From social housing to luxury living, HDC unveils 15 ‘transformative’ projects

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has launched 15 key projects, touted as transformative development projects that promise to redefine living in the Maldives.

The projects, ranging from social to luxury housing developments, were launched by Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed in a ceremony held on Tuesday evening.

According to HDC, the developments are aimed to seamlessly blend luxury, eco-conscious design and community-centric amenities. Each development was designed to not only address the housing crisis but also foster inclusive, vibrant communities.

The projects:

Rasmalé: The Eco-City

As an ambitious response to the Maldives’ housing needs, the Rasmale’ project was launched by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on December 18, 2023. This groundbreaking eco-city, three times the size of Hulhumale’, is designed to accommodate 325,000 residents, setting the stage for the most extensive and innovative land reclamation project in Maldives. 

Rasmalé will be developed with green infrastructure, featuring renewable energy systems, green spaces and smart technologies to minimize environmental impact. Alongside 65,000 housing units, the eco-city will include public parks and commercial spaces, aiming to create a self-sustaining community where residents can live, work and thrive within an integrated environment.

Farukolhufushi Gated Community: Elevating Luxury Living

The Farukolhufushi Gated Community in Hulhumale’ is a luxury development that promises an exclusive island living experience. Located on the site of the original Farukolhufushi Resort, this gated community will offer a range of upscale living options.

This initiative is set to elevate the standards of luxury living, providing residents with resort-like amenities, including an indoor sports complex, lap pool, clubhouse, and a five-story luxury hotel for guests and visitors.

According to HDC, the Farukolhufushi Gated Community is expected to enhance the Maldivian tourism industry. 

Row Houses and Prefab Homes: Modern, Inclusive Living

The Row House initiative in the heart of Hulhumale’ is a convergence of modern living and community spirit. The Row Houses offer families a unique living experience complete with modern amenities, exclusive clubhouses, and wellness facilities to enrich their daily lives. According to HDC, this initiative is not just about housing, it paves the way for job opportunities in various sectors, helping to strengthen the economy and provide meaningful work for the community.

Meanwhile, the innovative Prefab Homes project is a cost-efficient alternative to conventional housing. These customizable homes ensure safe, modern and comfortable living spaces with minimal turnaround time and costs. Their versatility allows for on-site modifications without sacrificing structural integrity, making them an ideal solution for the ‘Binveriya’ housing scheme and easing families into their new lives.

Social Housing Project: Affordable Living

HDC plans on introducing two new social housing projects; one featuring 1,700 social housing units and another providing over 400 social housing units. 

According to HDC, these developments go beyond just housing but will help to foster economic growth by incorporating dedicated commercial spaces that welcome local businesses. It will not only kickstart economic activity but also will ensure residents have convenient access to essential services, significantly reducing their need to travel far.

Innovative Parking Solutions: Smart, Sustainable Infrastructure

To address the Greater Male’ Area’s parking challenges, HDC introducing 15 multi-level parking buildings in Hulhumale’. This initiative aims to ease traffic congestion, reduce parking shortages, and streamline vehicle registration in the capital. 

According to HDC, these solar-powered green parking buildings will reflect its commitment to eco-friendly urban development, paving the way for a sustainable future. HDC’s vision is to create a seamless parking experience with over 4,000 parking spaces and advanced smart parking solutions for short and long-term needs. This initiative goes beyond parking. Each of these buildings will feature rooftop terraces with restaurants, recreational amenities, EV charging stations, and PWD-friendly access. 

Isle Adventure Park: A Thrilling New Venture

In line with HDC’s vision for a vibrant, multi-faceted community, Isle Adventure Park is set to become a dynamic hub for excitement and adventure in Hulhumale’. With features such as racing tracks and drift tracks to go-karts, every aspect of this project is designed for adventure. A water theme park, splash pads, and wave pools will make it an ideal getaway for both thrill-seekers and families alike.

HDC believes that this development will enhance the Maldives’ reputation as a diverse tourist destination, making it an ideal getaway. The project is also expected to generate numerous employment opportunities in various sectors fostering local job growth and supporting the economy. It will also pave the way for local businesses to cater to food and beverage outlets, transportation and retail shops. 

Nooveli: A Premier Destination for Elevated Living

The Nooveli Island Retreat in the lagoon of Galufalhu is touted by HDC as a new benchmark in luxury island living. Just a short trip from Male’ and Hulhumale’, Nooveli is designed as an exclusive escape surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Maldives. This initiative introduces luxurious homes, fostering an experience that harmonizes luxury with well-being. 

Residents can enjoy Sunrise and Sunset Restaurants by the water’s edge, and embrace an active lifestyle with recreational activities. Nooveli further supports local businesses through a Commercial Plaza. It also caters to the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) market, featuring event spaces, a convention center, exhibition halls, and a banquet hall, perfect venues for gatherings of all sizes.

HDC’s vision is to expand the luxury real estate and tourism sectors in the Greater Male’ Area, drawing high-net-worth individuals seeking premium holiday experience and new investment opportunities.

