Hulhumalé: The Gateway to Paradise

• Helloދިވެހިން
  [Salaam]
• Goodbyeކަނދިން
  [Kan'di]
• Yesއި
  [Ae]
• Noނު
  [Nu]
• Please/You're welcomeއަކައިއާ
  [Akaa]
• Thank youމިއަހީފަނަ
  [Shukuriyaa]
• Excuse me/Sorryކަމަށްވިން
  [Kamah vina]
• How are you?ކުރިމިއެކުން?
  [Kihimae kuni?]
• Fine. And you?ކުރިމިއެކުން?
  [Kihimae kuni?]
• Do you speak English?މެއިލްމެބަކުން?
  [Inglis meeakah?]
• I don't understandއެޅިންހިފާނުން
  [Ehunifaaehaanu]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseމެންއެވެހީދަށީ
  [Menu akah thaahakurey]
• I don't eat meatދިވެހާލިންނުވާނުން
  [Dhivahlihun nuhavaidhaanu]
• Cheers!ވިރީސް
  [Viru]
• I would like to pay, pleaseމެންއެވެހީފަށީ
  [Furihavadhaa]

• Help!އިކުރު!
  [Ukur!]
• Go away!ކެމުނު!
  [Kemaanu!]
• Call the Police!ކެލް ޕޮލިސް ދަރަޖަރުން!
  [Kulhu polis dharavandhu!]
• Call a doctor!ދަކްލަ ވަނަރާން
  [Daktha vandhaanu]
• I'm lostއެމުންވެހީދާ
  [Emun vadhaa]
• I'm illއެކަމައިފާ
  [Emahifa]

• I'd like to buy...މެންއެވެހީދަށީ
  [Furihavadhaa]
• I'm just lookingޔެކުރުތަކަށިން
  [Hamaadhaakahthaanu]
• How much is it?އެކަލަވާ?
  [Ehlaavai?]
• That's too expensiveބަވާނާއިފަ
  [Bavaaiifaa]
• Can you lower the price?މެކަލައިފަށީ
  [Mehlaai badhaavifaa]

• What time is it?ކުރިމިއެކައި?
  [Kihimae kae?]
• It's one o'clockއެސެސްމަނަ
  [Eh saamai]
• Half past (10)އެކަލައިފާ
  [Ehlaa]
• Morningމީރިނަށް
  [Mihirunaa]
• Afternoonދިރިވަނަށް
  [Dhirivanan]
• Eveningމަނަށް
  [Maaan]
• Yesterdayއީވިރިއަށް
  [Eyvirivan]
• Todayއެކައިދަ
  [Ehkaadhu]
• Tomorrowއާކަވަރަ
  [Akaavara]
• 1ދިވެހާ
  [Dhivah]
• 2ދިއެވަނަ
  [Dhevaanan]
• 3ދިނެވެ
  [Dhineva]
• 4ދިބަ
  [Dhiba]
• 5ދިބައް
  [Dhibaai]
• 6ވައްކަ
  [Vaaeka]
• 7އެވެއް
  [Evaai]
• 8އެވެއްއަނަ
  [Evaai anaa]
• 9އެއްނާ
  [Evaanaa]
• 10އެމަން
  [Ehman]

• Where's a/the...?އާކުރުނުވާ...?
  [Akaanuvaai...?]
• What's the address?އަޑުގަރ?
  [Adugura?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?މެކަންވާއިފަށީ
  [Mehavai fadhaavifaa]
• When's the next (bus)?އާކުރިން މަނަ?
  [Akaari maa?]
• A ticket (to ....)އަކުރައިދަ
  [Akaaraidhaa]

Hulhumalé is a reclaimed island located in the Maldives, which was created to alleviate housing issues and stimulate economic growth. The reclamation project began in 1997, with the first phase completed in 2002. The island was constructed by dredging sand from the seabed and depositing it on shallow lagoons. This ambitious project was spearheaded by the government of Maldives to address the growing population and increasing land scarcity in Malé, the capital city.

The official inauguration of Hulhumalé took place on May 12, 2004. During the early years, the island was primarily residential, designed to provide modern housing for Maldivians. The initial infrastructure included roads, housing units, and essential services like electricity, water, and sewage systems. The development was part of a larger plan to decentralize the population from Malé and reduce congestion in the capital.

Hulhumalé has seen significant economic and commercial growth since its inception. The government has actively promoted the island as a commercial hub, attracting businesses and investors. The island features a blend of residential, commercial, and recreational areas. Key developments include shopping malls, business centers, and hospitality establishments, making Hulhumalé a vibrant urban center.

From its early planning stages, Hulhumalé has incorporated principles of environmental sustainability. The island features green spaces, parks, and pedestrian-friendly areas. Efforts have been made to implement renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, and promote waste management and recycling. The goal is to create an eco-friendly urban environment that balances development with environmental stewardship.

Hulhumalé has become a focal point for educational and healthcare services in the Maldives. The island hosts several schools, colleges, and vocational training centers, providing quality education to its residents. Healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics, are equipped with modern amenities and staffed by skilled professionals, ensuring comprehensive medical care for the community.

Tourism plays a significant role in Hulhumalé's economy. The island offers a range of leisure activities, including beaches, water sports, and cultural attractions. Hulhumalé's proximity to Velana International Airport makes it a convenient destination for tourists. The island is also a gateway to the Maldives' renowned resorts and diving spots, attracting visitors from around the world.

Hulhumalé continues to expand as part of the government's long-term vision to develop a smart city. Future plans include the construction of high-rise buildings, advanced transportation systems, and state-of-the-art technology infrastructure. The aim is to create a sustainable and modern urban environment that meets the needs of its growing population and contributes to the national economy.

Hulhumalé is located in the Maldives and is easily accessible from Velana International Airport (MLE), which is the main gateway to the Maldives. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to the Hulhumalé ferry terminal. Ferries run regularly between Male City and Hulhumalé and the journey takes approximately 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a speedboat or taxi directly from the airport to Hulhumalé, which is quicker but more expensive.

Getting around Hulhumalé is convenient and straightforward. The island is relatively small, so many places are accessible on foot. For longer distances, you can use local taxis, which are plentiful and reasonably priced. Public buses also operate within Hulhumalé, offering an affordable way to explore the area. Bicycle rentals are available and can be a fun way to navigate the island. For trips to other islands, ferries and speedboats are available from the ferry terminal.

The official currency in the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). However, US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted in many places. Credit and debit cards are commonly accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller transactions and in more remote areas. ATMs are available in Hulhumalé, but it is a good idea to withdraw enough cash before heading to less developed areas.

Hulhumalé is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur, so stay vigilant. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying aware and cautious will ensure a safe visit.

In case of emergency, dial 119 for police assistance or 102 for medical emergencies. Hulhumalé has a police station and a medical center that can handle most emergencies. For more serious medical issues, you may need to be transferred to a hospital in Male. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications and minor health concerns.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in public areas and during local festivals. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Be mindful of prayer times and avoid loud noises during these periods. Public Transport: Do be courteous and respectful. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a warm smile or a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Maldivian cuisine and accept hospitality graciously. Don’t refuse food or drink, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Hulhumalé like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Maldivian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island’s culture and history. Take a leisurely walk or bike ride along the picturesque beachfront promenade. Don't miss the chance to visit local cafes and try traditional Maldivian dishes. Participate in local festivals and events to get a genuine feel of the local culture.