Kelaa () is one of the inhabited islands of Haa Alif Atoll and geographically part of Thiladhummathi Atoll in the north of the Maldives. It is an island-level administrative constituency governed by the Kelaa Island Council.

Origin of Name Kelaa is one of the northernmost islands of the Maldives, specifically on the North-North-East (NNE) tip, making it the closest point in the Maldives to India, approximately 440 km from Trivandrum. Due to its location as an entry point, the name Kelaa is believed to have originated from the South Asian languages Hindi and Urdu, where kholar or kholaa (खोला) means an open space or entrance. Alternatively, some believe the name comes from the fish ‘Keyla mas’ or Yellowthread threadfin. Other stories suggest that Kelaa is named after the sandalwood tree, known as 'Kelaa' in the Dhivehi language. According to stories, early sailors discovered a sandalwood tree upon their arrival, guided by the scent carried on the wind. It is said that this tree was uprooted and taken by foreigners, and the spot where this occurred remains visible and is called 'Kelaa gas negi adi gan'du.' These are three theories regarding the origin of the name, though most people tend to favor the sandalwood tree explanation.

Geography Kelaa has a total land area of and a coastline stretching 8.6 km. The island has corals and rocks on its eastern side () and sandy shores on its western face ().

Kelaa is renowned for its expansive turquoise lagoon, covering 2,423 hectares - approximately 12 times larger than the island itself - alongside its white sandy beaches. Kelaa is recognisable by its agricultural landscape, which includes significant wetlands as part of its natural environment.

Demography As of 31 December 2023, the registered population of Kelaa is 2,444, comprising 1,142 females (47%) and 1,302 males (53%), making it the fourth largest population in Haa Alif Atoll.

However, the total resident population on the island is 1,115, consisting of 967 locals and 148 foreigners, according to the 2022 census data.

Resident Population Statistics of Kelaa

Similar to many inhabited islands, a significant number of Kelaa's registered population has migrated to the capital city, Malé, in pursuit of better social services, higher education, and employment opportunities. As of 2022, 1,082 registered citizens of Kelaa reside in Malé, underscoring this migration trend.

Additionally, a significant workforce also resides in other non-administrative islands, such as tourist resorts. Between 2000 and 2022, the resident population has shown minimal growth due to factors including migration trends, birth rates, economic conditions, and government policies.

Economy Kelaa, located in the Maldives, distinguishes itself among nearby islands for its abundant agricultural resources and expansive land capacity, fostering a thriving agricultural sector. In addition to agriculture, the island's workforce engages significantly in construction, fishing, civil service, and has recently embraced tourism as a growing economic contributor.

Tourism

The official beginning of tourism on the island could be considered the year 2014 with the opening of its first registered guesthouse. As of June 2024, Kelaa offers accommodation through several registered guesthouses, providing a total bed capacity of 96. The development of tourism in Kelaa has been guided by a comprehensive land use plan drafted by the Kelaa Council, emphasizing strategic growth in the sector. In September 2015, the Kelaa Integrated Resort Project was launched under the auspices of then-Vice President Ahmed Adheeb Abdul Ghafoor, with Fedo Private Limited awarded the project bid. This initiative aims to enhance the island's tourism infrastructure, highlighting Haa Alif Kelaa Thundi beach's rare beauty.

Agriculture Agriculture has historically served as the cornerstone of the local economy on the island. Throughout challenging periods like World War II, the community relied heavily on crops such as Kandoo for sustenance. Beyond residential zones, the island's remaining green spaces predominantly function as agricultural land, featuring a variety of crops including coconut palms and open fields suitable for cultivating watermelon, pumpkin, and other staples. The island is known for producing a diverse range of agricultural products such as scotch bonnet chilies, finger chilies, pumpkins, eggplants, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, watermelon, and sweet potatoes. In areas with richer soil, cassava and other tropical fruits like mangrove apples and custard apples thrive, highlighting the agricultural diversity and resilience of the local farming practices.

History

1940s: World War II In the early 1940s, during World War II, the British established a temporary Royal Air Force, RAF base in Kelaa. Although the exact dates are uncertain, it is believed that the initial planning for this base began in 1941, with construction completed in 1943. This strategic outpost served as a vital refueling station for Allied shipping and warplanes, crucial for supporting military operations in the region. Local islanders played a pivotal role in its establishment, assisting in construction efforts and supplying laborers. The base featured barracks, a jetty, and an armory, all contributing to its operational capability.

During this time, staple food items such as rice and flour were scarce, and the government rationed access to 0.5 Laahi rice (approximately 120 ml) per person per mealtime. Locals from nearby islands, including Kelaa, were hired by the RAF to work in exchange for food. Their tasks varied widely and included menial jobs such as disposing of waste, as there was no sewage system; waste was collected in chamber pot chairs.

The RAF base was located approximately 3 km from the resident population of Kelaa, and locals were barred from entering this area. One notable incident involved an RAF seaplane that failed to make a proper landing and ended up on the beach, where it remained until very recently.

