# Velidhoo (Noonu Atoll)

N.Velidhoo (Dhivehi: ވެލިދޫ) is one of the inhabited islands of Noonu Atoll in the Maldives. Velidhoo is the most populous island in Noonu Atoll. Velidhoo is renowned for their skilled craftsmen and are well-known for constructing safari boats, which play a vital role in the Maldives' tourism industry.

## History

Velidhoo Island, located in Noonu Atoll in the Maldives, has a rich and multi-faceted history that dates back over a millennium. The island has long been a hub of settlement, growth, and adaptation to both natural and human-made changes. The first settlers arrived on Velidhoo in the 5th century, with Indian travelers believed to be among the earliest inhabitants. These early settlers laid the foundations for the island’s cultural heritage. Over the centuries, Velidhoo became a thriving community, influenced by both local traditions and external trade connections. Throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries, Velidhoo faced the challenges of an increasing population and the need for expanded space. This led to several land reclamation projects designed to create more habitable areas and support economic activities such as fishing and tourism. One of the most significant milestones in the island's development was the land reclamation project completed in 2010. A total of 14 hectares of land were reclaimed, a massive expansion that greatly altered the island’s geography. The reclaimed land allowed for more housing, infrastructure, and public amenities to support the growing population. The project also included the construction of a 255-meter revetment designed to protect the newly reclaimed land from erosion and storm surges. This reclamation project was completed over 280 days at a cost of MVR 18.25 million, underscoring the scale and importance of the effort. Velidhoo is home to a remarkable banyan tree, believed to be over 300 years old. This tree stands as a natural monument to the island’s long history, witnessing the changes that have taken place over centuries. Its age and size have earned it a spot as one of the most significant natural landmarks on the island, further contributing to Velidhoo’s cultural identity. Velidhoo's hospitality extends to its neighboring islands as well, particularly to settlers from nearby Magoodhoo and Tholhendhoo. While specific records of how these settlers were welcomed are scarce, it is likely that Velidhoo, like many Maldivian islands, embraced newcomers as part of its long-standing tradition of community building. These settlers would have found a place in the growing population of Velidhoo, contributing to the island’s development and social fabric. Today, Velidhoo remains the most populous island in Noonu Atoll. Its combination of historical settlement, land reclamation, and cultural landmarks make it an essential part of the region’s identity. The island has become a key player in the local economy, with a focus on tourism, fishing, and other industries, all supported by the infrastructure built on the reclaimed lands.

## Demography

The statistics show the population of the island continues to grow at a steady rate.

## Governance
### Government Offices

This island has most government offices just like the capital island.
* The Secretariat of the Velidhoo Council
* Velidhoo Police Station
* Noonu Velidhoo Magistrate Court
* Noonu Atoll Education Centre
* Velidhoo Health Centre
* FENAKA Corporation - Velidhoo Branch
* Maldives Post - Noonu Velidhoo Branch
* Bank of Maldives - Velidhoo Branch
* Velidhoo Waste Management Centre

### Island chiefs

Below is a list of people who have filled the post of island chief (dates are provided where known).
* Katheebu Kaleyge – Muththoshige Gasim Fulhu (late) – Muththosige
* Ibrahim Moosa Kaleyfaanu (Naibu dhonkokko) (late) – Seesange
* Hassan Kaleyfaanu (late) – Muththosige
* Easa Gasim (late) – Daylight
* Mohamed Gasim (late) – Ochidmaage
* Abdul Samed Adam Kaleyfanu – Lubomage (3 September 1977 – 7 April 1982)
* Mohamed Hassan (Magoodhu Mohamed Fulhu) (late) – Dorensyvila (31 March 1970)
* Mohamed Hassan (late)– Muththoshige (3 June 1964 – 9 July 1977)
* Mohamed Abubakur (late) – Hilihilage (19 June 1982 – 31 July 1989)
* Ahmed Waheed (late) (Tholhendhu Waheed) (29 August 1970 – 14 June 1975)
* Abdul Azeez Moosa Kaleyfaanu – Oasanvilla (late) (6 July 1978 – 19 July 1979)
* Ali Moosa Kaleyfanu (late) – Elpaso (6 September 1976 – 16 May 1978)
* Ahmed Wasif (late) – Rediyamge (2 November 1982 – 1 December 1983)
* Moosa Hassanfulhu – Dheyliyaage (17 November 1965 – 1992)
* Abdul Rahman Hussain – Kethi (retired)
* Ibrahim Haleem Ali (late) – Bina (late) (died March 10, 2021)
* Ibrahim Naeem - Waves (retired)

### First Elected Velidhoo Council - 26 February 2011

* Mohamed Abbas - Velaanaage (President)
* Ahmed Saeed - Asdhoo (Vice President)
* Ahmed Ziyaad - Maadhuni
* Ahmed Siraaj - France
* Mohamed Faiz - Athiriaage

### Second Elected Velidhoo Council - 13 March 2013

* President of council: Ali Ahmeen Boashimaage
* Vice President: Ibrahim Ali Boashimaage
* Councilor: Ali Mujthaba - Kethi
* Councilor: Asma Hussain - Aahama
* Councilor: Ibrahim Qasim - Fashuvimaage

