Maldives. Photo: Shutterstock The Maldives is promoting a move to transform halal tourism into an independent and significant sector in the country's tourism industry, while developing vacation products and services designed for Muslim tourists.
According to an official announcement issued by Visit Maldives on September 5, 2026, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation, Abdulla Yasir, met with His Excellency Sheik Yousef Hasan Khalawi, Secretary-General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development, to explore ways to promote the sector.
At the center of the discussions was the possibility of developing experiences in the country's hotels and resorts that are adapted to the principles of halal tourism. As part of the initial work, the Tourism Authority is examining which hotels and resorts are interested in joining the process, along with certification tracks, dedicated service standards, and facilities that will allow them to offer a tailored and competitive tourism product.
The Tourism Authority said the move is intended to meet growing demand for luxury vacation experiences tailored to Muslim tourists. In addition, the possibility of holding high-value international tourism events in the country aimed at the halal market is being examined.
The CEO of Visit Maldives defined the development of halal tourism as one of the authority's priorities, in line with the vision of the country's President, Mohamed Moiizu, to expand and diversify the national tourism offering. According to him, the Maldives seeks to rely on its status in the field of luxury and sustainable tourism to build a new premium product for the international Muslim audience.
At this stage, the process is under review and in early development. The announcement did not name the hotels that will join the program, the launch date, or provide a full breakdown of the conditions and standards required.