Ex-Minister Khaleel raises serious questions over allocation of a large area of Ras Male' to Eagle Hills under Muizzu’s administration
13 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | އަންގާރަ 07:41Khaleel has raised seven critical questions directed at the government regarding the allocation of a vast land area to Eagle Hills company under the Ras Male' project, calling for greater transparency and measures to prevent corruption. He emphasized that the administration must provide clear answers to public concerns regarding the state's projected benefits from the project and the specifics of land ownership rights.
Former Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel. | President's Office
Former Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel has raised several questions regarding the allocation of a significant portion of Ras Male' to Eagle Hills during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's administration.
In a post on X, Khaleel stated that the public harbors significant concerns regarding this project.
He stated that it is unlikely for the Maldives to advance its developmental pace without attracting significant foreign investment. However, he emphasized that implementing such large-scale projects transparently—as the public expects—is a crucial step toward ensuring success and remaining free from corruption and malpractice. Based on publicly available information, he noted that the Ras Male' project is an exceptionally large-scale undertaking.
Khaleel stated that there are significant and sensitive public concerns regarding the investments in Ras Male'. He emphasized that as leaders appointed to protect the rights of the nation and its citizens, the government's responsibility is to provide the public with transparent answers that address these concerns.
In this regard, he raised seven specific questions directed at the government. He emphasized the importance of clarifying the total state expenditure incurred so far for the Ras Male' reclamation project, whether a valuation has been determined for the Ras Male' land and its surrounding lagoon, and if so, what that valuation is. Furthermore, Khaleel questioned whether any upfront payment would be received from this investment and the exact amount of such a payment. Given the significant discrepancies between the figures disclosed by the investor and those provided by certain government officials, he noted the importance of identifying the projected tax revenue within the Maldives' legal framework. He further questioned what the direct benefits to the state or the public would be if business taxes are not included, and the timeframe within which these benefits would be realized. Clarification was also sought on whether land ownership is being granted permanently and whether the 99-year lease period resets each time ownership is transferred. Additionally, he highlighted the need to determine whether the 5,000 housing units are being constructed using state funds and whether any rights of the state or the citizens would be compromised as a result of this investment.
Khaleel further emphasized that the government is obligated to provide constructive responses to various other matters seeking public clarification.
Khaleel's remarks come amid mounting public concern over the allocation of a significant portion of Ras Male' to Eagle Hills. Financial experts have also raised serious questions regarding the lack of transparency surrounding the government’s Ras Male' project, asserting that the transaction warrants a comprehensive investigation.
Abdulla Khaleel resigned from his post as Foreign Minister on April 14, 2026, following a cabinet reshuffle initiated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
