Maldives has opened bids for the development of resort projects across 15 islands and lagoons, in what the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation describes as a major release of tourism development sites.

The tender includes sites of varying sizes across several atolls, with three locations specifically designated for halal-friendly tourism.

These include a 200-hectare lagoon at Makunudhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, an 8.18-hectare site at Fonagaadhoo in Laamu Atoll and a 10.23-hectare area at Dhonherai in Seenu Atoll.

The halal-designated resorts will be leased for 50 years and must follow specified Islamic requirements, including bans on alcohol and pork, halal-certified food and beverage services, gender-separated wellness facilities and the construction of separate mosques for staff and guests.

The Makunudhoo development must provide at least 150 beds, while the other two sites require a minimum of 100 beds each.

Ten of the sites comprise lagoons in the northern atolls.

Maadhuni, Makunudhoo-Maafaru and Gonaa each offer multiple 200-hectare lagoon sites, with developers required to provide at least 150 beds.

Acquisition fees for these locations range from approximately USD 1.5 million to USD 2.1 million.

The tender also includes Nalandhoo in Shaviyani Atoll and Farumuli in Noonu Atoll.

Nalandhoo requires developers to demonstrate at least USD 10 million in financial capacity and provide 200 beds, while Farumuli carries an acquisition fee of USD 2.25 million and requires at least 150 beds.

Developers will be permitted to reclaim land at all 15 sites and will have 36 months to complete construction, followed by a standardized 50-year lease.

To attract investment, general resort projects will receive a 15 percent import-duty concession, while halal tourism developments will qualify for a 20 percent concession.

Bids will be accepted from November 17 to 23, with online pre-bid sessions planned during September and October.