Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo will become the 'Dubai and Abu Dhabi' of the Maldives: Shahid

PNC Member of Parliament for Hulhudhoo constituency, Mohamed Shahid, stated that under the administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, S. Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo will transform into the 'Dubai and Abu Dhabi' of the Maldives.

Shahid made this comment at a meeting held with the citizens with the President, whose first stop on his ongoing trip to Addu was Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo. Shahid emphasized that the President places great importance on Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo in his administration.

He pointed to the recent vote to separate Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo from the Addu City Council as proof of this commitment, noting that no political leader before had dared to take such a step.

"No political leader, no ruler, up until today, has had the courage to take any practical action regarding such a wish of the people. His Excellency has done that for us."

Shahid acknowledged that some people believed that the two islands being separate meant "deprivation." However, he pointed out that based on land size, the two islands combined form the fifth largest landmass in the Maldives, and based on population, they hold the sixth largest population proportionally.

"Therefore, we are not a deprived people... We are proud and happy to be the people of Addu Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo."

He reiterated that the two islands will become Dubai and Abu Dhabi, noting that both are friendly and hospitable islands.

Shahid claimed to know the love the President holds for the people of these two islands intimately. Therefore, he advised the residents not to be discouraged, assuring them that the President will deliver on his promises and more.

In his address, the first since the administrative separation, President Muizzu stated that the decision to separate the two islands from the City Council through a referendum vote marks the beginning of the development for both islands.

The President said that with this change in the administrative system, the basic needs of the two islands will be addressed in the coming days. He reiterated that since the two islands are geographically connected, the government is committed to defining the jurisdiction of the new councils in a way that meets the residents' wishes.

President Muizzu’s visit comes after his decision last Monday to separate the two islands from Addu City and establish two separate councils, a decision based on the results of the October 25 referendum involving the residents of Meedhoo, Hulhudhoo, and Feydhoo, islands geographically separate from the main connected Addu islands.