Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdulla Khaleel has clarified that Fahad Saud al-Shalan, referred to in some reports as a "fake prince", is the son of a member of the Saudi royal family.

Fahad arrived in the Maldives on a personal visit.

Fahad was in the country to attend the inauguration and groundbreaking ceremony of the Maldives International Financial Center project. During his visit, he also held a meeting with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at the President’s Office.

However, as criticism mounted with many claiming that he is not affiliated with the Saudi royal family and is a ‘fake prince’, the President's Office has since deleted the news and photos of the meeting from their official website and social media.

In a question posed by the MP for South Galolhu constituency Meekail Ahmed Naseem, he asked whether "Prince" Fahad Saud Al-Shalan is affiliated with the Saudi royal family.

Responding to the question, Minister Khaleel said that the fake prince Fahad is the son of a prince from the Saudi royal family. He added that he came to the Maldives then on a business trip, which was a personal trip to conduct some private work.

In response to Minister Khaleel's answer, MP Meekail said that the title "His Royal Highness" in Saudi Arabia is given to the children and grandchildren of King Abdul Aziz. He added that Minister Khaleel should be well aware of this fact.

However, the lawmaker pointed out that the President's Office website and the ministry’s website had used the title "His Royal Highness" and have now deleted the news of meeting with him. Therefore, the lawmaker inquired if the minister acknowledges that the government had made a mistake in this matter.

Minister Khaleel refused to answer the question. Instead, he said that opposition members and those in responsible positions should not speak in such a manner about investors coming to the Maldives.

Consequently, stating that the question remained unanswered, MP Meekail raised a point of order. However, the Chair stated that they considered the question to have been answered and did not give any additional opportunity.