The project marks a significant milestone for the northern island of Dhihdhoo, home to a vibrant community of over 3,000 residents. The initiative aligns with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to elevate housing and aviation infrastructure in the region, with MACL entrusted with realising this vision.

The ceremonial commencement was held at 4 pm, graced by Finance Minister Moosa Zameer, who inaugurated the project alongside distinguished government and MACL officials.

Among those in attendance were MACL CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareed Mohamed, Deputy Managing Director Mujuthaba Latheef, Dhihdhoo constituency MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed, and Dhihdhoo Council President Abdulla Rasheed.

Central to this ambitious undertaking is the Leiv Eiriksson, a state-of-the-art dredger capable of reclaiming 46,000 square meters of land at a time — ranking among the world’s two most technologically advanced vessels of its class, according to MACL.

The project will ultimately reclaim 111 hectares of land, laying the groundwork for transformative development in both the aviation and residential sectors.

During his recent visit to Dhihdhoo, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed his commitment to delivering a domestic airport on the island — a key campaign promise — expressing confidence that the project would be completed within his current term.