Government submits Rasmalé Sale Bill to Majlis amid controversy over UAE firm’s Israel ties

The Maldivian government has submitted the Rasmalé Sale Bill to the People’s Majlis, alongside three other bills, as part of today’s parliamentary agenda. The bill, presented by Member of the Northern Faafu Atoll District Ahmed Aifan, facilitates the transfer of 500 hectares of the reclaimed Rasmalé land to UAE-based Eagle Hills, a company whose owner Albar has been described as a friend and supporter of Israel, raising concerns among religious scholars and opposition parties. President Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the public will be given two weeks to submit opinions on the Real Estate Bill before any agreement is finalised, and that the project agreement will be presented to a Majlis committee and handled transparently. However, critics note that the government will not charge any execution fee or land rent from Eagle Hills, receiving only 10 percent of revenue from commercial property sales and 4 percent from apartment sales generated in the project. The Rasmalé Sale Bill was presented after the government announced its intention to submit such legislation, following the signing of the first agreement for the sale of Rasmalé. Opposition parties, including the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), and the so-called “National Movement” have voiced opposition, the latter citing concerns that the project could open opportunities for people of other religions to settle in the country. The three other government bills submitted today are: the bill on determination and implementation of death penalty, presented by Guraidhoo District member Hanan Mohamed Rashid; the bill on protection of the right to name and honor, presented by Vilimalé District member Mohamed Ismail; and the Immigration Bill of the Maldives, presented by North Hithadhoo District member Mohamed Daoud. The debate on next year’s state budget is also scheduled to begin today.