The Ministry of Tourism has announced an invitation for proposals to develop tourist facilities on uninhabited islands under cross-subsidisation.
Cross-subsidisation grants a land plot, island, or lagoon to an investor who finances a project aligned with the government's economic or social policies. Leased areas require a formal agreement, with provisions for government repossession if the lessee fails to meet project obligations. The investor's project expenses are deducted from the land rent. A minimum investment threshold for such projects is established annually by Presidential decree.
The ministry included Dhigufaru and Dhekenenfaru in Noonu Atoll, along with six other islands, for tourism development under cross-subsidisation. A total of six islands have already been allocated for tourism purposes as cross-subsidies. These islands were designated by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, though the list may change in the future. Allocating islands for cross-subsidisation was a policy of previous governments.
The ministry said that proposals can now be submitted under the regulation, with application forms available on the ministry’s website.