‘Second-class citizens in their own land’: MP Meekail warns over Eagle Hills project

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Member of Parliament for Galolhu South constituency, Meekail Ahmed Naseem has warned that future generations could become “second-class citizens in their own land”, questioning what he described as efforts to bring the Maldivian state and political establishment under the control of a foreign billionaire.

In a post on X addressed to candidates seeking his vote and support in the upcoming MDP National Council election, Meekail said the contest should not be decided by factional loyalties or support for individual presidential primary candidates, but by candidates’ willingness to act independently and prioritise the national interest.

To all the candidates reaching out for my vote and support in the upcoming MDP National Council election. For me, this election is not about which presidential primary candidate you endorse or which 'faction' you belong to. My vote will be cast for those who will advocate independently and without undue influence, prioritizing the national interest and the future of the party

he wrote.

Meekail then challenged the candidates to clarify their positions on the Eagle Hills development, framing the issue as a question of national interest and foreign influence.

In this regard, the most critical question is: what is your stance on the ongoing efforts to bring the entire Maldivian state and the political establishment under the control of a foreign billionaire?

he added.

Warning of the possible long-term consequences, Meekail said present-day political affiliations would carry little significance if future generations were left to face the consequences of decisions made today.

Years from now, when our grandchildren are forced to live as second-class citizens in their own land and ask how this came to pass, the faction we belonged to or the political leader we supported in 2026 will be irrelevant.What will matter is the effort you made or failed to make to prevent this

he wrote.

He concluded his message by expressing support for those who remain committed to the cause.

I wish success to all those who remain steadfast in this cause,

he wrote.

The comments come amid debate within the MDP over the proposed Maldives Waterfront and Marina development in Ras Malé. Former President Mohamed Nasheed has cautioned against personally targeting Eagle Hills chairman Mohamed Alabbar, warning that doing so could undermine the Maldives’ investment interests and potentially jeopardise existing UAE investments.

The MDP has previously welcomed foreign investment while calling on the government to disclose the full terms of its agreement with Eagle Hills and explain the arrangements to the public.

The government and Eagle Hills signed a commercial terms agreement on 21 September 2026, setting out the principal commercial framework for the proposed development.

Plans include hotels, residences, a marina, waterfront promenades, retail and dining facilities, as well as education, healthcare and other community infrastructure.

Meekail’s remarks bring the project back into focus in the party’s internal debate, placing questions of foreign influence, national interests and political accountability at the centre of the upcoming MDP National Council election.