### Third Elected Velidhoo Council - 3 June 2017

* Asma Hussain - Aahama (President)
* Ahmed Jaufaru - Dearhouse (Vice President)
* Adam Ali - Hasthee (Council Member)

### Fourth Elected Velidhoo Council - 17 May 2021

* Athif Hussain - Aahama (President)
* Jeehan Mohamed - Aliha (Vice President)
* Haafiza Ibrahim - Azum
* Abdulla Abdul Razzaq - Uraha-
* Abdulla Faig - Maahaa

### Women's Development Committee - 17 May 2021

* Shareefa Hassan - Janbuge
* Khadheeja Adam - Hive
* Aiminath Suneela - Adha
* Khadheeja Ibrahim - Bahaaruge
* Dhiyana Abdul Razzaq - Uraha

### List of people who have been judges

* 1-Ibrahim Moosa Kaleyfaanu (Naibu dhonkokko) (late) – Seesange
* 2-Abdul Azeez Moosa Kaleyfaanu
* 3-Ibrahim Haleem
* 4-Mohamed Ibrahimfulhu (Miladhoo Mohamed fulhu)
* 5-Mohamed Haleem
* 6-raking

## Municipal divisions

Velidhoo has a total of 3 divisions:

### Uthuru

This is the northernmost division of the island.

### Dhekunu

This is the southernmost division of the island.

### Fasgan'du

The land was reclaimed and is now inhabited.

## Transport

The new harbour was opened by President Abdulla Yameen in 2017. The harbour, built by MTCC, is 240 m (800 ft) long and 76 m (250 ft) wide.
The Velidhoo Road Development Project, contracted to the Road Development Corporation (RDC) in November 2021, aims to develop 5 kilometers of roads on Velidhoo Island, Noonu Atoll, with a budget of MVR 88.5 million (approximately USD 5.7 million). The project includes asphalt paving, sidewalks with drainage systems, stormwater management, and the installation of streetlights. As of 2024, significant progress has been made, including curb installations, road leveling, and utility provisions on key roads like Bodu Magu and Sosun Magu, as well as stormwater pump station development. This initiative represents a substantial investment in Velidhoo's infrastructure improvement.

## Transportation

There are several passenger and cargo boats/speed boats operating between velidhoo and the capital Male'; it takes about nine hours on the sea in order to reach the destination. However it only takes about 3 hours from Velidhoo to Male' by speed boats. Also there is the option of air transport, from Maafaru International Airport.

### Public Transport Service

The Raajje Transport Link (RTL), operated by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), provides a public ferry service in the Maldives with high-speed speedboat ferries. Currently, the service operates in Noonu Atoll, with a route that connects the island of Velidhoo to the islands of Fodhdhoo, Holhudhoo, Magoodhoo, and Manadhoo.

### Boats

* Concord Express
* Blue Marine-9
* Sosan Express
* Royal 10
* Life Line

### Speed boats and ferry services

* Hope Travels
* Legion
* Flying Fish

## Education

NAEC (Noonu Atoll Education Centre) in Velidhoo provides a wide range of extracurricular activities that contribute to the holistic development of its students. Programs such as Cub Scouts, Scouts, Little Maids, and Girl Guides allow students to gain valuable skills in leadership, teamwork, and community service. In addition, various clubs focusing on the environment, culture, literature, and religion further enrich the students' experiences, promoting sustainable practices, cultural awareness, a love for literature, and a deeper understanding of religious values. Academically, NAEC has a strong track record, with several of its students consistently ranking among the national top tens in the IGCSE exams, showcasing the school's commitment to excellence in education. These achievements reflect the school's balanced approach, combining academic rigor with character-building activities to help students succeed both in and out of the classroom.
Hinz Preschool, a privately owned institution in Velidhoo, provides early childhood education in a nurturing and personalized environment. Unlike NAEC, which serves a broader range of students from preschool to higher grades, Hinz Preschool focuses specifically on laying a strong educational foundation for younger children. The school emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning, ensuring that preschoolers develop essential skills in a supportive setting. In addition to academics, Hinz Preschool fosters creativity, social skills, and emotional development, preparing children for their transition to formal schooling. While it may not offer the same extracurricular variety as NAEC, Hinz Preschool plays a crucial role in the early education of the community, helping to shape the future generation of students in Velidhoo with a focus on individual attention and care.
In the early days, the location now occupied by Hinz preschool in Velidhoo was home to Nahuza preschool. While both institutions have operated in the same building, there is no publicly available information confirming a direct connection between them.

## Health

The main healthcare medical centre is the government run Velidhoo Health Centre, along with the STO Pharmacy.
Another pharmacy is the private run Mazi Chemist Two located near the health centre.
There is a private clinic called Medicrest Clinic & Diagnostics.

## Language

Dhivehi is the language spoken in Velidhoo. Spoken only in Maldives, Dhivehi belongs to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European family of languages. It has numerous loanwords from Tamil, Malayalam, Sinhalese, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Portuguese and English.

## Religion

Islam is the official religion of the Republic of Maldives.