Introduction
Hulhumalé is the most ambitious land reclamation and urban development project undertaken by the Government of Maldives to date. The concept for the development of Hulhumalé was conceived as a decisive step in improving the quality of life of the population and revitalizing the Maldivian economy. It is to serve as an effective solution to the growing problem of congestion within the capital region as well as a means to facilitate the continual growth of the country’s two dominant economic sectors, fisheries and tourism.
Reclamation of the 188 hectares of land that comprises Hulhumalé commenced in 1997 and was completed in 2002. Primary developments in terms of the required physical and social infrastructure and residential developments were completed in 2004 and the very first settlement of Hulhumalé began in the middle of 2004 with a resident population of just over 1000 people.
By the target completion date for the development, the year 2020, Hulhumalé will be transformed into a world class city where 60,000 people will live, work and raise their families. As well as providing a superb living environment for its residents, Hulhumalé will also serve as a catalyst for broad based investments in the fields of commerce, education, health, recreation, tourism, fisheries and a number of other related areas by both foreign and national parties.