The second airport supported by Abu Dhabi inaugurated in Maldives with AED 330.5 million investment. world News

The Republic of Maldives and the United Arab Emirates have marked another milestone in a long partnership focused on sustainable development and infrastructure growth. Through the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), the success of important projects in areas such as tourism, energy, transport and healthcare has been observed in four decades. Recently, two important aviation projects, waiver International Airport earlier this month and Velana International Airport today, AED 1.11 billion (almost. USD 302 million). These projects are not only infrastructural upgrades, but also strategic intervention to increase connectivity, increase economic growth and keep Maldives in position as a global hub.

Inauguration of Velana Airport 60th independence anniversary of Maldives

The Maldives government today inaugurated the Velana International Airport, which was aligned with the goals of the country’s strategic infrastructure, which highlighted its important role in the project with the participation of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD). The phenomenon occurred with the 60th anniversary of freedom of Maldives, adding symbolic importance to the unveiling of this high-effects development.The change of the airport was made possible by ADFD by a total investment of AED 330.5 million (USD 90 million), executed in two stages, and was supported by Saudi Fund for Development, The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and Opec Fund for International Development. This multi-interest holder cooperation highlights a common commitment among the Gulf-based development partners to support inclusive and permanent development in developing countries. The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of prominent leaders and officials, including:

Advanced Velana Airport can now accommodate over 7 million passengers annually, which gives a major boost to the country’s ability to handle international travel and tourism. The major features of the project include:

Upgradation of these infrastructure aims to place the Velana International Airport in the Indian Ocean as an important commercial, tourism and investment hub, increasing the global competition of Maldives in aviation and hospitality. During the inauguration, President Dr. Mohammad Muizu expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the permanent support shown by the UAE towards the development goals of his His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE.“ADFD reflects our shared commitment to achieve sustainable development goals, in partnership with international colleagues of Velana International Airport, and demonstrates a long -term strategic vision for the development and development of infrastructure in developing countries. He said, saying that the project is an important step in strengthening the country’s global aviation presence. Director General of ADFD Mohammad Saif Al Suvedi highlighted the importance of cooperation as a model for regional cooperation in sustainable development:“Through our partnership with the government of Maldives and Regional Development Institutions, we have collectively contributed to the economic and social development of the country. Combining the Maldives’ Independence Day celebrations, the Velana underlines our ongoing commitment to ensure more resource efficiency than the inauguration of the Velana International Airport and supports a flexible economy and the future,” He said that the project reflects the comprehensive mission of ADFD to support impressive, long -term development in partner countries.

The Velana Project follows the recent launch of the Maafaru International Airport on 8 July 2025, is another high-impact AdFD-funded initiative with the aim of improving access to the northern islands and luxury resorts of the country. Manufactured with AED 367 million (USD 100 million) investment, Maafaru Airport includes 2,850-meters long and 45-meter wide runway, capable of obtaining large-wide-bodied planes including Airbus A330 and Boeing 777. The airport is designed to serve as a major entrance to seven surrounding luxury resorts, which plays an important role in running tourism revenue and employment in the region. The opening ceremony was attended:

During this program, Minister Mohammad Saeed appreciated the UAE President His Majesty Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, keeping in mind the strategic value of bilateral relations and the UAE’s unwavering commitment to support sustainable development in the miscreants. He also accepted the important role of ADFD in helping the country implement transformational projects and strengthening major economic sectors like transport and tourism.

Partnership formed in four decades

Maldives’ development partnership with Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) began in 1978. Since then, ADFD has financed 11 strategic projects in important areas such as transport, tourism, energy and healthcare, the total investment exceeds 1.11 billion (USD 302 million).Recently inaugurated airport projects are a continuity of this permanent cooperation, which are aligned with the Maldives’ National Development Agenda and the widespread vision of the UAE for international cooperation and sustainable development.Established in 1971, ADFD is one of the major financial institutions of the UAE, focused on supporting the development of infrastructure in emerging economies. Fund manages the government’s grant for major strategic projects and follows a diverse investment strategy that increases economic flexibility in partner countries. It also funds the UAE-based private sector companies to help expand its global access and competition.