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HULHUMALE’: Manhattan Grand Hotel, a five-star city hotel developed in a long standing building project by State Trading Organisation (STO), was officially opened on Saturday night by Finance Minister Moosa Zameer.

Located near the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) area towards the end of Hulhumale’ Phase 1, Manhattan Grand is currently the largest five-star hotel operating in the Greater Male’ area.

The hotel features 162 rooms, alongside cafés, restaurants and a conference hall. Its facilities also include an outdoor swimming pool, a spa and wellness centre, and a fitness centre.

The opening marks the completion of a project that had remained unfinished for more than a decade after construction was first initiated by STO.

From stalled project to five-star hotel

STO began developing the building in 2012 under an agreement signed with US based Carlson Hotel Group in 2008. The project was initially scheduled for completion by the end of 2013, following an investment of approximately MVR 115 million.

However, construction was delayed due to various challenges, and the property was subsequently put up for sale on several occasions. The hotel was initially planned to operate under the Radisson Blu brand.

In May 2025, STO handed over the building’s development to World of Business Private Limited, which undertook the project under the Manhattan Grand name.

The hotel is being operated by World of Business with 50 per cent foreign investment. According to information previously shared by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), the investment was made by UAE-based Deep Sea Food Company.

STO exchanges property for land in Hulhumale’

In September 2025, STO and HDC reached an agreement to exchange the hotel property, valued at USD 20 million (approximately MVR 308 million), for a plot of land in Hulhumale’ Phase 2.

Completing the long-delayed hotel project and bringing it into operation has been among the current administration’s priorities.

The opening of Manhattan Grand adds another major hospitality facility to the Greater Male’ area, expanding accommodation and hospitality options for visitors and residents.