Construction of the Darul Salaam Waqf building in Hulhumale' Phase 1 began yesterday.
Islamic minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said in a social media post that work had begun on the 12-storey Waqf building.
He said the project reflects President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision of strengthening the sustainability of the Waqf and generating long-term income to support Islamic activities in the Maldives, including the construction and maintenance of mosques.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs awarded the construction contract to RCC on 17 November last year. The building will be constructed on a plot behind the Ooredoo head office.
The contract is valued at MVR244.5 million and has a two-year completion period. RCC will also be responsible for maintaining the building for five years after its completion.
The ministry previously said the project would be financed through Bank of Maldives’ Islamic financing facility.
The basement will include dedicated parking, while the ground floor will have a reception area and additional parking.
The first floor will be used for commercial purposes, while the third to 12th floors will be leased as office space. The office floors will also include prayer rooms and meeting rooms.
The second and 11th floors will feature modern multipurpose halls, while a daycare centre will also be established in the building, the ministry said.
The ministry estimates that the building will generate more than MVR52 million in annual revenue. Of this, 20 percent will be allocated to the Zakat House and 80 percent to the Islamic Waqf Fund.
