Ungoofaaru Development Accelerates with FIFA Stadium, New Classrooms, and Housing Projects

Major development projects are progressing in Ungoofaaru, the capital of Raa Atoll, as the government pushes forward with plans to transform the island into an urban center. Among the key projects is the construction of a FIFA-standard stadium, which is expected to boost sports activities both locally and regionally. Alongside the stadium, eight additional classrooms are being built at the island's school, with plans for another eight already in place. The government has also approved the upgrade of Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital to tertiary level, with services including MRI, cardiac care, and therapy. A new building to expand hospital capacity is underway, with a contractor already mobilized; the hospital currently serves an average of 250-300 patients daily. Housing development is another priority, with 500 housing units planned on reclaimed land. In 2024, 13 hectares of land were reclaimed, and rock revetment work is now in progress. The harbor is set to be extended by 500 feet, and a ferry terminal is currently under construction. Additional projects include a waste management facility, a sports complex, and other sports facilities. Banking services have also expanded, with Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) opening a branch with an ATM, and Bank of Maldives (BML) providing a dollar ATM machine. Ungoofaaru, with an estimated resident population of over 2,500, has been designated by the government as one of the urban centers to be developed in the northern region.