Kelaa lagoon resort plans to be re-tendered with concessions

The announcement that was made concerning plans for the development of two resorts in the HA. Kelaa lagoon has been scrapped, with it to be re-tendered after certain concessions, says the Ministry of Tourism.

The plan to build two resort islands in the Kelaa lagoon was announced in 31st March 2025. The bid for the development project stated that they were looking for interested parties to dredge a 156.2 hectare plot and a 169.3 hectare plot and develop resorts.

The Ministry of Tourism has stated that the reason the bid announcement was invalidated and is being made to be reintroduced is due to the governments announcement made about atolls that were still lagging behind in tourism development and for those projects to take precedence. The deadline for the bid came about on 5th June 2025.

The government is set to release an announcement for interested parties who want to invest in resort development projects that have 24-month concessions. The locations of these development projects are:

1. Haa Alif Atoll

2. Haa Dhaalu Atoll

3. Shaviyani Atoll

4. Thaa Atoll

5. Laamu Atoll

The Ministry of Tourism has stated that the Kelaa development bid will be reintroduced with the concessions outlined in this plan.

During President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's trip to Kelaa on 25th February 2025, he made a presidential pledge to the residents that the resort will be built the way the residents request. The President also stated that HA. Baarah will see an eco-tourism project come to life as well.

The President said that he will facilitate the development of a resort in the lagoon of Kelaa for the benefit of the people and other nearby islands.