Investors eye Maldives’ new Halal tourism islands
Maldives opens six islands for Halal tourism development, offering faith-aligned resorts with tax breaks and long-term incentives
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — A new wave of investor interest is targeting the Maldives as the country opens up six islands for Halal tourism development—an emerging niche catering to Muslim travelers seeking culturally and religiously aligned experiences.
The initiative, which spans five atolls, invites bids from private investors to develop Sharia-compliant resorts that exclude alcohol and pork, ensure Halal-certified meals, and include on-site mosques and modest dress codes for staff. All six islands—Beenaafushi, Kandaalifinolhu, Makunudhoo Faru, Fushifaru, Maagulhi, and Fonagaadhoo—have been made available for investment since July.
Structured around Islamic principles, the program reflects growing demand for Muslim-friendly destinations while aiming to diversify the Maldives’ luxury tourism sector beyond its typical beach resorts and nightlife-focused offerings.
To attract serious bidders, authorities are offering generous incentives, including duty exemptions of up to 20 percent—four times higher than what existing resorts typically receive—and flexible terms for paying acquisition and development costs over five to six years.
Information sessions for interested developers have already begun, with a second round scheduled for early August. The application window opened on July 15, and final bids are due by September 1. Early briefings have reportedly drawn substantial attention, with strong interest from regional and international investors.
Halal tourism emphasizes privacy, religious observance, and ethical hospitality practices, offering an alternative for travelers who prefer settings aligned with their values. In the Maldives, where the tourism sector is a major pillar of the economy, this expansion could reshape the luxury travel landscape by introducing culturally inclusive options without compromising on exclusivity or comfort.
The upcoming weeks are expected to clarify which bidders are ready to turn these uninhabited islands into global Halal travel destinations.
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