Addu is at a turning point
Nearly fifty years after the final RAF flight departed Gan on 29 March 1976, Addu has come full circle — from a community profoundly affected by the British military withdrawal and decades of outward migration to a growing city poised to become the gateway to the Southern Maldives.
In the years that followed, many residents left Addu for employment in the rapidly expanding Maldives' tourism industry, pursue secondary and higher education, and establish careers in Malé. This sustained outward migration began to ease with the establishment of quality secondary education in Addu and continued investment in healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development, enabling more people to live, study, work, and build their futures closer to home.
Today, with a land area of more than 1,250 hectares, more than 25,000 residents, and expanding opportunities in tourism, trade, fisheries, agriculture, and emerging industries, Addu is increasingly becoming a destination in its own right. More than 1,700 Maldivians from other islands and over 4,700 foreign nationals now reside in the city — together representing around a quarter of its population.
Its interconnected geography, diverse population, and established urban footprint offer a strong foundation for integrated planning, efficient service delivery, and sustainable growth. Building on these strengths, Addu is well positioned to become a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable city.
- residents in 2022 Census
- 25,062residents in 2022 Census
- resident Maldivians in 2022
- 20,343resident Maldivians in 2022
- foreigners in 2022
- 4,719foreigners in 2022
- hectares of land
- 1,268hectares of land
A connected atoll
The Link Road runs the length of the western chain, joining four islands end to end. There are two inhabited islands and three resorts on the eastern chain. Gan in the southern tip serves as the international airport.
Islands of the city
- Hithadhoo
- Maradhoo
- Maradhoo-Feydhoo
- Feydhoo
In 2025:35,334people are registered in Addu.
The population of Addu has increased from 14,094 to 25,062 by 2022. This plan sets a target of 35,000 residents in Addu by 2030.
Settlement history and the counts year by yearResilient, Inclusive, Sustainable Addu
Our aim is a multi-cultural hub for young professionals, with
35,000residents by 2030
Five interconnected pillars
What distinguishes the Addu Development Plan is its integrated, systems-based approach. Rather than presenting a collection of standalone projects, it sets out a coherent model for transformation built on five interconnected pillars: modern smart infrastructure, empowered people, a diversified thriving economy, a rich natural environment, and good governance grounded in trust, respect, and strong leadership. Together, these pillars provide a clear and credible foundation for Addu's future as a resilient, inclusive and sustainable city.
Modern smart infrastructure
Empowered people
A diversified economy
A rich natural environment
Good governance
Twelve goals
Twelve goals carry the vision of a resilient, inclusive, sustainable Addu. Open any goal to read its targets and comment on each action.
- Goal 1
Ensure energy security
3 strategies · 10 actions - Goal 2
Future ready transport
4 strategies · 16 actions - Goal 3
Connect the South
3 strategies · 12 actions - Goal 4
Safe water sources
3 strategies · 12 actions - Goal 5
Diverse quality housing
3 strategies · 12 actions - Goal 6
Connect community
6 strategies · 24 actions - Goal 7
Ensure food security
6 strategies · 24 actions - Goal 8
Health and well-being
6 strategies · 24 actions - Goal 9
Education excellence
6 strategies · 24 actions - Goal 10
Inclusive prosperity
6 strategies · 24 actions - Goal 11
Wildlife and wellness tourism
6 strategies · 24 actions - Goal 12
Environment protection
6 strategies · 24 actions
Eleven flagship initiatives
Eleven closely related initiatives carry the vision of a resilient, inclusive, sustainable Addu.
- 01
Home solar and battery storage
We are taking a major step toward a cleaner, more affordable energy future for our community. We are launching a new initiative to install 10 kWp solar PV system on every household in Addu along with 15 kWh battery storage.
- 02
Free electric bus service
We will launch a free electric bus service across the City connecting all important places, designed to make daily travel easier, more affordable, and environmentally friendly for all residents and visitors.
- 03
Modern Smart Link Road
Transform the 13km Feydhoo-Hithadhoo Link Road into a safe, climate-resilient and technology-enabled road through complete resurfacing, improved drainage, smart lighting, and safer junctions.
- 04
Starter homes for young families
We will provide young families 350 starter homes. These homes will be powered by renewable energy, provide safe water, and include gardens and open spaces where children can play, learn, and grow.
- 05
Creative community centres
We will build integrated community centres with open green spaces to create inclusive welcoming spaces for children, young people, and elderly. These spaces will feature library, multi-purpose rooms, meditation, and recreation.
- 06
Every home is a food grower
We will support households to grow essentials such as lime, chilli, ginger, cucumber, tomato, gourds, mangoes, passion fruit and guava by providing seed packs, compost, training, guidance, and ongoing support.
- 07
Active healthy community
We will develop gyms, group fitness activities, and sports events that encourage participation across all age groups complemented by nutrition education led by chefs, fostering healthy eating and sustainable lifestyles.
- 08
Higher and tertiary education excellence
We will increase access to quality tertiary education in nursing, medical training, hospitality, pilot training, cabin crew, and technical roles in aviation aligning education with industry needs.
- 09
Zero poverty
We want a future where no one is left behind. We will support vulnerable members of our community through focused efforts in skills development, employment creation, mentoring, entrepreneurship and SME development.
- 10
Live aboard hub and marina
We will develop a marina to provide safe and modern berthing, fuel, water, power, waste management and maintenance. The hub will create a vibrant waterfront with dining, boutique shopping, and wellness facilities.
- 11
Biodiversity conservation
We will launch an integrated biodiversity conservation initiative focused on protecting the White Tern, manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, and dolphins and strengthen the management of Eidhigali Nature Park.
Tell us what to change.
Every one of the 230 actions in this plan takes a response — support it, say you are unsure, or raise a concern, and add a comment if you want to explain. Your answers send themselves as you make them.
Start with goal 1