Hankede tourism project shifts focus from Halal Tourism to Integrated Tourism

Addu’s Hankede, long earmarked by successive governments for tourism development, is now set to be transformed under an integrated tourism model, moving away from the previously planned halal tourism concept.

On June 29 this year, the Ministry of Tourism announced plans to develop Hankede, located adjacent to Addu City’s Maradhoo, under a halal tourism concept. The ministry had stated at the time that, as part of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge, halal tourism would be developed in six regions of the country, including Hankede.

Hankede’s tourism development has been a long-standing project. Since the first attempt in 2005 during the administration of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the island has been awarded to different developers three times.

The most recent effort was in 2019 under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, when the government handed over Hankede to Fund Management Corporation Limited (FMC), a state-owned company, for development under a real estate tourism model.

However, the current administration has reversed course. The President has cancelled the presidential decree to change the status of the island, and the agreement with FMC has already been terminated.

Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim confirmed the cancellation of both the decree and the previous agreement in a post on social media today. He announced that preparations are now underway to open the island for development under an integrated tourism concept.

"The Ministry of Tourism and Environment is reviewing all necessary aspects for the development of Hankede as an integrated tourism project and is making every effort to open it up for development through a tender process," Minister Thoriq said.

Previously, Thoondu Pvt Ltd, a company based in Fuvahmulah, was awarded a contract to develop a 100–200 bed city hotel in Hankede. The project was to be completed within 18 months of commencement. However, due to non-compliance with the terms, the government fined the company USD 2,500.

Earlier attempts to develop Hankede in 2008 and 2013 also failed to bear fruit. In 2019, due to a lack of progress, the government cancelled an agreement with Singapore-based Crescendas Group, which had previously been contracted to develop the island.