Business
Maldives offers resort construction period extension over virus disruptions
Many a developer involved in the construction of Maldives resort properties recently suffered project delays due to Covid-19 related lockdowns, shutdowns and interruptions.
More often than not, construction and development of a tourist resort happens with a combination of certain key factors: money, resources and time.
Any unwelcome time lags in the construction of a resort can affect the developer in many ways. It may result in breach of the construction permit, increased project costs, deterioration in workmanship, claims for compensation, renewal of permits – all having a degree of financial overlay.
It is not disputed that a Covid-style lockdown like the one we experienced recently would have resulted in cost increases with regard to labour material and equipment directly contributing to expanded field overheads.
It would have affected the ability to mobilise adequate manpower due to glitches in submitting documentation, seeking timely approvals and transporting them. It would have affected the timely import of materials, clearance and transportation of goods to locations due to interruption caused to supply chains. It would have also caused a series of concurrent delays where one component when held up has a cascade effect on rest of the components of the project.
Some of these developers who were affected by the lockdown communicated their concerns to the ministry of tourism. As a matter of relief, they requested that the construction period be extended to accommodate lost time.
The government seems to have appreciated their concerns in an amendment it brought out on June 22 to the Construction Period Extension Regulations.
The amendment enabled developers to apply for an extension of the construction period by an amount commensurate to time lost due to restrictions imposed or suffered pursuant to the public health emergency in effect since March.
According to this recent policy intervention, the developer in applying for relief should describe the delays encountered by the project due to restrictions imposed; define the period lost from the construction period; and provide documentation to support the claim.
On review of the application, if the ministry of tourism is convinced that delays did occur to the project and those delays are attributed to actions taken pursuant to the emergency (including lockdowns and shutdowns), the period lost from the construction period would be reimbursed in the form of an extension to the construction period. This extension will not attract a fee payment.
It may be noted that the construction period extensions provided in exchange for Covid-related disruptions would only entitle the developer for a commensurate extension of the construction period to accommodate time lags. This extension will not change the total lease period of the property.
The relief provided by this policy is limited to two things: the fact of reimbursement of time lost from the construction period, and this extension being granted without a fee.
This new rule is significant for a key reason: the lease agreement ordinarily provides the first 36 months of the tourism lease as a rent free period to develop the resort property. This is the three-year construction period.
Often times, the development of the property is not completed during that construction period for a host of reasons including insufficient or lack of funding, variations, changes to design drawings, and all sorts of other delays attributed to the supply chain. In these circumstances, an extension is invariably sought.
Extensions are generally granted to the construction period on application and payment of a prescribed fee. The fee is calculated at a base rate, charged on a per month basis, and prescribed in the regulations. The fee is applicable for each month of extension added to the construction period.
In consideration of this fact, the lease rent that would otherwise be levied from the end of the initial 36-month construction period (and applicable even during extensions) is deferred to be paid at a later date.
The key takeaway from this recent amendment is that qualifying applicants would be able to gain at least one to three months of extension to their current construction period, without the need for payment of an otherwise payable monthly fee.
Note: This article has been reproduced and adapted to fit our publishing guidelines with permission from its author: Nasheed & Co., a commercial law firm in the Maldives. The original article can be viewed here.
Hotelier Maldives has announced Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) as the Title Partner of Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 under a multi-year agreement, reaffirming one of the longest-standing partnerships behind the publication’s flagship hospitality recognition platform.
The 2026 edition marks the third consecutive year that BBM has served as Title Partner of Hotelier Maldives Awards, having supported the event in the same capacity since its launch in 2024. BBM has also backed Hotelier Maldives’ second flagship event, GM Forum, every year since 2023, with 2026 set to mark its fourth year as a Silver Partner of the forum.
The continued partnership reflects a shared commitment to recognising the people behind the Maldives’ tourism industry while supporting platforms that encourage industry dialogue, leadership and professional development.
Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 entered its public voting phase on 15 March 2026, with voting set to remain open for one month. Winners will be announced at the gala ceremony on 26 April 2026 at NIVA Kurumba Maldives.
Commenting on the partnership, Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, said: “BBM has been a valued partner of Hotelier Maldives Awards since the very beginning, and we are pleased to formalise this continued support through a multi-year agreement. Their decision to return as Title Partner for a third consecutive year reflects not only the strength of our relationship, but also a shared belief in the importance of recognising the people who drive excellence across the Maldives’ hospitality industry.
“BBM has also consistently supported GM Forum over the years, making them one of the most committed partners across our event platforms. We are proud to continue working together as we strengthen both Hotelier Maldives Awards and GM Forum as annual fixtures for the industry.”
