The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has announced a public tender for the lease, development, and operation of six tourist resorts under the Halal Tourism Model, distributed across five atolls in the Maldives. The tender invites both local and foreign bidders to submit proposals for long-term development of these sites, each of which must comply fully with Shariah principles.
The six locations include two islands in Haa Alifu Atoll (Beenaafushi and Kan’daalifinolhu), a 200-hectare lagoon plot near Makunudhoo Faru in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, as well as islands in Shaviyani (Fushifaru), Thaa (Maagulhi), and Laamu (Fonagaadhoo) atolls. Proposed minimum bed capacities range from 100 to 150, and all sites are available for reclamation.
Each property will be leased for 50 years under the Maldives Tourism Act. A construction period of 36 months is granted, and projects that become operational before this period ends will qualify for a rent waiver under the Public Finance Regulation.
To incentivise investment, the government is offering duty exemptions of up to 20% of the total capital investment. This exemption extends to key resort development categories including furniture, kitchen appliances, resort equipment, electronics, cutlery, and guest amenities.
Lease Acquisition Costs and Payment Terms
Minimum Lease Acquisition Costs (LAC) range from USD 189,000 for Maagulhi to USD 1,269,000 for the Makunudhoo lagoon plot. Bidders must propose at least the minimum LAC amount and pay it in two instalments:
- 50% in the first quarter of the fifth year, and
- the remaining 50% in the first quarter of the sixth year.
However, if the resort fails to become operational by the end of the 36-month construction window, the full LAC becomes immediately payable in the following quarter.
Bidder Requirements and Evaluation Criteria
Interested parties must submit a bank guarantee of USD 35,000 as bid security, valid for 150 days beyond the bid opening date. Bids will be evaluated based on:
- Proposed LAC (60%)
- Use of renewable energy (up to 15%)
- Energy efficiency proposals (up to 5%)
- Avoidance of unsustainable practices (up to -15%)
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions (20%)
To discourage unsustainable development, negative marks will apply for proposals involving harbour construction or reclamation on restricted sites. Additionally, financial penalties of up to USD 500,000 may be imposed if renewable energy commitments are not honoured during the operational phase.
Halal Tourism Standards
Resorts developed under the Halal Tourism Model must adhere to strict Shariah-compliant guidelines. These include:
- Full ban on alcohol, pork, and related products.
- Halal-certified or plant-based consumables and guest amenities.
- Separate mosques for guests and staff, each with male and female prayer areas and facilities for ablution.
- Gender-segregated or scheduled recreational spaces, including pools, gyms, and spas.
- No non-Halal items in minibars or menus, and dedicated Qibla indicators, prayer mats, and Qurans in guest rooms.
- Adjusted services during Ramadan, including Suhoor and Iftar meals and Taraweeh prayer arrangements.
A Halal Hospitality Coordinator must be appointed, and staff must receive specific training in Muslim-friendly practices. Annual compliance reporting is mandatory, and non-compliance may result in fines or operational penalties.
Timeline and Bid Submission
Bidding documents are available for purchase until 31 August 2025, priced at USD 1,500 for locals and USD 2,000 for foreign bidders. All payments must be made to the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) in USD.
Virtual pre-bid meetings will be held on:
- 15 July 2025, 10:00hrs local time
- 4 August 2025, 10:00hrs local time
Bids must be submitted by 10:00hrs on 1 September 2025. Each bidder may submit only one bid per island. The highest evaluated bidder will be selected and must submit an environmental assessment report within 60 days of receiving the Letter of Award.
Interested parties may obtain more information or email planning@tourism.gov.mv to register for the pre-bid sessions.
