Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom has said that "everything" linked to the project giving 500 hectares of land in Rasmalé to the UAE's Eagle Hills will be annulled once the government changes.
The Maldivian government and Eagle Hills signed the agreement to carry out the US$20 billion "Maldives Waterfront and Marina" project in Rasmalé on the 21st of last month. However, some political parties have raised concerns that Israelis could buy property through the project.
Speaking at a rally held by the People's National Front (PNF), Yameen alleged that once the Rasmalé land is handed over to Eagle Hills, the Maldives' power and sovereignty over that area will be cut off. Describing Rasmalé as land meant to provide housing for Maldivian youth, he proposed conducting a survey and collecting signatures to gauge young people's views on the project. Yameen also said that youth who take part in the survey would be the first to receive land once the government changes.
Responding to these concerns, Housing Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib has said measures will be taken to ensure that Israeli citizens and companies linked to Israel cannot buy property under the Rasmalé project. Eagle Hills Chairman Mohamed Alabbar has also said the company works in respect of Maldivian law and that the investment will bring major benefits to Maldivians.
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