Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the company established to manage airport operations, has entered into the resort development sector by deciding to build a 5-star resort in L. Hulhimendhoo.

The National University of Maldives (MNU) signed an agreement with MACL to develop a 5-star resort offering top-tier services in the tourism sector, along with a hotel school, in L. Hulhimendhoo. On behalf of the Maldives National University, the agreement was signed by Vice Chancellor Dr. Rahima Abdul Raheem. As the party responsible for developing and operating the resort, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited, signed the agreement on behalf of MACL.

The initial agreement was made on 9 November 2024. At that time, the Ministry of Tourism entrusted MNU with building a 5-star resort and a training school in L. Hulhimendhoo. However, the work is yet to commence.

Regarding the agreement, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated that he believes the development in L. Hulhimendhoo presents a significant opportunity for those working in the tourism sector or those who wish to work in it, especially for the youth of L. Maamendhoo.

Although the resort development project agreement has been signed, the method of financing the project has not been disclosed. Recently, the government has been assigning tasks to MACL that are not within its mandate, without any apparent guidelines. These tasks include building sports complexes and outdoor gyms.