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The Cabinet has decided to formulate a comprehensive legal framework governing the exploration and extraction of non-living natural resources—including oil, gas, and minerals—within Maldivian territorial waters.
News Desk
President Muizzu in cabinet meeting - Photo: President Office
MALÉ: The Cabinet has approved plans to establish a dedicated legal framework governing the search, exploration, and extraction of oil, gas, minerals, and other non-living natural resources located within the maritime territory of the Maldives.
The decision was reached during a Cabinet meeting held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, following a paper presented by Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam.
Under the decision, the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources, alongside relevant state institutions, has been directed to initiate all preliminary administrative and operational work required for non-living marine resource exploration. The Cabinet also decided to draft a specific bill that will establish rules for issuing exploration permits, defining resource ownership, and setting up regulatory structures for the industry.
With the Cabinet’s approval, the government has officially launched practical legal and administrative efforts aimed at identifying the economic potential of Maldivian waters and securing financial benefits from oceanic resources.
Key details of the decision and project goals include:
