Petition seeks public inquiry into Rasmele land lease agreement

A petition has been submitted to the People’s Majlis calling for a public inquiry into the Rasmele project before the final contract of the agreement between the government and Eagle Hills is signed. Halimuth Zuhaira, a political and social activist, submitted the petition through the Majlis e-petition system. The petition requests opening a general debate on the matter in a Majlis session, disclosing the full details of the agreement, and conducting an independent legal and fiscal review of the project. The petition states that under the Rasmele project, 500 hectares of land are being reclaimed and are to be leased to a foreign company for 99 years, and therefore the details of the agreement must be made known to the citizens. Halimuth Zuhaira said the petition is not an attack on the government or any individual, but an effort to ensure transparency in how a project funded by citizens' money proceeds, under the right to seek and obtain information. The government signed the commercial terms agreement for the "Maldives Waterfront and Marina" project with the UAE-based Eagle Hills company on September 21, 2026. The petition highlights discrepancies in claims about the project's cost: Eagle Hills has stated the cost at 20 billion dollars, while other reports say it is a 12 billion dollar project. Government estimates indicate state revenue from the project will be between 3.1 billion and 11 billion dollars. The petition makes seven main requests, including debating the matter live in a Majlis session, conducting a public inquiry by the relevant committee, and disclosing all documents of the agreement. It also requests obtaining independent legal advice to determine whether the agreement aligns with Article 251 of the Constitution, conducting an independent valuation of the land price and expected revenue, and calling on the Auditor General and the Anti-Corruption Commission to prepare a report on the project. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that a complete copy of the agreement will be sent to a Majlis committee. He also assured that a special bill related to real estate tourism will be opened to public opinion, and that there will be no reduction in accommodation opportunities specifically designated for Maldivians due to this project. To classify this petition as a "Special Petition" to be debated in the Majlis session, 2,100 signatures are required.