The China-Maldives Friendship Bridge stands as a powerful and enduring symbol of the close friendship between the Maldives and China, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said on Sunday, as the landmark structure marked eight years since its official opening.
President Muizzu visited the Sinamalé Bridge to commemorate the eighth anniversary, conducting an on-site inspection and viewing an exhibition of archival photographs highlighting the history of one of the largest infrastructure projects ever undertaken in the Maldives.
The President was received at the site by Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr Abdulla Muththalib, Minister of Foreign Affairs Iruthisham Adam and Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Kong Xianhua.
Linking the capital Malé with the airport island of Hulhulé and the suburban development of Hulhumalé, the 1.38-kilometre bridge transformed connectivity in the Greater Malé area and became one of the most recognisable symbols of the rapidly developing Maldives.
“Eight years ago today, the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge was opened as a powerful symbol of the enduring friendship between our two nations, connecting our Capital, Malé to the Airport and Hulhumalé,” President Muizzu wrote in a social media post.
He said the bridge represents far more than a physical connection between islands.
“More than infrastructure, it represents the trust, solidarity and shared aspirations that bind the Maldives and China together,” he said, adding that cooperation between the two countries under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping would continue to create new opportunities and benefits for both nations.
The bridge was officially opened on 30 August 2018. Construction was completed ahead of schedule despite widespread scepticism in the early stages, with some questioning whether a bridge could successfully span the open sea.
The 20.3-metre-wide structure provides two lanes for four-wheeled vehicles and two dedicated motorcycle lanes. The USD 300 million project was financed through a USD 100 million grant from China, a USD 170 million loan and a USD 30 million contribution from the Maldivian government.
Minister Muththalib, who was directly involved in the project from its earliest stages, described the bridge as a testament to the determination and professionalism of the engineers who worked to turn an ambitious vision into reality.
Marking the bridge’s eighth anniversary, Muththalib said he had the opportunity to contribute to its feasibility studies, surveys, design reviews and practical construction work.
He recalled the doubts, criticism and claims that the project would not be possible to complete, but said the bridge ultimately proved those sceptics wrong by being delivered ahead of its scheduled completion date and within the allocated budget.
The achievement, he said, reflects the determination, expertise and professionalism of the engineers who played an active role in the project.
Muththalib said engineering often makes the difference between an idea remaining unfinished and becoming a reality, adding that this was among the reasons the government had designated 30 August as National Engineers’ Day.
The day, he said, is intended not merely to commemorate the construction of a single bridge, but to recognise the broader engineering profession and its importance to the future development of the Maldives.
He extended his best wishes and greetings to engineers working across the country.
National Engineers’ Day is observed annually on 30 August, marking the opening of the Sinamalé Bridge in 2018. The structure remains one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Maldivian history and a landmark symbol of the country’s development.
