Minister defends Emaar owner Alabbar over Zionism concerns

Construction and Infrastructure Minister Abdullah Muthalib has defended Mohamed Alabbar, the owner of Emaar Hills in the UAE, stating that Alabbar is not currently connected to Israel or Zionists. The comments were made during a meeting with religious scholars held in late September, the audio of which was leaked today and confirmed as genuine. During the meeting, a religious scholar expressed concern over Alabbar's apparent close ties to Israel and Zionists, noting that he openly stated Muslims would have to live alongside Jewish families. In response, Minister Muthalib said, "Directly speaking to him about Zionists, regarding his [connection] with those people earlier, it is not so now." Alabbar, the UAE billionaire entrusted with the Rasmale project, has faced suspicion over alleged connections with Zionists following a 2005 secret meeting with Israeli leaders to propose purchasing parts of Gaza land. His efforts to strengthen business ties with Israel have also heightened concerns among opposition figures and the public. Minister Muthalib stated that Alabbar must know that the Maldives bans Israeli passports, and allowing Zionists to purchase property in the country is a major concern for Maldivians. He noted that Alabbar's transactions so far showed his goal is to change the actual situation of the countries he invests in. Defending Alabbar, Minister Muthalib said his construction company is building 20,000 housing units in Gaza, Palestine, at its own expense. While religious scholars, political parties and the public have expressed concern over the possibility of Zionists settling in Rasmale, Minister Muthalib said he does not believe Alabbar intends to spread such ideas, though he asked scholars to speak directly to Alabbar on the matter. Minister Muthalib also revealed that Alabbar agreed to build 5,000 housing units in Hulhumale in a way that would cut into future revenues, while efforts were made to give away Rasmale for free, saying Alabbar grew up living in an eight-room house and understands housing difficulties. He assured the project is not for spreading influence or financial gain, and that nothing has been given as a gift to the government or ministers in connection with the matter.