The Cabinet has decided to develop a specialized legal framework governing the exploration and extraction of oil, natural gas, minerals, and other non-living natural resources within the Maldives' maritime zones.

The decision was made during Sunday's Cabinet meeting following a proposal submitted by Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture, and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam.

Under the decision, the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture, and Ocean Resources, together with other relevant government agencies, has been instructed to begin the necessary legal and administrative work to facilitate the exploration and extraction of non-living natural resources in Maldivian waters.

The Cabinet also decided to draft dedicated legislation to regulate the emerging sector.

The proposed law is expected to establish procedures for granting permits for exploration and extraction activities and determine the ownership and management of any non-living natural resources discovered within the country's maritime territory.

According to the President's Office, the decision marks the beginning of formal efforts to assess the economic potential of the Maldives' maritime areas and develop mechanisms to ensure that the country benefits from any resources identified.

The move could open the way for future exploration of offshore resources, including oil, gas, and mineral deposits, subject to the legal and regulatory framework currently being developed.

The Maldives has previously conducted surveys to assess the potential for oil and natural gas in its offshore areas.

Offshore exploration was also given significant attention during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen.

With the latest Cabinet decision, the government has formally initiated efforts to establish the legal and administrative foundation needed to regulate future exploration and extraction activities in the country's maritime zones.