No Israel-linked party can buy property in Rasmalé, Maldives minister says

Housing Minister Dr. Abdullah Muththalib has announced measures to prevent Israeli citizens and companies linked to Israel from buying property under the Rasmalé project, according to a post he published on LinkedIn. He said the project can proceed without changing the Maldives’ policy on Palestine. Minister Muththalib said land under the project will not be sold outright and will be leased only to permitted parties. The "Maldives Waterfront and Marina" project in Rasmalé is being developed under a commercial terms agreement signed between the Maldives government and UAE's Eagle Hills last September. The $2 billion investment will include hotels, a marina, and commercial spaces. However, some political parties and activists in the Maldives have raised concerns that Israelis could buy property in the area. Under the measures, the minister said it will be ensured that parties buying property, shareholders, financing parties and sales agents do not include parties linked to Israel. Buyers will also be required to disclose all citizenships they hold or have previously held. "If this information is falsified, the agreement will be revoked, the property will be taken back by the state, and a system will be established through which money paid can also be recovered. In addition, I will limit the amount of property that can be bought by people of a specific country or by an individual," the minister said. The Maldives government banned entry to the country on Israeli passports in April last year. But Muththalib noted that the ban is only on the passport, so Israeli dual citizens can enter the Maldives on another passport. In his LinkedIn post, he said ensuring nationality when buying property in the Rasmalé project is an opportunity to solve this issue. He also said every step in Rasmalé will prioritize Maldivians and arrangements will be made for property to be bought in Maldivian Rufiyaa, while limits set for foreigners will not apply to Maldivians. Last Thursday, in an interview with "Sun", Eagle Hills chairman Mohamed Al Alabbar said the company conducts business respecting the laws of each country. He said the investment in the Maldives will bring many benefits to Maldivians.