Since our last interview, what have been some of the biggest changes or developments in the Maldives construction sector, especially in resort development?
The strong demand for new luxury resort developments in the Maldives, first seen two years ago, has proven to be sustainable, as evidence by a record-breaking two million tourist arrivals in 2024. This upward trend is expected to continue, highlighted by an 18% year-on-year increase in arrivals between April 2024 to April 2025.
As the market matures, development standards are also evolving. Last year’s elevated specifications have now given way to even more ambitious benchmarks. Branded food and beverage concepts, high-end sports facilities, and unique underwater experiences have become expected features of luxury resort islands, all aimed at delivering distinctive and memorable guest experiences.
However, this surge in development has brought new challenges, especially for local contractors who are facing capacity constraints. Many are still working to recover from the financial strain caused by the pandemic while also dealing with risks related to the volatile situations in the Middle East as evidenced last month.
With rising awareness of ESG and sustainability, how are resort developers in the Maldives adapting their design and construction strategies?
There’s a genuine and growing commitment to ESG principles in the Maldivian resort sector, though it comes with important context. The Maldives is an archipelago of small islands with limited natural resources, which means that many global ESG standards must be adapted carefully to local realities. Comparing ESG performance in the Maldives with that of a continental country is not always meaningful.
That said, developers are finding smart ways to overcome these constraints. Solar energy has become a standard feature, along with energy-efficient HVAC systems, and high-efficiency power generation and distribution. Many resorts are moving toward zero-waste goals by eliminating single-use plastics, investing in composting, and improving on-site waste management systems.
On a broader scale, both public and private sectors are actively participating in coral regeneration programs. The efforts are complemented by strict adherence to environmental regulations governing dredging, land reclamation, and beach enhancement projects, further reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainable development within its environmental limitations.
What upcoming trends or untapped opportunities should investors or developers keep an eye on in the Maldives market?
The “secluded islands” trend that emerged last year has now become a standard feature in Maldivian resort development. Over the past year, two trends have also gained significant momentum.
The first accelerating trend is wellness and experiential tourism. Guests are increasingly seeking more than just relaxation, they want purposeful, rejuvenating experiences. That includes yoga retreats, wellness circuits, outdoor meditation spaces, and even integrated nutrition and mental wellness programs. Resorts that offer this type of immersive wellness package are already seeing higher occupancy and stronger brand loyalty.
There’s also a new opportunity emerging from the global rise of remote and hybrid work. A growing segment of the market: digital professionals and entrepreneurs are opting for long-stay bookings, often spanning several weeks or even months. Resorts that cater to this demographic by offering co-working lounges, reliable internet connectivity, and tailored long-stay packages can diversify their income streams and drive occupancy during off-peak seasons.
How is RLB Maldives positioning itself to stay ahead of these shifts and add value to clients in this evolving landscape?
We’re very conscious that our clients are navigating a more complex and competitive market than ever before. At RLB Maldives, we’ve adapted our approach to deliver real value through strategic foresight, data-led insight, and a commitment to sustainability and innovation.
We are actively incorporating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations into our cost consultancy and project management frameworks.
We’re also leveraging global benchmarking data from RLB’s international network to provide more accurate cost forecasting and value engineering solutions. This is especially important in the Maldives, where supply chain logistics, resource constraints, and contractor capacity can have an outsized impact on project success.
Our strength lies in blending global best practice with local market knowledge to deliver projects that are financially sound, environmentally responsible, and operationally efficient.
What excites you the most about working in the Maldives construction market today, and what keeps you motivated as a leader in this space?
What excites me most about working in the Maldives construction market today is the rare opportunity to help shape a world-class tourism destination that’s truly unlike anywhere else on earth. The unique geography, the scale of innovation in resort development, and the growing emphasis on sustainability create a landscape where no two projects are the same. Every development presents a fresh challenge, whether it’s building on a remote island, integrating cutting-edge design with minimal environmental impact, or navigating complex logistics. It is an environment that demands creativity, precision, and adaptability.
What keeps me motivated as a leader in this space is the impact we have, not just on clients and projects, but on the broader economic and environmental fabric of the country. The work we do contributes directly to national development, employment, and the global reputation of the Maldives as a premier destination. I’m also driven by the chance to mentor the next generation of local talent and to bring global best practices into a uniquely local context.
At its core, it is about building responsibly, innovating continuously, and creating enduring value, for clients, communities, and the country as a whole.
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