President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the complete agreement with Abu Dhabi-based developer Eagle Hills for the Rasmale’ project will be submitted to a committee of the People’s Majlis, as questions continue over the terms of the development.
Speaking on the sixth episode of the state broadcaster’s Nation Chat programme on Wednesday, October 28, the President also announced that proposed legislation on real-estate tourism connected to the project would be introduced in Parliament and opened for public consultation.
Agreement to undergo parliamentary review
Muizzu said the full agreement would be referred to the relevant standing committee, presenting the move as a means of allowing elected representatives to scrutinise the arrangement. He maintained that the proposed law would be made available for public comment before its enactment.
The President defended the government’s approach to transparency and dismissed allegations made by opposition politicians, whom he accused of spreading misleading information about the project.
Rasmale’ project draws scrutiny
The development, also known as the Maldives Waterfront and Marina Project, is being undertaken by Eagle Hills, a developer based in Abu Dhabi. The project has prompted debate over property ownership arrangements and the extent of public access to the agreement.
Some political figures and activists have expressed concerns about whether individuals with Israeli connections could acquire property within the development. The government has said it intends to prevent such purchases.
Muizzu insisted the project would deliver benefits to Maldivians without harming their interests. He also said the proposed development would be subject to restrictions that he described as tighter than those applicable to resorts.
The development has been described as a USD 20 billion undertaking. Details of the full agreement and the draft real-estate tourism legislation have not yet been provided in the material available for this report. The President’s comments concern planned steps, rather than a completed parliamentary review.
