Government has initiated the construction of the new Darul Salaam Waqf building in Hulhumalé.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu laid the foundation stone at a ceremony attended by Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, government ministers, HDC Managing Director Ali Zuhair, and other senior officials.

Speaking at the event, Minister Dr Shaheem stated that efforts will be made to complete the building within two years. The contract to construct the Darussalam Waqf Building was awarded to Rasheed Carpentry and Construction (RCC) on 17 November.

The 12-storey building, to be constructed on a 20,000-square-foot plot, will feature modern facilities, including a dedicated parking area. According to the Islamic Ministry, the third to twelfth floors will house modern offices, prayer rooms, and meeting rooms. A large hall will be developed from the second to the eleventh floors, while the rooftop will include an open terrace. The building will also feature a day-care centre.

Lifts will be installed throughout the building, and the design includes improved access for people with special needs.

The project, costing MVR 244.5 million, is funded through BML Islamic Financing. RCC has been given 730 days to complete construction and will also handle the building’s maintenance for five years after completion.

Once operational, the Dalu Salaam Waqf Building is expected to generate an annual income of MVR 52 million. Of this, 20 percent will be allocated to the Zakat House, while the remaining 80 percent will go to the Islamic Waqf Fund.

The development is part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s electoral pledge to strengthen and expand the Waqf Fund in the Maldives.