Civil Court Dismisses Noonu Atoll Council's Lawsuit Over Tourism Development

The Civil Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Noonu Atoll Council challenging the government's decision to allocate Kendhivaru and Dhonaerikan'doodhoo islands for long-term tourism development. The council had argued that the decision violated the Decentralization Act, which mandates consultation with local councils. The council also highlighted the islands' environmental sensitivity and their use by residents for recreational and economic activities. However, the case was dismissed after the council's lawyers withdrew, citing an expired retainer agreement. The court previously declined to issue an interim injunction, noting that Kendhivaru had already been leased to Damac Ocean Heights in December 2022, and Dhonaerikan'doodhoo is tied to a 2017 agreement with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development for the Maafaru International Airport project. The state argued that canceling these agreements would cause significant financial loss and undermine national interests.