After years of service, following the conclusion of the war, the British forces departed Kelaa, leaving behind significant infrastructure. The local community repurposed many of these facilities, and remnants of the base, including aircraft wreckage and structural remains, still bear witness to this historical period. The RAF base in Kelaa remains a notable part of the island's heritage, reflecting its brief yet impactful role during a critical juncture in global history.

Development in the 80s

In the 1980s, the Japanese government aimed to build three radar stations in the Maldives to monitor maritime activities. Initially, the stations were to be located in Hdh. Hanimaadhoo, but due to operational constraints, the site was moved to Kelaa. Construction began in early 1985, supervised by Maldivian National Defense Force (MNDF) officers, and completed by the end of the year. Local volunteers played a crucial role in preparing the site. The project produced a three-story radar building and a single-story accommodation unit, both of which later fell into disrepair after being abandoned by both governments. Despite its dilapidation, the site remains significant to the local community, evoking memories and suggesting potential for redevelopment as a tourist attraction.

Tsunami: 2004

The 2004 tsunami had minimal impact on Kelaa, primarily due to its geographical location and lagoon topography. Kelaa benefited from the protective barrier of the atoll and reef system, which dispersed and absorbed much of the tsunami's energy.

Settlement patterns, with fewer residents living directly on vulnerable shorelines, further reduced damage. The directionality of the tsunami also played a role, with Kelaa facing less inundation due to its location. However, some neighboring islands, such as Filladhoo, experienced drastic effects, with the tsunami nearly washing out the entire island. Despite this, unity was demonstrated as Kelaa immediately hosted families who lost their homes in Filladhoo, showcasing the resilience and solidarity of the Maldivian communities in the face of natural disasters.

Education

History

The anniversary for formal beginning of school education in Kelaa has never been celebrated due to a discrepancy between the registered date under the Ministry of Education and the actual establishment date. The school was said to have established on 21 January 1945, yet the registered date is 24 years later. In 1993, the headmaster of school, Mr. Ahmed Faisal (Isthaana, HA. Kelaa), initiated the plans to celebrate the 25th anniversary based on the registered date of 16 January 1969. However, the Island Chief, Abdulla Waheed (Vina, HA. Kelaa), called for a committee meeting and decided to work towards re-registering the actual date.

Mr. Gasim Moosa Manik (Koattey, HA. Kelaa), a former teacher and a pioneer in education sector, was invited to assist in the process, where his records suggest the school education system commenced on 6 Safar 1364 in the Hijri calendar, which converts to 21 January 1945, in the Gregorian calendar. Mr. Mohamed Rasheed (Two Sons, HA. Kelaa), known as Lha Seedhi, teacher and headmaster, explained that the school was registered in 1969 as major documents containing key data about the island's history and development were lost in a fire incident in Kelaa Office (date unknown), and due to directives from then-President Ibrahim Nasir for school registration. While these were major reasons for the discrepancy in the dates, it is safe to say education has been a major part of the community of Kelaa since 1945.

The school, previously known as Madhrasathul Sheikh Ibrahim (MSI), was renamed Sheikh Ibrahim School (SIS) in 2018 to simplify its name. It is named after Al-Sheikh Ibrahim Rushdhee, a distinguished figure in Dhivehi literature and language (see notable figures). The institution provides education up to the secondary level, and its Grade 10 students sit for the Cambridge O'Level examinations.

Lily Pre-School Kelaa The Secretariat of Kelaa Council oversees Lily Pre-School, which serves as an early learning institution for kindergarten education. Initially established in 1999, Lily Pre-School introduced official uniforms for all its students, marking its formalization. The school originally operated out of the Lily House Building but has since been relocated to its current premises.

Religion The island of Kelaa, like all islands in the Maldives, has a predominantly Muslim community, where teachings and way of life adhere to Islamic values. The island boasts seven mosques (as of June 2024); some are specifically constructed for women, while others cater exclusively to men. More recent mosques such as Masjid-al Ansar feature partitions to accommodate both men and women. Mosque NameName in DhivehiSize sqftCapacity pax1Masjid-al Ansarމަސްޖިދުލް އަންޞާރު53806702Masjid-al Qufranމަސްޖިދުލް ޢުފްރާން15521843Old Friday Mosqueހުކުރު މިސްކިތް6001764Masjid-al Zahraމަސްޖިދުލް ޒަހްރާ645755West Ward Women's Mosqueހުޅަނގު އަވަށު އަންހެނުންގެ މިސްކިތް1254656East Ward Women's Mosqueއިރުމަތީ އަވަށު އަންހެނުންގެ މިސްކިތް505637Eid Mosqueޢީދު މިސްކިތް46250 Source: Ministry of Islamic Affairs, accurate as of August 2024

Cultural and Historical Landmarks

Lily House The Lily House, a historic building over 80 years old, which holds great cultural significance for the people of Kelaa. The structure features a spacious 1700 sqft floor area, with main two entrances, and columns that showcase symmetry and the application of mathematical knowledge. Constructed using uva (u’a) or lime, it was originally dedicated to Maulood (Maaloodhu Ge), serving as a venue for the ritual recitation of Islamic devotional texts (Ar. mawlid).