Attorney General (AG) Ahmed Usham has defended Mohamed Alabbar, the head of UAE-based Eagle Hills—the company awarded 500 hectares of land in Rasmalé for a waterfront and marina project—describing him as a "very good person" who maintains ties with Israelis to facilitate aid for the Palestinian people.
In a leaked audio recording of a meeting with religious scholars, Usham stated that he had personally questioned Alabbar regarding videos circulating on social media concerning his affiliations.
Usham noted that Alabbar provided a transparent response, characterising the businessman as someone who does not hide his actions.
"What he told me when I asked why he spoke that way was that he has provided extensive assistance to Palestine. He said the reason he maintains relations with [Israelis] is that, whether one likes it or not, the reality is that any aid to Palestine must be facilitated through them," Usham said.
"He explained that whether it is bringing in supplies, providing food, or constructing housing, that is how it must be done. He claimed that without maintaining those relations, he would be unable to provide any assistance to Palestine."
Usham further noted that Alabbar claimed Eagle Hills had initiated a project to build 5,000 homes in Palestine to support its citizens. According to Usham, Alabbar insisted that his engagement with Israel was strictly for this purpose.
The Attorney General added that Alabbar told him he is not a supporter of the United States or Israel.
Usham informed the scholars that Alabbar is scheduled to visit the Maldives soon, and the government will facilitate an opportunity for them to directly question him regarding any concerns.
"I believe he is coming to the Maldives next week or sometime soon. I am certain Minister Muththalib will arrange a meeting for you. If you have any questions, please ask; he is very open and a good person," Usham said.
"Yes, indeed! He is a very good man. He isn't the type to hide things; he is very straightforward about what can and cannot be done."
While Usham defended Alabbar’s ties as humanitarian, Housing Minister Muththalib previously claimed that Alabbar no longer maintains connections with Zionists.
In a separate leaked audio from a meeting with scholars in late September, Muththalib stated that Alabbar’s involvement with Zionists was a matter of the past.
"I spoke to him directly about the Zionists. He had [relations] with those people some time ago, but not anymore," Muththalib said, interjecting before a scholar could finish their point.
Despite the assurances from Usham and Muththalib, Alabbar’s previous comments regarding the situation in Palestine and his documented ties with Israelis continue to draw significant public criticism.
