President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has dismissed claims that the Rasmalé development project could become a settlement for Israeli nationals, saying the project is expected to attract mainly Maldivians and Arab Muslims.
Speaking on The Pulse podcast produced by the President’s Office, Muizzu said Israeli nationals would not be allowed to acquire property in Rasmalé, which is being developed by UAE-based Eagle Hills.
The President said people who have expressed interest in purchasing property in Rasmalé are primarily from Gulf and other Middle Eastern Arab countries.
“There is no chance of that happening,” Muizzu said, rejecting claims that the project’s long-term apartment sales would allow Jewish settlers to establish a presence in the Maldives.
He added that the government would not permit Israeli nationals to acquire property in the development and described the claims as baseless.
Muizzu accused opposition groups of spreading fear for political purposes, saying the government’s national identity initiative was intended to protect Maldivian identity, traditions and customs.
He said measures under the initiative include introducing national identity education in schools and banning Israeli passports. Proposed legal amendments to support these policies will be submitted to Parliament, he added.
