President Muizzu Redraws Addu City Boundaries to Accelerate Tourism Development

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has issued a decree removing Savaaheli from the administrative jurisdiction of Addu City, a strategic move intended to streamline and facilitate tourism development in the region. The decision was formalized through Decree No. 13/2026, enacted under Section 56-1(a) of the Decentralisation Act (Act No. 7/2010). This specific legislative provision grants the President the authority to designate and determine the administrative jurisdictions of City and Island Councils across the archipelago. According to the President's Office, the amendment effectively excludes Savaaheli from Addu City's official administrative area. By revising these boundaries, the government aims to create a more flexible regulatory environment conducive to the growth of the tourism sector, which remains a primary pillar of the Maldivian economy. Following the issuance of the decree, an updated administrative chart detailing the revised boundaries of Addu City has been published in the Government Gazette. This official map serves as the new legal benchmark for governance and land management in the southern atoll. While the government has not detailed the specific projects planned for the area, the administrative shift suggests a move toward more direct management or specialized zoning to attract investment. This restructuring is part of a broader national effort to expand tourism beyond traditional hubs and maximize the economic potential of the southern regions.