Bahrain-based Gulf Hotels Group (GHG) has announced plans to develop its first luxury resort in the Maldives, marking the company’s debut in the Indian Ocean and a key milestone in its international expansion strategy.
The project will be developed in partnership with Maldivian company Keiretsu Pvt Ltd following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Bahrain. The agreement establishes a framework for the two companies to jointly develop a luxury island resort in Kaafu Atoll, one of the Maldives’ most established tourism regions.
The planned resort will be built within a private lagoon located about 15 to 25 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. According to the companies, the development aims to offer the exclusivity of a private-island retreat while remaining easily accessible from the country’s main international gateway.
Plans for the resort include a collection of beach villas and overwater villas, as well as restaurants, wellness facilities and a range of recreational amenities designed to cater to the luxury tourism market.
Keiretsu Pvt Ltd will oversee the project’s development. The Maldivian company has previously been involved in the planning, design and development of several high-end resorts in the country, including Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.
GHG said the investment reflects its long-term strategy of expanding beyond its traditional markets and entering high-growth tourism destinations while strengthening its international hospitality portfolio.
Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Janahi described the Maldives project as a major step in the company’s growth.
“This project marks an important step in Gulf Hotels Group’s growth journey as we expand beyond our traditional markets and establish a presence in the Indian Ocean region for the first time,” Janahi said.
He said the Maldives is one of the world’s most recognised tourism destinations, known for its strong long-term growth potential and reputation for exceptional hospitality experiences.
Janahi added that signing the MoU represents an important milestone in turning the project into reality and expressed confidence that the partnership would deliver a hospitality development that contributes to the Maldives’ tourism industry while supporting the group’s long-term growth objectives.
Keiretsu Pvt Ltd Founder and Managing Director Sofwan Ahmed said the agreement reflects both companies’ confidence in the project’s potential and lays the foundation for a long-term partnership.
He said Gulf Hotels Group’s experience as an international hotel owner and operator, combined with Keiretsu’s expertise in resort development in the Maldives, positions the partnership to deliver a luxury destination that meets international standards while showcasing the Maldives’ unique natural beauty.
Founded more than 50 years ago, Gulf Hotels Group is one of Bahrain’s leading hospitality companies. The group owns and operates hotels and hospitality properties across Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates and has been steadily expanding its presence in regional and international tourism markets.
