Island Aviation Services (IAS) awarded the project to develop a tourist resort in the island of Ruhthibirah in Thaa atoll to a Singapore firm, which is to be completed within two years.
IAS’ head of administration Ali Nashaath stated that the winning bid for the island was proposed by MSN Reality. IAS signed a sublease agreement with the company to lease the Ruhthibirah for 49 years.
“[MSN Reality] is to develop a luxury resort in the island, which will also increase the demand for Thimarafushi airport,” he said, referring to the domestic airport developed in Thimarafushi island in the same atoll.
Nashaath stated that though the project is yet to be underway, the contractor is currently conducting all the preparations to commence.
“It’s quite a large island with a sizable, pleasant lagoon,” said Nashaath of the island which is a five minute boat ride away from the inhabited island of Kinbidhoo. “Hence, the inventors want to operate a resort of the highest quality there.”
He added that the completed resort will create more job opportunities for local youth as well.
Ruhthibirah was handed over to IAS as a subsidy when the company had finished developed of Thimarafushi airport.
According to the agreement, the resort will feature 150 villas.
Thaa atoll currently features only one resort, which is a five-star property developed and operated by Singapore’s COMO Hotels and Resorts.
Source: Mihaaru
