Government sets up state-owned resort company to share tourism profits with citizens
The Dhiveheenge Resort Hihsaa Corporation plans to build resorts and pay a share of the profits directly to every Maldivian.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has created a wholly state-owned company, the Dhiveheenge Resort Hihsaa Corporation (DRHC), by Presidential Decree No. 19/2026, MV+ reports.
The company is the vehicle for a policy the President first announced in his 2026 address to the People's Majlis: channelling returns from tourism directly to individual Maldivians.
What the company will do
According to the President's Office, DRHC is intended to make better use of state-held lagoons, uninhabited islands and other natural resources. Its mandate covers developing and operating international-standard resorts and related hospitality infrastructure, with an emphasis on environmental conservation and renewable energy. It is also expected to support local jobs and vocational training and to work with domestic and international investors.
The plan
- At least ten new resorts are planned through DRHC under a three-year roadmap.
- A substantial share of annual profits is to be paid in foreign currency directly into the bank accounts of every citizen.
- The government says it will bring legislation to parliament making every Maldivian citizen a formal shareholder in resorts developed under DRHC.
The company's authorised capital has been set at MVR 100 million.
What to watch
Details such as the first resort sites, investment partners and the timing of the shareholder legislation have yet to be announced. We will follow developments as they are published.
