Hulhumalé

Hulhumalé is a planned artificial island in the Maldives, located in Kaafu Atoll just north of Malé and east of the Velana International Airport on Hulhulé. The project was conceived in the late 1990s as part of a strategy to relieve overcrowding in Malé and to create a new urban centre capable of housing residents, supporting commerce, and serving travelers. The land reclamation project is managed by the Hulhumalé Development Corporation, which oversees master planning, infrastructure, and phased development.

The development emphasizes sustainable urban design, water and energy efficiency, and climate resilience. It includes zones designated for housing, education, health, public spaces, and commercial activity, with aims to provide modern services in a landscaped, pedestrian-friendly environment. Environmental considerations and coastal defenses have been integrated to address the island’s low-lying nature and exposure to sea level rise.

Hulhumalé is connected to Malé and the airport island via a bridge and road network, and hosts facilities such as a bus terminal and a ferry terminal that integrate it into the wider Malé region. The island has experienced rapid growth in housing and commercial activity, with ongoing expansion through additional reclaimed land and infrastructure. As a planned secondary urban centre, Hulhumalé seeks to alleviate density in Malé while offering improved public services and future growth potential.