Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain / Male, Maldives: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: Gulf Hotels Group (GHG), Bahrain’s leading hospitality company, has advanced plans for its first investment in the Indian Ocean through a landmark luxury resort development in the Maldives, reinforcing the Group’s international growth strategy and long-term commitment to expanding into high-growth markets.
The project follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Gulf Hotels Group and Maldivian partner Keiretsu Pvt Ltd in Bahrain, establishing a framework for collaboration to jointly develop a luxury island resort in Kaafu Atoll, one of the Maldives’ most established tourism regions. Situated within a private lagoon approximately 15 to 25 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the resort is designed to combine the exclusivity of a private-island experience with convenient access to an international gateway.
The Memorandum of Understanding establishes the foundation for a long-term strategic partnership between Gulf Hotels Group and Keiretsu Pvt Ltd, combining the Group’s owner-operator expertise with Keiretsu’s extensive local experience. The agreement also reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to develop a world-class luxury resort that contributes to the continued growth of the Maldives’ tourism sector while creating long-term value for stakeholders.
“This project marks an important step in Gulf Hotels Group’s growth journey as we expand beyond our traditional markets and establish a presence in the Indian Ocean region for the first time. The Maldives is one of the world’s most recognised tourism destinations, offering strong long-term fundamentals and a reputation for exceptional hospitality experiences.”
“The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding marks an important milestone in bringing this vision to life. We look forward to working closely with our partners to advance the project and create a hospitality asset that contributes positively to the Maldives’ tourism sector while supporting the Group’s long-term growth objectives,” Ahmed Janahi, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Hotels Group, said.
“The Memorandum of Understanding reflects our shared confidence in the potential of this project and establishes the foundation for a long-term partnership. By combining Gulf Hotels Group’s international owner-operator expertise with Keiretsu’s local experience in projects development in the Maldives, we are well positioned to deliver a luxury destination that meets the highest international standards while celebrating the unique character and natural beauty of the Maldives,” Sofwan Ahmed, Founder and Managing Director of Keiretsu Pvt Ltd, said.
“We look forward to working closely with Gulf Hotels Group as we move into the next phase of the project and create a resort that contributes to the continued growth of the Maldives’ tourism industry while delivering lasting value for the destination and all stakeholders.”
Planned as a single-island luxury resort destination, the development will comprise a collection of beachfront and over-water villas, each featuring a private pool, alongside a range of restaurants and lounges, wellness facilities, marine and recreational experiences, lifestyle programming, and dedicated venues for weddings and special events.
Keiretsu Pvt Ltd, the local partner, brings extensive experience in supporting major hospitality developments across the Maldives and will play a key role in local regulatory, and project implementation matters. The partners intend to establish a joint venture to own, develop, and operate the resort, with Gulf Hotels Group participating as both an equity investor and operator of the resort.
