The President has characterized the Islamic Center established in Dhidhdhoo by the previous administration as a project of the current government.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has characterized the Islamic Center in HA. Dhidhdhoo, constructed during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, as a project of the current government.

Delivering the Presidential Address to the People's Majlis on Thursday, President Muizzu stated that mosques are the most significant structures of the Islamic faith. Consequently, the President highlighted that this administration accords special priority to the renovation of existing mosques and the construction of new facilities.

President Muizzu stated that over the past year, practical work has been carried out on a total of 90 projects, including 74 mosques, seven Islamic centers, three Quran centers, and six waqf buildings. He noted that among these, the Islamic Center in HA. Dhidhdhoo and projects in 10 other islands have been completed and officially opened. Furthermore, President Muizzu announced that an additional eight mosques are scheduled to open before the beginning of the upcoming month of Ramadan.

Over the past year, a total of 90 projects were carried out, including the construction of 74 mosques, seven Islamic centers, three Quran centers, and six waqf buildings. Among these, the Islamic Center in HA. Dhidhdhoo and projects in ten other islands have been completed and inaugurated. Furthermore, God willing, an additional eight mosques will be opened before the start of the holy month of Ramadan. In addition to building new mosques, this administration will prioritize the renovation and maintenance of existing mosques currently in use.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu

While President Muizzu has highlighted the completion and inauguration of the HA. Dhidhdhoo Islamic Center as an achievement of the current administration, the project was originally contracted during former President Solih’s government. The project was awarded to Rasheed Carpentry and Construction (RCC) in 2023. The total value of the contract amounted to MVR 50.8 million.

When the administration changed in 2023, work on the center was already progressing at a rapid pace. However, the current government officially opened the facility in November 2024. At the time, the government faced widespread public criticism for attempting to take full credit for the project.

While President Muizzu has stated that projects to establish Islamic centers across the Maldives are underway, work has yet to begin on the center in Sh. Milandhoo. Despite the President personally attending a foundation-laying ceremony at the site of a major mosque that was demolished to make way for the project, the development remains stalled.

In the Presidential Address, the President highlighted that the government has spent significantly on mosque renovations. However, local councils across the country have expressed concern that the government has failed to give adequate attention to the maintenance and repair of these religious sites.