DRHC established to support plan for tourism profit distribution among Maldivian citizens

The government has established the Dhiveheenge Resort Hihsaa Corporation (DRHC), a state-owned company created to ensure that the economic benefits of the Maldives' tourism industry are shared more broadly among citizens.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu established the company under Presidential Decree No. 19/2026. According to the President's Office, DRHC was formed to support the sustainable development of the tourism sector while helping ensure that the industry's economic gains are distributed equitably among Maldivians.

The President's Office said the company is intended to maximise the value of state-owned lagoons, uninhabited islands and natural resources while building an investment portfolio that generates long-term benefits for the State and future generations.

Wholly owned by the government, DRHC will develop and operate international-standard resorts and other tourism-related assets, with a focus on environmental protection and renewable energy. Its objectives also include creating employment and technical training opportunities for Maldivians, increasing foreign currency earnings, and strengthening a competitive tourism business environment through partnerships with local and international investors.

President Muizzu first announced the initiative during his 2026 Presidential Address, outlining plans to enable citizens to benefit directly from the country's tourism industry.

Under the initiative, the government plans to develop at least 10 resorts over the next three years through the company. The President also announced that a substantial portion of the profits generated by those resorts would be deposited annually, in foreign currency, into the bank accounts of Maldivian citizens.

In addition, the President announced plans to introduce legislation that would make every Maldivian citizen a shareholder in resorts developed under the initiative.