Ghalib: Ras Male’ criticism stems from genuine fears of an Israeli settlement in the Maldives
13 ނޮވެމްބަރު 2026 | ހުކުރު 08:44Hulhumale’ South Councilor Ahmed Ghalib has alleged that the land allocation agreement for the Ras Male' project was executed in secrecy, known only to a select few within the government. Emphasizing that public consent is essential when leasing national land for extended periods, Ghalib further raised concerns that the project’s current trajectory could potentially lead to the establishment of an Israeli enclave within the Maldives.
Ahmed Ghalib, the Male' City Councilor for the South Hulhumale' constituency. | raajjemv
Ahmed Ghalib, the Male' City Councilor for the Hulhumale' South constituency, has stated that opposition to the allocation of 500 hectares of land in Ras Male' to Eagle Hills is not merely political. He expressed serious concerns that the project could lead to the establishment of an Israeli settlement within the Maldives.
Speaking during RaajjeTV’s "Dhivehinge Bin Dhivehinah" coverage, Ghalib asserted that the established legal framework of the Maldives has effectively collapsed. He further contended that the public has been stripped of its power, alleging that President Muizzu is governing the country according to his own whims or the dictates of a small circle of "three or four advisors."
In this regard, Ghalib stated that the Ras Male' project was initially discussed among a very small group of individuals.
I have been informed that the initial phase of the Ras Male' project was conducted within an extremely tight circle, involving only three or four individuals who finalized the deal. By the time it reached the stage of signing the documents, the vast majority of officials within the government were caught off guard, as only a select few were privy to the details. This suggests there are numerous opaque elements surrounding this matter.Ahmed Ghalib
Noting that the government defends the Ras Male' project by claiming it will bring significant benefits to the public, Ghalib stated that citizens would not be questioning the initiative had the government planned to proceed by sharing project details with the public or even with those within the administration.
Ghalib stated that while he does not oppose foreign investments coming into the Maldives, it is essential to ensure public consent when deciding to lease national land for long-term periods. He expressed concern over the Ras Male' project, suggesting it could lead to the establishment of an Israeli enclave within the Maldives. Ghalib further emphasized that his remarks were not politically motivated.
