Ras Malé land deal: Maldives Supreme Court rejects constitutional challenge

Ras Malé development Eagle Hills Maldives Supreme Court land lease controversy constitutional challenge

The Maldives Supreme Court registrar has rejected a constitutional challenge seeking to block a massive waterfront and marina development in Ras Malé. The petition, filed by lawyer and former MP Ali Hussain, argued that the agreement to allocate 500 hectares of reclaimed land to UAE-based developer Eagle Hills for 99 years was unconstitutional. Hussain contended the deal lacked a legal framework for long-term foreign leaseholds and failed to require acquisition costs or rent, potentially violating Article 250 of the Constitution.

In response to the controversy, Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib dismissed allegations that the project would facilitate Israeli or Zionist settlements. He stated that the government has implemented strict safeguards, including a total ban on Israeli citizens and entities from purchasing, financing, or holding shares in any Ras Malé property. Additionally, all buyers must disclose their nationalities, and no foreign party will be granted Maldivian citizenship or permanent residency through the project.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has also criticized the deal, alleging that the government is not being transparent with the public or Parliament regarding the specific details of the contract with Eagle Hills.

Entities

Abdulla Muththalib · Ali Hussain · Eagle Hills · Ras Malé · Supreme Court of Maldives · Supreme Court of the Maldives

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The government implemented safeguards to ban Israeli citizens and entities from purchasing or holding shares in Ras Malé property. etruth.mv
[○ 1 SOURCE] Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib dismissed claims that the Ras Malé development would allow Israeli or Zionist settlements. etruth.mv
[○ 1 SOURCE] Ali Hussain alleges the Supreme Court's rejection of his petition was due to government influence. see.mv
[● 2 SOURCES] The petition argued that the 99-year lease of 500 hectares to Eagle Hills violates Article 250 of the Constitution. see.mv · atolltimes.mv
[● 2 SOURCES] The Supreme Court registrar rejected the constitutional challenge against the Ras Malé deal, stating it cannot be filed directly with the highest court. see.mv · atolltimes.mv
[○ 1 SOURCE] Former President Mohamed Nasheed alleged the government is deceiving citizens regarding the details of the Ras Malé project. hurihaa.mv
[DISPUTED] Eagle Hills signed a commercial terms agreement on September 21, 2026, for the Ras Malé project. etruth.mv · see.mv
[● 2 SOURCES] The legal challenge claimed the deal would grant land without requiring acquisition costs or lease payments. see.mv · atolltimes.mv