Muththalib Sets Out Safeguards for Ras Malé Project, Affirms Commitment to Palestine

Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Abdulla Muththalib has outlined safeguards for the Maldives Waterfront and Marina project in Ras Malé, arguing that economic development can move forward while protecting national sovereignty and maintaining the country’s support for Palestine.

In an opinion article published on LinkedIn, Muththalib addressed concerns surrounding the government’s partnership with Abu Dhabi-based developer Eagle Hills, chaired by Mohamed Alabbar.

He acknowledged that much of the public concern stems from strong feelings about the suffering of Palestinians, saying those concerns deserve a direct response.

“We can stand firmly against the Israeli state's conduct and in support of Palestine, and still build our nation without compromising those values,” he wrote.

Proposed Restrictions Across the Ownership Chain

Muththalib outlined proposed safeguards that would exclude Israeli nationals and Israeli-controlled entities from participating as property buyers, beneficial owners, shareholders, financiers or sales agents.

Buyers and beneficial owners would be required to declare every nationality they currently hold or have previously held. According to the minister, false declarations would void the lease, return the property to the state and could result in the purchase price being forfeited.

These checks would be repeated whenever a property changes hands.

The proposed measures address a limitation Muththalib identified in the existing Israeli passport ban: people with another nationality may enter using that country’s passport. He argued that property transactions allow more detailed nationality checks than those possible at the border.

Muththalib also said Eagle Hills had publicly committed to complying with the ban.

State Land Protected, Maldivians Given Priority

The minister stressed that the development would offer leasehold property rather than freehold ownership, keeping the land under state ownership.

Approved buyers would pay for their leases, and there would be no option to renew them indefinitely and hold property permanently.

He also proposed caps on the share of units that any single foreign nationality or individual could hold.

For Maldivians, the government’s aim is to provide the first opportunity to purchase a share of units in every phase, with payments made in Maldivian rufiyaa. The proposed foreign ownership caps would not apply to Maldivian buyers.

This approach places local participation alongside foreign investment as a stated priority for the development.

Property Ownership Would Not Grant Citizenship

Muththalib said eligible investors could apply through the existing corporate residence visa scheme, introduced in 2015.

Applications would remain subject to the Israeli passport ban and the proposed nationality checks. He emphasised that purchasing property would never provide a route to permanent residency or Maldivian citizenship.

Addressing fears that Ras Malé could become a foothold for Israeli settlement, the minister argued that such claims lacked precedent and should not be confused with development in a sovereign country that controls its borders, visas and land.

Economic Strength to Support National Principles

Muththalib presented the project within a wider argument for greater economic independence.

He said reliance on assistance from other countries can bring expectations that affect national choices. Building a stronger domestic economy, he argued, would help the Maldives provide for its people while maintaining its principles.

“A Maldives that can pay its own way does not have to choose between providing for its people and standing by its principles,” he wrote.

The minister’s proposals set out a framework for advancing the Ras Malé development through controlled investment, continued state ownership of land and opportunities for Maldivian buyers, while addressing public concerns over Palestine.