MDP calls National Council meeting amid divisions over Rasmale' project

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has scheduled a National Council meeting to discuss the party’s position and possible actions regarding the government’s proposed Eagle Hills development in Ras Malé, amid differing views within its ranks over how the party should respond to the project.

The meeting, requested jointly by 60 National Council members, is scheduled to take place on Sunday night.

MDP Chairperson and former President Mohamed Nasheed has advised party members against opposing the project, saying the party should maintain the position outlined in its earlier statement on the matter.

Nasheed also urged National Council members to refrain from making statements or taking actions that contradict the party’s previously announced position.

His remarks have prompted concerns among some council members, who have expressed reservations in the party’s National Council WhatsApp group.

Some members have argued that MDP should take a more active stance against the project rather than accept it without further scrutiny.

In its earlier statement, MDP said it supports foreign investment and recognises its contribution to national development, but raised concerns over the lack of transparency surrounding the agreement with Abu Dhabi-based developer Eagle Hills.

The party called on the government to disclose the full terms of the agreement, including its duration, the state’s financial obligations, any concessions granted to the developer and the commitments required of the company.

MDP also sought clarification on whether the arrangement could allow foreign ownership of Maldivian land, arguing that an agreement of such significance should not proceed without adequate public disclosure and, if necessary, a national referendum.

The internal debate comes as MDP MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem has also raised concerns over the project, warning that future generations could become “second-class citizens in their own land” if decisions made today undermine national interests.

In a post on X addressed to candidates seeking his support in the upcoming MDP National Council election, Meekail urged candidates to prioritise the national interest over factional loyalties and political allegiances.

He questioned what he described as efforts to bring the Maldivian state and political establishment under the control of a foreign billionaire, and called on party candidates to clarify their positions on the Eagle Hills development.

The government and Eagle Hills signed a commercial terms agreement on 21 September for the proposed Maldives Waterfront and Marina development in Ras Malé.

The project is planned as a large-scale waterfront destination featuring hotels and resorts, residential properties, a marina, retail and dining facilities, and other amenities.

The proposed development has drawn public and political scrutiny over the agreement’s terms, the allocation of reclaimed land and the level of information made available to the public.

The full agreement has not been publicly disclosed.