Muizzu says Ras Malé deal with Eagle Hills to be signed before Nov 17

President Mohamed Muizzu has informed ruling party members that the permanent agreement to sell 500 hectares of Ras Malé to UAE's Eagle Hills company will be signed before November 17, according to a source present at a meeting held at Muliaage with Members of Parliament and Cabinet members of the ruling PNC. The President also stated that every time the leases of properties offered under this project are renewed, a new term of 99 years will be granted. The decision has sparked political controversy, with opposition parties and groups expressing concern. "Qaumi Harkathun," which is working against the sale, has decided to hold a large gathering on November 6 calling for a visible and invisible vote on the matter, including on the issue of settling people of other religions in Ras Malé. However, PNC PG Leader Ibrahim Falah said he does not believe a referendum needs to be held, and Member of Parliament Mohamed Fazeel stated that the public does not need to know the commercial terms in the agreement. A case has been filed in the Supreme Court to stop the sale, and the government has started constructing flats in Bandarakoshi, which the military said would provide housing for soldiers and police officers. A large delegation of Maldivian media, mainly from outlets supporting the government, was taken to Dubai as a sponsor of Eagle Hills company amid public concerns over secrecy.