The Ilmveringe Gulhun (Union of Religious Scholars) has warned that granting 500 hectares of land in Rasmalé to Eagle Hills—a UAE-based company with ties to Israel—could jeopardise the Maldives' Islamic identity, sovereignty, and independence.
The Union, an association of over 150 scholars established to provide counsel on national and religious matters, stated in a post on X that it has concerns regarding the Rasmalé project. The group confirmed that these concerns have been formally shared with the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed.
"During this meeting, the Ilmveringe Gulhun shared concerns regarding the potential risks the Rasmalé project poses to the Maldives' Islamic unity, sovereignty, independence, economic autonomy, and Maldivian culture due to the settlement of foreigners," the Union’s post read.
The association further noted that these concerns were formulated based on information gathered through meetings with various relevant government authorities.
The Union stated that they have requested Shaheem to convey these apprehensions to President Mohamed Muizzu.
While the Ilmveringe Gulhun warns of potential threats to the nation's Islamic identity and independence, the government is currently preparing to sign the permanent agreement for the project on this year’s Republic Day.
The government has allocated the Rasmalé land without charging a land acquisition fee or rent. Instead, the state will receive a 10 percent fee upon the developer's initial sale of buildings on the site, along with a four percent fee from the buyer. A four percent fee will also be applicable for every subsequent transfer of ownership.
Although the government maintains that Rasmalé is being leased for 99 years, the framework of the agreement suggests a permanent loss of the territory. Under the terms, whenever a property owner in Rasmalé sells their unit, a new 99-year lease term commences. Similarly, if the property is gifted, a new 99-year lease period begins. This arrangement has been confirmed by Eagle Hills.
