for the atoll ferry service, and wholesale business. Hence, respective citizens from other islands travel for medical and banking service, while retailers acquire their day-to-day supplies at the same rates as in the capital city. Most of the basic infrastructure was built through aid granted from overseas organizations, such as the recent upgrade to the harbour which was funded by French aid. The sewerage and sanitation systems were built through aid granted from the UN. Manadhoo has the atoll school, which was built with grant aid from Japanese government during the 1980s. Manadhoo is in close proximity to luxury hotels, which have been built recently, such as Soneva Jani and Cheval Blanc Randheli (operated by Louis Vuitton and Moët Hennessy), now owned by Sheik Mansour from Abu Dhabi. The economy of Manadhoo is unhealthy like other islands of Maldives, hence no large-scale economic activities take place. Most of the citizens were engaged in public sector employment, with the rest employed in the tourism sector. There has been a plan to develop tourist guest houses on the island, knowing that Maafaru Airport would begin operation in 2018 (funded by investment from the UAE). This could be a vital turning point for Manadhoo, hence the island is capable of leasing large amount of land to the beach front facing towards sunset. Other services Atoll Development Council Guest House, Bank of Maldives Manadhoo Branch, Noonu Atoll Family and Children Service Center and Noonu Manadhoo Post contributes to the infrastructure of the island. Transportation There are several Passenger and Cargo, Boats/Speed Boats operating between Manadhoo 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 Manadhoo to Male' by Speed Boats. Also there is the option of Air Transport, from Maafaru International Airport. Maafaru is just 5 minutes away from Manadhoo, if by Speed Boats. Boats Manzil Boat (Noonu Milandhoo) Landhoo Boat (Noonu Landhoo) Maafaru Boat (Noonu Maafaru) Speed Boats and Ferry Services Hope Travels HITHA Hope Travels DHOSHA Anax Express Apple Express Ell Prince Ell Queen Ell Speed Ell Speed 3 Red Star Education Noonu Atoll School is located on the island. Traditionally, education in the Manadhoo was limited to the basic literacy skills; namely the recital of the Quran, reading and writing the Dhivehi language. The modern system of English medium education was introduced in 1997.