Farumali removed from Maafaru jurisdiction, to be developed for tourism

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has declared that Farumali, an island located within the lagoon of N. Maafaru, is no longer part of Maafaru and will be developed as a tourist resort.

According to a statement issued by the President's Office, the decision was made under powers granted to the President by the Decentralization Act. With this change, Farumali will be developed for tourism to create economic opportunities for Maafaru and N. Atoll; one of President Muizzu's pledges.

The people of Maafaru have also expressed support for opening the lagoon for tourism and resort development.

This move reverses a decree issued by the same administration in April, which declared both Farumali and Kandinmaahuraa as part of Maafaru.

During the previous administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, a 2020 decision separated 80 hectares that included both islands from Maafaru’s jurisdiction. In response, the Maafaru Council had called on the government to reverse that decision and return the islands to their jurisdiction.

It is understood that the latest decision was made after the government consulted and sought input from local residents.