Maldives Launches State-Owned Tourism Enterprise to Distribute Resort Profits Directly to Citizens
President Muizzu initially unveiled the policy during his 2026 Presidential Address to the 20th People’s Majlis. | Photo: The President’s Office
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has established a 100-per-cent state-owned company, the Dhiveheenge Resort Hihsaa Corporation (DRHC), under Presidential Decree No. 19/2026.
The move operationalises a flagship economic framework designed to distribute returns from the country’s high-yield tourism sector directly and equitably to every Maldivian citizen.
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The President instituted the corporation pursuant to executive authorities, including Section 15 of the Companies Act (Act No. 7/2023). Under the statutory terms, the government has set the total authorised equity capital at MVR 100 million, divided into MVR 1 million shares valued at MVR 100 per share.
According to the President’s Office, DRHC represents a critical strategic step to maximise the value of state-held lagoons, uninhabited islands, and natural resources, building a resilient sovereign investment portfolio that generates sustained returns for current and future generations.
Under its operational mandate, DRHC will develop and run international-standard tourist resorts alongside related hospitality infrastructure, placing strict emphasis on environmental conservation and renewable energy adoption. The state enterprise will also facilitate local job creation, deliver technical vocational training, and increase national foreign currency inflows by forging commercial partnerships with domestic and global investors within a competitive market framework.
President Muizzu initially unveiled the policy during his 2026 Presidential Address at the opening session of the first session of the 20th People’s Majlis. During the address, the President committed to establishing a targeted delivery mechanism ensuring that the revenues generated by the tourism sector reach individual Maldivians directly.
Under the three-year roadmap, the administration intends to construct at least ten new resorts through DRHC. The operational policy guarantees that the state will distribute a substantial share of profits generated by these properties annually in foreign currency, depositing funds directly into the bank accounts of every citizen without exception.
Furthermore, the administration confirmed plans to draft and present statutory legislation to parliament that will formally designate every Maldivian citizen an official shareholder across all resort properties developed under the DRHC umbrella.
