Ras Male' Project: Matheen questions whether Maldives will remain in the hands of its people
30 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ބުދަ 08:02Emphasizing that participating in this debate is not an act of opposing development, it was stated that this is a fundamental responsibility this generation of Maldivians must undertake to ensure the protection and security of the nation.
Abdul Matheen, the former Managing Director of MWSC. | Social Media
Abdul Matheen, who recently resigned from his position as the Managing Director of the Male’ Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC), has shared a social media post questioning whether the Maldives will remain in the hands of its own people.
In a post on Facebook, Matheen stated that while considering the introduction of business models successfully implemented in other countries to the Maldives, deep consideration must be given to the potential impact on the nation's fundamental characteristics. He further emphasized that the Maldives is a nation exclusively for the Maldivian race and is a Sunni Muslim country.
Furthermore, he stated that efforts to introduce a business model allowing foreigners to remain in the Maldives long-term through property ownership have been underway for many years, and that this model is now being expanded with the commencement of urban development projects.
In this regard, Matheen noted that these initiatives are currently underway in Ras Male', as well as in Noonu and Thaa Atolls. He emphasized that facilitating thousands of foreigners to purchase property and reside in the Maldives is not merely a commercial or economic endeavor; rather, it represents the creation of globalized and open societies within the country. However, Matheen asserted that the Maldivian people must be assured that this does not mean wealthy and influential individuals from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds will be establishing permanent roots across the Maldives, equipped with all the resources they desire.
Matheen stated that whether the Maldives will remain in the hands of its people over the next century under this business model is a matter that requires an impartial, academic debate. He further emphasized that all relevant documentation must be disclosed to the public and that there must be full transparency in these decision-making processes.
Furthermore, he emphasized that participating in this debate is not an act of opposing development, but rather a responsibility that this generation of Maldivians must shoulder to ensure the protection and security of the nation.
Matheen's remarks come at a time of growing public concern over the Ras Male' project, which President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration has contracted to the UAE-based firm, Eagle Hills. Matheen was a key figure in the campaign to bring the current administration to power and remains a close associate of President Muizzu.
