Ras Male' Project: Scholars' Association requests meeting with AG Usham for clarification
1 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 15:42The Ras Male' project has sparked significant concern among political figures and religious scholars following the long-term lease of a substantial land area to a UAE-based company. While discrepancies have been noted regarding the agreement's financial details and projected employment figures, the government maintains that the project will proceed without compromising the Maldives' national sovereignty or its core religious principles.
Attorney General Ahmed Usham. | president office
The Maldives Scholars’ Association has requested a meeting with Attorney General Ahmed Usham to seek clarification regarding the legislative framework being drafted for the development of the waterfront and marina, which are key components of the massive Ras Male' project.
The Scholars' Association stated that the primary objective of the meeting was to seek direct clarification from the Attorney General regarding the legal frameworks currently being drafted by the government. Furthermore, the association aimed to provide necessary counsel and guidance to the government to ensure the protection of religious principles and national interests.
The primary cause of significant public and political concern surrounding the Ras Male' project is the government's decision to grant 500 hectares of land to the UAE-based company, Eagle Hills, for a period of 99 years. While the government has yet to disclose the full details of this agreement, notable contradictions have emerged in the statements made by senior officials. Although President Dr. Muizzu stated that the land was leased, Construction Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib clarified that the government would not receive any immediate payment and that profits would only materialize after many years. Consequently, financial experts and opposition figures are calling for an independent audit of the agreement to reveal the full facts of the deal.
Furthermore, it has been learned that the estimated $500 million required for the initial 5,000 social housing units under this project will be financed by the company, with the amount to be deducted from the government's future revenue share from the development. Significant discrepancies have also emerged regarding the project's projected employment opportunities; while the government claims the initiative will create 54,000 jobs, Eagle Hills estimates the figure to be 40,000. The company’s chairman, Mohamed Alabbar, stated that the project will be executed in phases, aligned with global market trends.
Despite these concerns, the government has repeatedly maintained that all economic development projects will be conducted within the framework of the Maldivian Constitution, ensuring that no Islamic principles are compromised.
