically to Muslim travelers. These destinations typically offer alcohol-free accommodations, halal-certified cuisine, prayer facilities, and culturally respectful environments.

Tourism officials confirmed that the procedural groundwork is underway to finally kickstart the long-awaited development. If successful, the project will mark a significant milestone in expanding the Maldives' tourism offerings beyond its traditional luxury resort model.

A History of Unfulfilled Promises

Over the years, the promise of transforming Hankede into a tourism hub has repeatedly fallen short of delivery. Since 2005, several developers have come and gone, each leaving behind little more than incomplete plans and unmet expectations.

  • 2006: Thoondu Pvt Ltd, a company based in Fuvahmulah, was awarded the project but failed to proceed. They were later fined USD 2,500.

  • 2008: Half Degree stepped in and managed to build a sample room, but development stalled shortly afterward.

  • 2014: Singapore-based Crescendas Group proposed a four- or five-star resort. Despite an official contract, no visible progress followed.

  • Previous Administration: The Maldives Fund Management Corporation (MFMC) awarded the project to China’s National Electrical Engineering Company. Though announced with fanfare, the project quietly stalled—reportedly due to financing issues, though no formal explanation was ever confirmed.

Parliament even saw a motion filed over the repeated delays and lack of transparency surrounding the island's future.

Renewed Political Will and Investment Hopes

The latest revival of the Hankede project was prominently featured during the 2024 parliamentary election campaign. The current administration has positioned it as a flagship initiative for economic growth in the south and a symbol of renewed political will.

Officials suggest the island’s strategic location in Addu—one of the largest population centers outside the capital region—makes it ideal for a tourism project that aligns with both cultural values and economic development goals.

The development also promises to generate new jobs, promote regional tourism, and potentially boost the Maldives’ image in the global halal travel market, a sector valued at over USD 200 billion globally.

Can Hankede Finally See a Breakthrough?

While optimism runs high, the road ahead is not without challenges. Securing investors, finalizing planning regulations, and ensuring transparency in execution will be key to transforming Hankede into more than just another unrealized promise.

But if all goes according to plan, this time could be different. The revival of Hankede as a halal tourism island may just be the fresh start this long-stalled project has been waiting for.