Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal has said that a Dubai company has been awarded to develop resorts in three islands in L. Atoll.

Speaking at PNC office last night, Faisal said that a Chinese company is already active in L. Baresdhoo. Three islands in L. Atoll, which were opened in May last year, received a proposal from a Dubai-based company and the company has been awarded the three islands, Faisal said.

"They have already paid the fees for one island to MIRA. The company will make payment for the remaining two islands this month and hopefully begin construction in the upcoming months," Faisal said.

Although he did not name the islands during his speech last night, Minister Faisal confirmed to One on Friday that the islands we L. Kashidhoo, L. Bodufunyafushi, and L. Hanhushi.

The lease acquisition cost of Kashidhoo, one of the islands opened by the Tourism Ministry in May for the construction of the resort, was USD 466,500. The fee for Bodufunyafushi was USD 471,000, and Hanfushi's fee was USD 421,500.

The lease acquisition cost is a fee fixed for obtaining leasehold rights pertaining to an island or land or lake that can be allotted for tourism purposes. An agreement regarding any place can be made only if the amount is paid to the state.