Rasmalé Bill Bans Alcohol, Pork, and Jewelry Trading in Tourist Zone

The Maldivian government has submitted a bill to the People's Majlis that prohibits the sale of alcohol, pork, and jewelry trading in the area designated for tourism in Rasmalé. The bill, submitted on behalf of the government, applies to the large-scale development project being implemented in Rasmalé. According to the bill, although the area is open to tourism businesses, it is conditioned that these places be operated in accordance with Islamic principles and the legal framework of the Maldives. Maldivian law will apply to the area leased to foreigners for long-term periods, and security matters in this zone will be monitored by the security services of the Maldives. Offices of the Maldivian state will also be represented in the zone. The bill explicitly states that no act contrary to Maldivian law and Islamic Sharia shall be carried out in these areas. Alcohol and pork will be prohibited in tourist establishments within the zone. Permits for tourism service providers will be issued under the Tourism Act currently in force in the country. This legislation comes in the context of an agreement worth $20 billion (approximately MVR 308 billion) signed between the Maldivian government and Eagle Hills, a company affiliated with Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The agreement, signed on September 21 in Abu Dhabi, involves leasing 500 hectares of land in Rasmalé to Eagle Hills for a 99-year period to develop a modern city and marina. Housing Minister Dr. Abdullah Muttalib signed the agreement for the Maldivian government, while Eagle Hills Chairman Mohammed Alabbar signed for the company. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated that this project would increase the country's national production and create employment opportunities. However, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has expressed concerns. MDP member for Gaafu Dhaal Atoll constituency Meekail Ahmed Naseem submitted an urgent question to the People's Majlis, alleging that the agreement was drafted such that Eagle Hills does not have to pay the land acquisition cost or rent, and that the company has been given the right to lease land to third parties. Former Economic Minister Faizal Ismail stated that the business conditions of the agreement have not been disclosed to the People's Majlis, the media, or the public. A resolution calling for disclosure of all details of the agreement was voted down. The Rasmalé project is a key initiative under President Muizzu's promise to address the housing crisis in the Malé area. Officially inaugurated on December 18, 2023, it involves filling Fushi Dhiggiri Kandu and is the largest land reclamation project in the country. The master plan includes 65,000 housing units of various types, aiming for an environmentally friendly, low-carbon or zero-carbon, and safe island.