Dar Global and The Trump Organization are moving into new territory with the announcement of Trump International Hotel Maldives and what the partners are calling the world’s first tokenized hotel development project tied to a luxury resort.
The collaboration revealed Monday marks two milestones for both companies: the Trump brand’s debut in the Maldives and the launch of an investment structure that tokenizes the development phase of a hospitality project, rather than a completed asset. The partners say the move opens new avenues for global investors to buy into a high-growth luxury real estate project from day one.
The forthcoming resort, located a 25-minute speedboat ride from Malé, will include approximately 80 ultra-luxury beach and overwater villas. The project is expected to open by the end of 2028 and is being positioned as an ultra-private, design-driven escape aimed at high-net-worth international travelers.
“We are delighted to bring the Trump brand to the Maldives in collaboration with Dar Global,” Eric Trump, executive vice president of The Trump Organization, said in a statement. “This development will not only redefine luxury in the region but also set a new benchmark for innovation in real estate investment through tokenization.”
“Tokenizing the development of Trump International Hotel Maldives marks a global first that blends luxury, innovation, and technology in a way that will transform how the world invests in hospitality,” added Dar Global CEO Ziad El Chaar.
Tokenization, long discussed in luxury real estate circles but rarely executed at scale, allows accredited investors to participate in the financing of large-scale developments via digital tokens that represent stakes in the project. By applying the model to a resort still in development, Dar Global and The Trump Organization are positioning the initiative as a new frontier for hospitality-focused investment.
For luxury travel advisors, the announcement signals another major player entering the Maldives’ ultra-competitive high-end market—one where major brands like Ritz-Carlton, Waldorf Astoria, Cheval Blanc and Patina already compete for affluent travelers seeking privacy, personalized service, and standout villa accommodations.
More details on design partners, F&B concepts and villa configurations are expected in the coming months.
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