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4 clusters · 12 sources · 21 days · First seen 28 days ago · Last updated 8 days ago

Maldives Ras Malé waterfront development dispute

Overview

The UAE-based developer Eagle Hills announced the ‘Maldives Waterfront and Marina’ project in Ras Malé, a development valued at over $20 billion. The project is expected to create 54,000 jobs and includes the construction of 5,000 housing units. While the Maldivian constitution prohibits foreign land ownership, the developer intends to offer residential properties to foreigners through 99-year leases. Following the announcement, a constitutional case was filed with the Maldives Supreme Court to halt the agreement. The legal challenge, filed by lawyer and former parliamentarian Ali Hussain, alleges that the deal—which involves approximately 500 hectares of reclaimed state land—may breach constitutional provisions regarding state property. Specifically, the petition contested the plan to grant the land to Eagle Hills for a 99-year lease without an acquisition cost or lease payments, potentially violating Article 250 of the Constitution. On October 13, 2026, the Supreme Court registrar rejected the petition, ruling that the case could not be submitted directly to the Supreme Court as a court of first instance. Hussain has maintained his right to appeal this decision and has alleged that the decision reflects government influence over the court. In response to public concerns regarding potential Israeli involvement, Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr. Abdulla Muththalib dismissed claims of ‘Zionist settlement’ risks as baseless, stating the government has implemented safeguards to bar Israeli citizens and entities from the project. On October 19, 2026, President Mohamed Muizzu announced a 25 percent ownership cap for citizens of any single foreign nation within the development to prevent any one country from dominating property ownership. This restriction is intended to be introduced via upcoming real estate legislation. The President also confirmed that Israeli citizens would be entirely barred from acquiring property within the development.

Entities

Eagle Hills · Ras Malé · Supreme Court of the Maldives · Ibrahim Abdurrazzaq Haleem · Maldives Waterfront and Marina

Claims

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

[DISPUTED] Eagle Hills signed a commercial terms agreement on September 21, 2026, for the Ras Malé project.
[● 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.
[● 2 SOURCES] The petition argued that the 99-year lease of 500 hectares to Eagle Hills violates Article 250 of the Constitution.
[● 2 SOURCES] The legal challenge claimed the deal would grant land without requiring acquisition costs or lease payments.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Ali Hussain alleges the Supreme Court's rejection of his petition was due to government influence.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib dismissed claims that the Ras Malé development would allow Israeli or Zionist settlements.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The government implemented safeguards to ban Israeli citizens and entities from purchasing or holding shares in Ras Malé property.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Former President Mohamed Nasheed alleged the government is deceiving citizens regarding the details of the Ras Malé project.

Timeline

8 days ago

[POLITICS] 5 sources
Maldives President proposes ownership caps for Ras Malé project
President Mohamed Muizzu proposes a 25% foreign ownership cap and a ban on Israeli buyers for the $20 billion Ras Malé Waterfront and Marina project in the Maldives.
14 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 9 sources
Ras Malé land deal: Maldives Supreme Court rejects constitutional challenge
The Maldives Supreme Court rejected a legal challenge to a 500-hectare Ras Malé land deal with Eagle Hills, despite allegations of government influence and constitutional violations.
27 days ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
Eagle Hills announces $20 billion Maldives Waterfront and Marina project
Eagle Hills is developing the $20 billion Maldives Waterfront and Marina project in Ras Malé, featuring 5,000 housing units and 99-year leases for foreigners, sparking debate over land rights.
28 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 4 sources
Ras Malé waterfront deal faces Maldives Supreme Court challenge
The Maldives Supreme Court faces a constitutional challenge seeking to halt a waterfront development deal between the government and UAE-based Eagle Hills in Ras Malé.

Sources

addulive.com · atolltimes.mv · corporatemaldives.com · etruth.mv · hurihaa.mv · mulhiraajje.com · psmnews.mv · see.mv · standard.mv · sun.mv · thepress.mv · tob.news

This summary has been updated 8 times: see revision history