Alifu Dhaalu Atoll (also known as Southern Ari Atoll or Ari Atholhu Dhekunuburi) is an administrative division of the Maldives.
The separation of Ari Atoll (formerly Alifu Atoll) on March 1, 1984, into a Northern and a Southern section formed the two most recent administrative divisions of the Maldives, namely Alifu Alifu Atoll and Alifu Dhaalu Atoll. Alifu Dhaalu Atoll lies south of the line between the channels of Himendhoo Dhekunukandu and Genburugau Kandu.
There is an ancient mosque in Fenfushi island having wooden decorated ceilings and lacquerwork panels.
Buddhist remains, including a stupa, have been found in Ariadhoo Island.
Whale sharks are year-round residents of Alif Dhaal Atoll.
Geography
The South Ari Atoll administrative division consists of the southern part of the geographic or natural Ari Atoll (described as Southern Ari Atoll in this context to differentiate from the official name of the administrative division). The atoll consists of Inhabited Islands and Uninhabited Island, a definition which includes resort islands, airport islands and industrial islands.
Inhabited islands
| Name | Population | Coordinates | Geographic Atoll/Island | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dhangethi | 713 | 3°36′27″N 72°57′19″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Dhiddhoo | 137 | 3°28′59″N 72°52′39″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Dhigurah | 529 | 3°31′50″N 72°55′33″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Fenfushi | 729 | 3°29′21″N 72°47′1″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Hangnaameedhoo | 481 | 3°50′57″N 72°57′18″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Kunburudhoo | 606 | 3°46′32″N 72°55′30″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Maamingili | 2,079 | 3°28′34″N 72°50′12″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Mahibadhoo | 1,939 | 3°45′25″N 72°58′9″E | Southern Ari Atoll | Capital of the South Ari Atoll Administrative Division |
| Mandhoo | 295 | 3°41′52″N 72°42′34″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Omadhoo | 843 | 3°47′29″N 72°57′43″E | Southern Ari Atoll |
Resort islands
Resort islands are classified as Uninhabited Islands which have been converted to become resorts. The following are the resort islands, with the official name of the resort.
| Name | Resort Name | Coordinates | Geographic Atoll | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angaagau | Angaaga Island Resort and Spa | 3°39′9″N 72°49′18″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Athurugau | Diamonds Athuruga | 3°53′13″N 72°48′58″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Dhidhdhoofinolhu | LUX* South Ari Atoll | 3°29′54″N 72°53′46″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Dhiffushi | Holiday Island Resort | 3°28′30″N 72°49′29″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Huvahendhoo | Lily Beach Resort and Spa at Huvahendoo | 3°39′13″N 72°57′13″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Kuda Rah | Amaya Kuda Rah | 3°34′26″N 72°54′38″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Maafushivaru | Maafushivaru | 3°36′28″N 72°54′1″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Machchafushi | Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa | 3°35′37″N 72°53′0″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Mirihi | Mirihi Island Resort | 3°37′9″N 72°46′49″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Moofushi | Constance Moofushi | 3°53′5″N 72°43′40″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Nalaguraidhoo | Sun Island Resort | 3°29′0″N 72°48′5″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Rangalifinolhu | Conrad Maldives Rangali Island | 3°36′58″N 72°42′59″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Thundufushi | Diamonds Thudufushi | 3°47′10″N 72°43′51″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Vakarufalhi | Vakarufalhi Island Resort | 3°34′42″N 72°54′7″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Vilamendhoo | Vilamendhoo Island Resort | 3°38′1″N 72°57′32″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Villingilivaru | Ranveli Village | 3°37′8″N 72°57′18″E | Southern Ari Atoll | |
| Huruelhi | Radisson Blu Maldives | unknown | Southern Ari Atoll |