Maldives Launches Record 81 Islamic Projects to Expand Religious Infrastructure

The Maldives is currently undertaking the highest number of Islamic-related projects in its history, with over 81 initiatives underway across the archipelago. Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, announced the surge during a parliamentary session on August 4, framing the expansion as a central priority of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration. The government's strategy focuses on the construction of new mosques, Islamic centers, and Waqf buildings. Minister Shaheem emphasized that the current push not only includes new developments but also the revival of projects that had stalled under the previous administration. This effort has already yielded results, with nearly 20 mosques opened around the recent Ramadan period, including those previously left incomplete. Addressing the reasons for past delays, the Minister noted that previous projects often lacked secured budget allocations and were awarded to firms without sufficient capacity. To prevent a recurrence, the Ministry is now implementing stricter contractor vetting and ensuring all funding is firmly in place before work begins. Specific progress was reported for two major projects in Baa Atoll. The 300-capacity mosque in B. Kamadhoo is currently on track for completion within its 540-day timeline. The facility will feature modern amenities, including a library, classrooms, separate ablution areas, and a solar-energy system to ensure sustainability. In B. Kudarikilu, a 500-capacity mosque contracted to the Fenaka Corporation is set to begin practical work on August 15. Despite initial delays caused by administrative restructuring within Fenaka, the corporation has committed to a 365-day completion window. Furthermore, the government has responded to community demands in Rasdhoo, Alifu Alifu Atoll. Following successful lobbying by residents, the planned mosque capacity has been doubled from 500 to 1,000 people. Design adjustments have been finalized, and the required USD 1.62 million in funding has been secured. Minister Shaheem reaffirmed the administration's commitment to completing all ongoing projects, describing the current pace of development as a historic milestone for the nation's religious infrastructure.