Hulhumale' City Hotel to become five-star 'Manhattan Grand' with media village

Hulhumale' City Hotel, including a dedicated Media Village, is set to undergo a significant transformation with the development of a new five-star hotel.

World of Business Private Limited, a foreign investment company operating in the Maldives under the Deep Seafood Company based in Dubai, was awarded the contract on Wednesday evening. This agreement entails the establishment of several colleges, including a media village, and the conversion of the existing City Hotel structure into a luxury five-star establishment.

The contract was formally signed at a special ceremony, with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) awarding the work to World of Business. Representing HDC were Managing Director Ali Zuhair, Deputy Managing Director Mohamed Asbah Ali, and CCO Ahmed Aslam. World of Business was represented by Managing Director Ibrahim Naeem, CEO Fahiyas Pangat, and COO Ali Nahiz.

Under the terms of the agreement, HDC is set to receive USD 11 million as the value of the hotel, in addition to an annual land rent of MVR 14.4 million.

The new hotel will be named 'Manhattan Grand'. Three floors and a portion of another floor within the hotel will be dedicated to fulfilling four commitments made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. These designated areas will house the Heritage College, Medical College, Media Village, and Youth Centre. The completion and handover of these specific floors are anticipated within the next five months.

The 'Manhattan Grand' will feature 158 rooms, a banquet hall, a multipurpose hall, conference halls, and a swimming pool. Guests will also have access to four international food and beverage brands, along with gym and spa services. The overall completion and opening of the hotel are expected within the next year, as stipulated by the agreement.