The Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments has announced that development is actively underway on new Waqf buildings across four atolls in the Maldives.
This initiative aligns with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s presidential pledge to expand the national Waqf Fund and establish sustainable, income-generating resources to support the country's Islamic sector.
The regional Waqf developments are being constructed in Thinadhoo City, Kulhudhuffushi City, Vilingili,Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Hithadhoo in Addu City. Contracts for the projects in Thinadhoo, Kulhudhuffushi, and Vilingili were awarded on 6 November last year, with each project valued at around USD 648,508. Meanwhile, the contract for the larger USD 1.3 million development in Addu City was signed on 5 November last year.
These modern facilities are designed as multipurpose complexes equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, featuring dedicated office sections, accommodation units, and commercial spaces. In a bid to empower local communities, the revenue generated from these regional buildings will be retained within the respective atolls. Managed by local councils under the guidance of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the funds will be used to maintain local mosques and support various community religious activities.
In addition to the atoll-based projects, major Waqf developments are also progressing in Male' and Hulhumale'. The Male' project is expected to generate an annual revenue of over USD 640,000, while the Hulhumale' development is projected to bring in an estimated USD 3.9 million annually.
According to the Ministry, 20 percent of the revenue generated from these major facilities will be deposited into the Maldives Zakat House, with the remaining 80 percent allocated to the Islamic Waqf Fund to further strengthen religious initiatives nationwide.