In a landmark move aimed at guiding the future of one of the country’s fastest-growing urban centers, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu officially launched the revised Master Plan for Hulhumalé on Sunday, May 26, 2025. The new blueprint introduces sweeping changes designed to accommodate the city’s expanding population and transform it into a more vibrant, efficient, and inclusive urban space.
The ceremony, held in Hulhumalé Phase 2, brought together key government leaders including Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar, Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib, and senior officials from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).
According to HDC, the updated master plan has been years in the making and reflects extensive technical assessments aimed at aligning infrastructure with modern urban demands. The new strategy places a strong emphasis on optimising land use across residential, commercial, institutional, and recreational sectors.
A Breakdown of Land Use
The plan proposes a comprehensive reallocation of land resources:
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29.84% earmarked for residential development
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10.41% dedicated to educational, religious, and institutional facilities
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5.56% for commercial zones
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1.44% for mixed-use spaces
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30.62% allocated to green areas, parks, and recreational zones
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3.64% for office spaces
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5.76% designated for industrial use
In one of its more significant moves, the government plans to expand the current port area from 36 to 53 hectares, enhancing Hulhumalé’s logistical capacity and its role in maritime trade. The plan also incorporates 11 land connections between Phases 2 and 3 to streamline inter-district connectivity.
Additional land has been allocated to support the Binveriya housing scheme and the development of family-oriented facilities, reflecting the administration’s commitment to improving living standards. Crucially, the blueprint also sets the stage for Maldives’ first international financial institution, marking a pivotal step toward transforming Hulhumalé into a financial and commercial powerhouse.
During the unveiling, a detailed 3D model of the future cityscape was showcased, providing attendees with a tangible vision of the changes to come. A revamped official HDC website was also launched to improve transparency and public access to planning documents and updates.
Hulhumalé has undergone a remarkable transformation since the first phase of resettlement in 2004. Phase 1, covering 194 hectares, was designed to house 100,000 people. Phase 2, which spans 251 hectares, is expected to accommodate 250,000 residents. The newly launched master plan now lays the foundation for Phase 3 and beyond, signaling a bold new chapter in the city’s urban journey.
President Muizzu described the revised master plan as a cornerstone of the government’s vision to build resilient cities equipped to meet both present and future needs.
As Hulhumalé grows into a central urban hub, the revised master plan is poised to play a transformative role in shaping the social, economic, and environmental fabric of the Maldives for decades to come.
