KSA firm to invest $100m in Maldives

A Riyadh-based real estate investment and development firm announced on Monday its plans to develop a tourist property worth $100 million, which promises to offer lucrative investment opportunities for Saudi investors.
The Best Choice Real Estate Development plans to develop a tourist resort in Vadinolhu Island, located in Laamu Atoll in the Maldives, which will be ready in 2017.
The company plans to develop Vadinolhu Island’s seven-hectare area as an eco-friendly five-star resort based on the Maldivian Resort Island concept. The premium resort will feature 100 beach villas, including water bungalows and luxury suites and will offer world-class dining services, wellness facilities, and leisure activities. The site is being developed as a perfect getaway for tourists, while offering significant returns on investment to financiers.
Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, is currently visiting the Maldives on an official visit, as part of his Asia tour.
“The Maldives offers tremendous investment opportunities, especially in the hospitality sector, as it has rapidly emerged as a destination of choice for international tourists. Our aim is to develop Vadinolhu Island as a high-end resort with world-class facilities to promote it as a complete family destination,” Mohamad Rabih Itani, CEO of Best Choice Real Estate, said.
“We have already designed a business proposal targeting potential investors to collaborate with us in the operation and management of the resort. We are confident of achieving an operating profit in the second year with the cash payback period at six years,” he added.
The Maldives is one of the most recent investment destinations in South Asia; its tourist rate has been on the rise since 2012 and it is expected to attract 1.2 million visitors by the end of 2014. Its exotic beauty, panoramic view and clear waters have made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the past few years.
Due to its investment-friendly policies, the Southeast Asian Island offers attractive opportunities to keen investors, especially those interested in resort management.
Vadinolhu Island is an unexplored isle in close proximity to the domestic airport and offers immense potential for investors.
Best Choice is emerging as a property solutions provider of choice via its strategic mix of high-end developments, market research, and professional staff.
With headquarters in Bahrain and branches in Turkey and Maldives, the firm offers end-to-end real estate investment and development solutions focusing on international markets and major regional destinations.