AVS Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer of BBM, said: “At BBM, we have always believed that a strong hospitality industry is built by strong people, and Hotelier Maldives Awards provides an important national platform to recognise the professionals whose work often takes place behind the scenes. We are pleased to continue as Title Partner of the awards under this multi-year agreement, while also extending our support to GM Forum for a fourth consecutive year.
“As a company that has grown alongside the Maldives’ hospitality sector, we value opportunities that celebrate talent, encourage professional pride and contribute to the long-term development of the industry. Our continued partnership with Hotelier Maldives reflects that commitment.”
Bestbuy Maldives is one of the country’s leading importers and distributors, serving the hospitality, HORECA and retail sectors with a broad portfolio of international brands. The company positions itself as a partner to the Maldivian hospitality industry, supplying products from around the world across key business verticals including resorts, foodservice and retail.
Hotelier Maldives Awards continues to recognise the contributions of resort-based hospitality professionals across the Maldives, highlighting both individual excellence and team performance. The awards programme remains the country’s only dedicated recognition platform focused on professionals working in resort operations. The current public voting round allows industry stakeholders, colleagues, guests and the wider public to take part in selecting this year’s winners.
The growing list of confirmed partners for Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 includes Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) as Title Partner, Dhiraagu as Platinum Partner, Storm Events as Organising Partner, NIVA, Kurumba Maldives as Host Partner, Souvenir Marine as Transport Partner, ALIA as Associate Sponsor, and Lightsout Studios as Associate Partner. More partners and sponsors will be announced soon.
Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has announced the opening of Feydhoo Hall, a landmark event venue at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, redefining the possibilities for meetings, celebrations, and destination events in the Maldives.
Designed to bring scale, flexibility, and creativity to island gatherings, Feydhoo Hall represents a bold step forward in positioning the Maldives as a dynamic destination for conferences, weddings, and large-scale social occasions.
Feydhoo Hall offers a versatile event complex designed to accommodate a wide range of gatherings, from corporate meetings and conferences to weddings and social celebrations.
At its core is the 390 sqm Main Hall, capable of hosting:
- Up to 300 guests in theatre-style setup
- Up to 240 guests for dining and banquet-style events
- Up to 200 guests for cocktail-style receptions
- Up to 144 guests in cluster-round configuration
Enhancing the flexibility of the venue are additional dedicated spaces, including:
- A 110 sqm Veranda Terrace, ideal for welcome receptions, breakout sessions, and pre-event gatherings, accommodating up to 100 guests for cocktail-style events.
- A spacious 1,000 sqm Lawn Space, perfect for large-scale outdoor celebrations, destination weddings, and open-air events, accommodating up to 400 guests for cocktail receptions and up to 350 guests for dining setups.
- The 55 sqm Ekugai Meeting Room, designed for smaller meetings and executive sessions, accommodating up to 30 guests in theatre or dining setup and 24 guests in cluster-round format.
Together, these integrated spaces create a seamless indoor-outdoor event experience, allowing planners to design dynamic and personalised event journeys.
True to the dusitD2 brand’s lifestyle-driven philosophy, Feydhoo Hall introduces a fresh approach to meetings and events — where productivity meets creativity in an inspiring island setting.
The venue offers flexible meeting formats designed to suit different event needs, including:
- Half-Day Meeting Package (4 hours) — ideal for focused sessions, executive meetings, and creative workshops.
- Full-Day Meeting Package (8 hours) — designed for immersive conferences, extended workshops, and large-scale corporate gatherings.
These thoughtfully structured packages provide planners with the flexibility to create impactful and seamless experiences, whether hosting intimate strategy sessions or dynamic full-day events.
Located just seven minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives combines accessibility with vibrant lifestyle energy, offering event planners and guests a rare balance between convenience and tropical escape.
With the introduction of Feydhoo Hall, the resort strengthens its position as a versatile destination — not only for leisure travellers but also for international conferences, creative retreats, luxury weddings, and large-scale social celebrations seeking something refreshingly different in the Maldives.
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) opened a new wholesale store in Hulhumalé Phase 2 on Monday.
The outlet is located on the ground floor of Lot 20286, Nirolhu Magu, and is intended to improve access to BBM’s imported goods for residents of Hulhumalé Phase 2 and for businesses operating in the area.
According to the company, the opening forms part of its plan to expand services closer to customers in line with population growth in Hulhumalé.
With the opening of the new store, BBM’s full range of imported and distributed products will be available at the Hulhumalé Phase 2 location. These include consumer goods from international brands such as Lifebuoy, Vaseline and Unilever.
The store will also stock wholesale food products from brands including Daily, Cavin’s and Redman.
BBM has supplied goods to resorts, hotels and retail outlets across the Maldives for several years.
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