The government has formally mandated the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to construct outdoor gymnasiums across 71 islands, advancing a central component of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s national fitness agenda.
The initiative, announced during a signing ceremony at Meerumaa, reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that every inhabited island is equipped with outdoor fitness facilities by the end of 2026. Senior officials from the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation were present, alongside members of Parliament, underscoring the programme’s political and institutional significance.
Abdulla Rafiu, minister of sports, fitness and recreation, signed the agreement on behalf of the ministry. Representing HDC was Retired Brigadier General Ali Zuhair, the corporation’s managing director.
The 71-island allocation forms part of a broader directive under which state-owned enterprises have been tasked with establishing a total of 102 outdoor gyms by the end of 2026. The initiative is designed to expand access to fitness infrastructure and promote public health across the country, aligning with national goals for preventative care and community wellbeing.
In parallel with government-led efforts, seven outdoor gym projects are currently under development by private sector entities. The administration has also announced plans to commission an additional 41 facilities within the current and forthcoming year, reinforcing its commitment to equitable infrastructure development and sustained investment in recreational resources.