President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reinstated the island of Gaaun’doodhoo, Raa Atoll under the administrative jurisdiction of Hulhudhuffaaru, Raa Atoll, following the issuance of a presidential decree.
President Dr Muizzu formalised the move through Presidential Decree No. 9/2026, fulfilling a presidential pledge made earlier.
The decree was enacted under powers granted by the Decentralisation Act, which allows the president to determine and designate the jurisdictions of city and island councils.
According to the government, an updated administrative chart reflecting the change has been published in the official Government Gazette.
Gaaun’doodhoo had previously fallen under Hulhudhuffaaru’s jurisdiction after a 2020 decree, before being removed in August 2021. At the time, authorities said the island would be used for industrial purposes managed by the Ministry of Agriculture.
The latest decision restores the earlier administrative arrangement within Raa Atoll, reversing the 2021 change.