UAE-Maldives Cooperation Reaches New Heights with Velana International Airport Inauguration

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development

 UAE-Maldives Cooperation Reaches New Heights with Velana International Airport Inauguration

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) played a pivotal role in the official inauguration of Velana International Airport in the Maldives—an ambitious infrastructure project that marks a transformative milestone for the island nation. The airport, co-financed by ADFD with a contribution of AED 330.5 million (approx. USD 90 million), is set to boost the country’s operational air capacity to over 7 million passengers annually, reinforcing the Maldives' standing as a thriving hub for tourism, trade, and investment.

In addition to the UAE’s support, the project received funding from the Saudi Fund for Development, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, and the OPEC Fund for International Development, exemplifying robust regional collaboration aimed at sustainable development.

The inauguration, held in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of Maldivian independence, was attended by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Maldives, H.E. Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, and H.E. Rahma bin Abdulrahman Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to the Maldives, alongside senior representatives from partner institutions.

President Muizzu extended heartfelt gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for the nation’s steadfast support. Al Suwaidi emphasized that the milestone reflects ADFD’s unwavering commitment to enabling partner nations to achieve their sustainable development goals through strategic collaboration and investment in transformative infrastructure.