History Center: Historical Legacy of Maldives

The History Center is touted by HDC as a groundbreaking innovative center narrates the story of Maldives’ rich past, featuring captivating exhibits, cherished artefacts, and an aquarium showcasing the wonders of the country’s seas. 

The Historical Center offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in Maldivian history through interactive exhibits that allow stories to come to life. According to HDC, this center isn’t just a tribute to the past—it’s a dynamic, educational hub designed to inspire future generations and support local artists and historians by providing them with a space to showcase their talents and share their stories.

Kinaaria: Destination Island

Just a 15-minute speedboat ride from the Greater Male’ Area, Kinaaria is touted as a “slice of paradise” and a destination designed for the simple joys of life. HDC said that it is reimagining beloved picnic islands and enhancing the experience by creating an ideal getaway that resonates with Maldivian cultural and communal values.

Kinaaria’s charm lies in its four distinct islands, each offering unique experiences:

• Integrated Tourism Island – Dedicated to private guest houses, each with direct beach access and stunning views, this island combines privacy and luxury with a wellness and spa experience. Floating restaurants and cafes bring a unique dining experience, while water sports like kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding offer an exhilarating adventure right by the shoreline. Dedicated to supporting the staff and service providers who make Kinaaria exceptional, this island features a Team Retreat for docking facilities, recreation, and well-designed accommodations that prioritize comfort and well-being, ensuring the best service and experience for all visitors.
• Entertainment Island – HDC aims to redefine recreation in the Maldives by introducing waterslides, beachside cinemas, paintball arenas, and rock climbing, transforming the area into a vibrant destination for both tourists and locals. With premier facilities and entertainment options, this island not only attracts visitors but also supports local businesses and job growth. It creates significant opportunities for collaboration among SMEs, bringing people together in a vibrant community.
• Camping Island – A first-of-its-kind, the Camping Island in the Maldives offers the thrill of outdoor adventure with activities like camping, bonfires, trails, and educational programs. Designed for scouts, youth groups, and families, Camping Island promotes environmental connection and skill development, inspiring future generations to lead with resilience and confidence.

Together, these islands offer unique experiences, much like the alphabet cones that inspired the name Kinaaria.

SME Building: Nurturing Innovation

The SME Building is an innovative space designed to support small and medium enterprises, offering shared resources and a collaborative environment, fostering creativity and connection among entrepreneurs.

This vibrant space is not just a collaborating working space but is a hub for innovation brimming with commercial outlets that will create a wealth of employment opportunities through its diverse tenant companies. This dynamic environment is expected to boost job growth, contributing significantly to the prosperity of the community. 

A Smart Warehouse Complex: Future of Logistics

The state-of-the-art Smart Warehouse Complex is poised to revolutionize the way businesses store, manage and distribute their goods across the nation. Powered by IoT, this innovative solution will cater to a diverse range of needs, ensuring that every aspect of logistics is efficient and streamlined.

Scenic City: Reimagining Hulhumale’

The Scenic City initiative is aimed at creating a lively urban landscape with vibrant streets, inviting gathering spaces and shaded pathways that make everyday life in Hulhumale’ more comfortable and encourage a sense of community. According to HDC, this transformation goes beyond mere beautification, it’s a bold step towards redefining what it means to live well in the city. 

With colorful murals, interactive sculptures, sustainable green spaces and interconnected jogging and biking paths that encourage a more active lifestyle, HDC aims to create a seamless vibrant environment that supports wellness and inclusivity for everyone. The vibrancy of the city will extend to its economy. These transformative projects foster dynamic commercial activities, benefiting local businesses, boosting job opportunities and will infuse the community with a fresh wave of economic vitality. 

HDC Building:  Modern Office for Innovation and Growth

According to HDC, its new office building will not only serve as a workspace for HDC employees but also integrate commercial spaces and public areas to elevate the experience for both staff and visitors. 

It will feature a training center, recreational areas, daycare, experience center, exhibition and parking spaces. HDC’s vision is to cultivate a modern, efficient workspace where innovation thrives in harmony with functionality, making it a true flagship of urban development. The architectural design will seamlessly blend greenery with vertical connection, and open spaces - setting a new benchmark for modern workplaces that embody functionality, flexibility, and accessibility.

Knowledge Park: Building Minds, Shaping Futures

Addressing the rising demand for educational institutions in Greater Male’,  the Knowledge Park is poised to transform the learning experience for students. Featuring a thoughtfully crafted complex that will house a variety of institutions, complete with a Management Office, Tutorial Rooms, Lecture Halls, Staff Room, Meeting Room, and Laboratories, all designed to nurture diverse learning experiences.

The Knowledge Park offers modern student hostels, where comfort meets functionality, creating a welcoming sanctuary for students. This modern, comfortable accommodation aims to enrich the student’s experience, providing a supportive atmosphere that promotes both study and social activities.

HDC said that its projects reflect more than development, but also the corporation’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for every Maldivian by creating communities that support a quality life, economic growth, and a deep connection to Maldives’ environment and heritage.