National Movement postpones anti-Ras Malé meeting to November 13

The large meeting planned by the "National Movement," formed to oppose the sale of Ras Malé, has been postponed to Friday, November 13, 2026. At a press conference held today, former Home Minister Imran Abdullah, who is actively involved in the movement, said the postponement was to allow for further preparation following the involvement of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in the movement. "This time gained is an opportunity to prepare further for this matter. Specifically, it is an opportunity for everyone to connect while those sent to the atolls prepare well for this purpose and continue with the activities," Imran said. Referring to a resolution passed by the MDP's National Council on the issue, Imran said it serves as a strong force to ensure that President Mohamed Muizzu cannot proceed further with selling Ras Malé to Eagle Hills of the UAE. The anti-Ras Malé meeting was previously planned for Friday, November 6, 2026. Imran stated that both the government and Eagle Hills are under significant pressure due to the growing number of people opposing the sale. He expressed suspicion that the biggest hurdle facing the government in backing down is the issue of certain funds entrusted to specific parties, and that the government's leaders must find a way themselves to pay these funds. "If [the sale of Ras Malé] is halted due to the amount entrusted or given to Buraadha Abdulla, it means there is no way to repay that amount. That is the biggest challenge the government faces in this matter today. However, that decision will be made by those individuals themselves. Whether they will sell some houses to find a way to pay that amount or through some other means, that is what those individuals will consider," he said. The National Movement assured that any future government would annul the agreement, and Imran said that if the agreement is signed against the will of the people and Ras Malé is handed over, no compensation would be paid to Eagle Hills for losses incurred from annulling the agreement. The commercial terms for selling 500 hectares of Ras Malé, which is being created by filling up Fushi Dhiyagaru Island using state funds, were signed on September 21. The government has not disclosed that the signing of the permanent agreement has been halted, and rumors have spread that the permanent agreement will be signed this November.