Is it possible that paradise was built and not just found? Today we explore Hulumale Beach a testament to Maldivian ingenuity. This isn’t just any beach it is a symbol of a nation’s response to rising sea levels.
Hulumale Beach is part of Hulhumale Island. Hulhumale is a reclaimed island in the North Male Atoll. This artificial island rises from the sea. Sand was pumped from the ocean floor to create it. The goal was to meet housing industrial and commercial needs. It was also built as a response to the threat of rising sea levels. President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom inaugurated the official settlement on May 12 2004.
Land reclamation increased the island’s area. It grew to 4 square kilometers. This makes it the fourth largest island in the Maldives. By 2019 Hulhumale had over 50000 residents.
Hulhumale’s development is managed by the Housing Development Corporation. It was formerly the Hulhumale Development Unit and Urbanco.
Reclamation began in 1997 in the Hulhule-Farukolhufushi lagoon. This is about 1.3 kilometers off the northwest coast of Male. The first phase created 45 percent of the landmass. This cost USD 11 million. A Belgian Joint Venture Company continued the project. It was called International Port Engineering and Management and Dredging International. This phase cost an estimated US 21 million.
All phase one works were completed by June 2002. In 2004 1000 residents moved to the island. The next phase added 244 hectares by 2015. By the end of 2019 there were more than 50000 residents.
Hulumale Beach offers a unique experience. It is a modern beach on a man-made island. The beach provides a space for relaxation. You can enjoy the sound of the waves.
Hulhumale is connected to Hulhule Island by a causeway. This allows easy transport to Velana International Airport. The Sinamale Bridge opened in September 2018. It connected Hulhule Male and Hulhumale’s road networks.
Spending time at Hulumale Beach is a chance to see the Maldives beyond resorts. It is an opportunity to appreciate the innovation. This is a place where you can relax learn and reflect on the ingenuity of the Maldives.