President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has urged to develop local tourism in the Maldives in such a way that Islamic values are not compromised. He made the remark while addressing the residents of Ukulhas, Alifu Alifu Atoll, as part of his ongoing tour of the atoll.
In his speech, the President described the people of Ukulhas as hardworking, and noted that the island was among one of the first islands to introduce local tourism. He stressed that as local tourism operates within inhabited islands, there are important considerations that must be taken into account when conducting business.
The President expressed the government’s desire to also promote local tourism, and reiterated the government’s commitment towards it. However, he emphasised that there are principles that business operators must uphold and adhere to, including avoiding practices prohibited in Islam, and that which are not deemed appropriate for the community. He advised businesses to operate within the bounds of Islamic principles and the laws of the Maldives, urging them to seek prosperity through means consistent with faith and local values.
The President also shared a note he had received from a child during his visit to Ukulhas, which raised concerns about activities unfamiliar to the community and its religion. The President warned that there is no benefit of infrastructural development without the cultivation of the mind and spirit. He pledged that the government would continue to support the sector while ensuring it aligns with Islamic tenets.
Development Plans for Ukulhas
Earlier in the day, President Muizzu met with the Ukulhas Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s most pressing development priorities.
During the discussions, Council members emphasised the housing issue and space constraints at the Council Secretariat. Members highlighted the difficulties faced by the school due to lack of a science laboratory and a library. They further relayed concerns regarding the space constraints at the Health Centre and conveyed the need for expediting the completion of the extension building as well as the need for additional staff.
President Dr Muizzu assured the Council that the government would work towards practical solutions to the issues raised. He also provided updates on ongoing development projects, accompanied by Cabinet Ministers and senior officials from State-Owned Enterprises.
Addressing the residents later, the President highlighted several ongoing and upcoming development projects aligned with his presidential pledges for the island. The President revealed that these projects would be treated as high priority, closely monitored, and expedited. He also acknowledged the importance of several initiatives, including the development of a boat landing area, the extension of the island’s school building, and the construction of a sports complex, describing them as essential to Ukulhas’s continued growth.
Further addressing what he described as the community’s most pressing concern, the President pledged to resolve housing challenges through the completion of land reclamation efforts. He noted that the Land Use Plan (LUP) had been approved, with 250 land plots earmarked for allocation. The government, he added, would authorise the issuance of these plots to the island council within the coming week.
President Dr Muizzu also announced that a project to construct 50 housing units would be contracted within the year. This is expected to bring solutions to land and housing issues, he said, adding that the government will build even more housing units on the island in the future.
The President also assured residents that efforts would be made to strengthen the health and infrastructure sectors, aligning with broader national development goals.
Education and Sports Development
As part of the visit, the construction of the office building of Ukulhas School was contracted to Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC). The agreement was signed on behalf of the government by the Minister of Education Dr Ismail Shafeeu, while FDC was represented by its Deputy Managing Director, Ibrahim Razzan.
The President described the project as essential for the island, and said its completion will bring ease to the school, its students, teachers and staff. He pledged continued support to strengthen the school’s facilities.
In the sports sector, an agreement was signed between the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) to construct a sports complex in Ukulhas. Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu signed the agreement on behalf of the government, while MACL was represented by its Managing Director, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed.
The President also addressed the island’s ongoing road construction project, assuring residents it would be implemented according to the wishes of the people.
Additionally, the President said the community would have full discretion in using the Galigili lagoon allocated to Ukulhas, provided activities remain within the law.
Tour of Alifu Alifu Atoll
President Muizzu arrived in Ukulhas on Wednesday evening, marking the eighth and final stop in his tour of inhabited islands within Alifu Alifu Atoll. He was received at the harbour by a large contingent of institutional leaders and residents, who extended a warm welcome.
The three-day tour encompasses eight islands, including Thoddoo, Rasdhoo, and Ukulhas, and forms part of a nationwide initiative to engage with councils across all atolls, islands, and cities. The president is accompanied by several ministers and senior officials from various government bodies.