The proposed Real Estate Bill includes provisions that would allow the sale and consumption of alcohol and pork on separately reclaimed islands within Integrated Real Estate Zones, while prohibiting them in the main residential and commercial areas of those zones.
Under the bill, developers may reclaim additional lagoons to build independent tourism facilities. Those facilities would fall under the Tourism Act rather than standard municipal rules. Because of that, standard resort-style permits for alcohol and pork could be issued for the satellite islands.
On the main landmass of the zone, the importation, sale, possession and consumption of alcohol and pork would remain strictly prohibited. Nationwide bans on casinos and gambling would continue to apply.
The provisions have attracted attention in connection with the large Rasmale' development. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has previously stated that alcohol, pork and casinos would not be permitted in Rasmale' and that the area would remain a place where the call to prayer is heard five times a day.
Attorney General Ahmed Usham has at times suggested that hotels within the area could be licensed to sell alcohol under special permits. The bill appears to codify a distinction that keeps the main residential zone free of alcohol and pork while allowing tourism-style facilities on separately reclaimed islands.
The Real Estate Bill is intended to provide a legal framework for major developments such as Rasmale'. It has also drawn criticism from opposition figures and religious groups concerned about the project's scale and foreign ownership elements.
Parliament is considering the legislation alongside other measures related to the Rasmale' project. The final shape of the alcohol and pork rules will depend on the bill's passage and any amendments.
