Minister Shaheem states he will resign if Ras Male' agreement is signed
2 ނޮވެމްބަރު 2026 | ހޯމަ 11:29Significant internal disagreements have surfaced within the government regarding an agreement to grant a substantial portion of Ras Male' to the UAE-based company, Eagle Hills. As religious scholars and former cabinet ministers voice their concerns against the project, the issue has ignited intense debate across the Maldivian political landscape and among the general public.
Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed speaks during a session of the People's Majlis. | Peoples Majlis
RaajjeMV has confirmed that the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has decided to resign immediately if President Muizzu's administration signs an agreement with the UAE-based company Eagle Hills, to which a significant portion of Ras Male' has been allocated.
A reliable source has confirmed to this newspaper that Minister Dr. Shaheem has expressed his opposition to the government signing the agreement.
Minister Dr. Shaheem’s decision has been confirmed at a time of heightened public and political concern regarding the proposed agreement with Eagle Hills.
Shaheem did not respond to messages sent by RaajjeMV seeking comment on the matter.
Amidst reports of internal rifts within the government over this issue, several former cabinet ministers have also voiced their opposition to the matter.
Public pressure is mounting for the government to disclose full details of an agreement to lease a significant portion of Ras Male'—a land reclamation project funded by Maldivian taxpayers—to Eagle Hills for 99 years without any immediate compensation. Economic and financial experts are calling for an urgent independent audit before project mobilization begins to verify the legal validity and economic viability of the deal struck with the developer.
It has been revealed that during a visit to the Maldives by Mohamed Alabbar, head of Eagle Hills—the company awarded a significant portion of the Ras Male' project—he disclosed in a meeting attended by prominent Maldivian businessmen and senior government officials that millions of dollars had been paid to an individual named "Abdulla."
