National movement sends open letter to Alabbar expressing concerns over Ras Male' project

"The Maldives National Movement on Ras Male'" has sent an open letter to Mohamed Ali Rashed Alabbar, Chairman of Eagle Hills, expressing concern over the decision to grant 500 hectares of land to the company under the Ras Male' development project.

In a letter sent on Thursday, the movement highlighted that the project is facing significant political opposition in the Maldives and raised concerns regarding its legal validity.

The letter highlights that the Maldives' main opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has passed a resolution calling for a public referendum on the land allocation to Eagle Hills. This resolution, which received the support of 57 out of 58 members of the MDP National Council, follows opposition from former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and his People's National Front (PNF), who have also voiced their dissent, claiming the project could pose a threat to national sovereignty.

The letter outlines two primary reasons for the opposition's resistance to the project. The first concern is that granting foreign nationals permanent residency and property ownership rights could undermine the constitutional safeguards established to protect the Islamic identity of the Maldives as a hundred percent Muslim nation. Secondly, the opposition contends that leasing land—the country’s most scarce resource—to foreign interests for extended periods would infringe upon the rights and heritage of future generations.

Furthermore, the letter highlighted that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration is not conducting this project transparently, amid allegations of corruption and abuse of power. Referring to the electoral setbacks faced by the government this year, the movement noted that 69 percent of the public voted against the government's proposal in the April referendum. It further stated that the opposition winning five mayoral seats in the local council elections, along with the ruling party's defeat in the Hithadhoo North by-election, serves as evidence of waning public support for the administration.

The letter warns Eagle Hills, its shareholders, and investors to remain vigilant regarding the potential political, legal, and financial risks associated with this project. It further asserts that the Maldivian people would view the signing of such agreements with a politically weakened administration, in the absence of direct public participation, as an attempt by Eagle Hills to exploit the country's current situation.

Noting the growing public discontent surrounding the project, the movement announced that preparations are underway for a mass protest in Male' on Friday, November 13, 2026. The demonstration aims to oppose the Ras Male' agreement while demanding greater transparency and a national referendum on the matter. The letter concluded by asserting that the ultimate authority regarding the Maldives' land and territory must remain solely in the hands of the Maldivian people.