Male' City to be "rethought" with a new five-year development plan

The Male' City Council has formulated a strategic development plan outlining key objectives to be achieved between 2027 and 2031, aimed at addressing the various challenges facing the capital and transforming it into a more livable and pleasant environment.

This was announced during the Male' City Council's second public consultation meeting of 2026, held on July 9, 2026.

The long-term master plan, titled "Rethink Male’ Urban Strategy 2030/2050," outlines a primary vision to transform Male’ into a livable and pleasant island city over the next 25 years. The plan is structured around three core pillars: environment, economy, and society. Under these thematic areas, a total of seven key strategies have been established.

The first strategy of the plan is to transform Malé into a "Fast City." The objective is to establish a seamless system for transportation and pedestrian movement. Under this initiative, authorities have decided to determine the vehicle carrying capacity of the city, upgrade roads to modern standards, and strengthen the public transportation network.

The second strategy is to transform Malé into a "Cool City." This initiative focuses on increasing greenery to mitigate rising temperatures, resolving persistent flooding issues, and strengthening the waste management system. The third strategy aims to establish a "Resilient City." Under this pillar, land-use planning will be reorganized, and dedicated zones will be designated for industrial activities.

While the development of a "Prosperous City" has been included as the fourth strategy aimed at economic growth, the fifth strategy focuses on creating an "Inclusive City." This initiative aims to ensure equitable access to housing and employment opportunities for all residents. As a sixth strategy, the plan outlines the development of Malé as a "Unique City," with a dedicated focus on preserving its cultural heritage.

The final strategy of the plan focuses on creating a "Safe and Secure City." This initiative includes programs to raise public awareness regarding legal assistance and digital security.

Male' City Council stated that plans are also underway to further strengthen its administrative operations to ensure all these objectives are met. The Council highlighted this plan as a significant step toward the future of the capital city.

According to the City Council, the meeting held on Thursday night was a significant initiative aimed at working closely with the residents of Malé City and seeking their views and consultation.