Social
To ensure the safety of the high-rise towers in Hulhumalé, HDC has opened the opportunity to raise balcony railings and install window grills until September 30, with more than 500 applications received so far. In connection with the 900th anniversary of the Maldives' conversion to Islam, the foundation stone has been laid in Hulhumalé for the Sultan Mohamed Ibn Abdulla Grand Mosque—the largest mosque to be built in the Maldives—and a project has been launched to install religious advice and dhikr boards in all inhabited islands. In addition, following an incident where a cat was abused near the Vinares towers in Hulhumalé Phase 2, a gathering was held near Vinares 6 calling for an end to animal cruelty and for a sustainable solution to the stray cat issue.
To ensure the safety and security of residents living in the Hiyaa flats constructed in Hulhumalé Phase 2, the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) decided on 7 September 2026 to install railings in the flats. This decision is an important step taken to protect families and children living in the flats from potential hazards and to further strengthen the safety standards of the buildings. Furthermore, the corporation will make all necessary arrangements to carry out the practical work of this project and proceed with the installation of the railings in accordance with relevant regulations.
On 7 September 2026, important details were disclosed regarding the payment of social housing rent and housing loan assistance. In this regard, this includes arranging convenient mechanisms for rent payments for housing beneficiaries and providing details of loan schemes to further expand housing assistance to the general public. Additionally, highlights of the day included providing practical concessions to the rent policies of social housing units to ease the financial burden of housing, and facilitating opportunities for those in need of loan assistance.
In connection with the historic occasion marking 900 years since the Maldives embraced Islam, the foundation stone for the construction of a special new mosque was laid on September 7, 2026. This project was initiated as part of the significant activities being carried out to colorfully commemorate the passage of 900 years since the establishment of Islamic guidance in the country. Built to commemorate nine centuries since the Maldivian nation was illuminated by the light of the noble religion of Islam, this mosque will provide additional space and convenience for worshippers. To mark this historic occasion, numerous activities aimed at reviving the Islamic and national spirit across the Maldives are also scheduled to be conducted.
Following issues arising over the feeding of stray cats, animal rights activists and cat lovers from the general public took the initiative to hold a special gathering on Monday, September 7, 2026. Participants in the gathering raised their voices stating that feeding stray cats is not a crime, and that caring for them and prioritizing humanity is everyone's responsibility. Furthermore, rather than banning the feeding of cats, participants called on relevant institutions to arrange proper mechanisms to maintain hygiene and to find sustainable solutions to control the cat population.
In connection with the historic occasion marking 900 years since the Maldives embraced Islam, the government officially announced a major project on September 7, 2026, to install boards with remembrance (dhikr) and religious advice on the main streets and public areas of every inhabited island in the country. As revealed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the main purpose of this project, which will be funded through the state budget and spread over a one-year period, is to remind citizens of religious matters and righteous deeds. This work is scheduled to be carried out in collaboration with relevant ministries, island councils, and civil society organizations.