Attorney General Ahmed Usham has indicated that hotels developed in Rasmalé could be licensed to sell alcohol, according to recordings of a meeting with religious scholars.
Usham described Rasmalé as a separate island where, consistent with practice at Maldivian resorts, designated hotels would be able to obtain licences for alcohol sales in their restaurants. He said the prohibition would not apply generally to every outlet inside a hotel, but only outside government-designated properties.
He added that Maldivians would remain barred from purchasing alcohol under existing law and that no casinos would form part of the project.
The comments differ from public assurances previously given by President Mohamed Muizzu that legislation would keep Rasmalé an alcohol-free zone. The development involves a large land allocation to a UAE-linked developer and has already drawn sustained political and public debate over foreign ownership, residency rights and cultural impact.
Usham’s office has not issued a formal written clarification following the circulation of the remarks. The statements add a further point of contention as the government prepares legislative measures required to implement the broader Rasmalé agreement.
