Nasheed urges MDP National Assembly not to speak against Eagle Hills project

Former President and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed has asked the party's National Assembly not to speak out against the Eagle Hills project, saying he considers it a very good project. In a message to the MDP National Assembly WhatsApp group, Nasheed referred to talk linking Eagle Hills owner Mohamed Alabbar to Jews, saying there is no reason to make such a link. He highlighted Alabbar's leading role in building the UAE and said that even though Alabbar has Israeli friends, he is not someone working to advance Jews. Nasheed warned that the party could suffer major damage if it adopts such a narrow perspective. The government has awarded UAE-based Eagle Hills a US$20 billion residential tourism investment in Rasmalé. In a joint statement, the Infrastructure Ministry and Eagle Hills said the project is the largest investment ever carried out in the Maldives. To be developed in phases, it will include a waterfront marina, premium residences and resorts of world-famous brands in Rasmalé's 'Urban Area', along with a world-class marina, restaurants, a waterfront promenade, and luxury and wellness centres. Eagle Hills says the project is expected to attract more than US$30 billion in foreign investment to the Maldives, including US$18 billion in net investment, and open up around 54,000 job opportunities. The company also estimates that more than a million people will visit the area each year, and that US$2 billion a year can be earned from tourism alone in the area.