Former President Abdulla Yameen has accused individuals involved in the proposed Rasmalé development deal with UAE-based Eagle Hills of accepting bribes, claiming the payments have trapped President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration.
Speaking at a weekly party meeting at the People’s National Front office, Yameen said those who accepted money cannot withdraw because of internal pressure, while opposition parties are blocking progress. He claimed even Eagle Hills chairman Mohamed Alabbar has recognised the agreement cannot be implemented in the Maldives.
Yameen said the public remains deeply concerned about the project and proposed a public referendum so the government could withdraw without political embarrassment. He reiterated that the PNF would never support the deal and warned it would end Muizzu’s chances of another presidential term.
The government signed a Commercial Terms Agreement with Eagle Hills on 21 September 2026 for 500 hectares of reclaimed land at Fushidhiggaru Falhu, to be leased for 99 years without an acquisition fee or land rent. Existing legislation does not permit the proposed terms, and new legislation is being prepared. The target date for a binding agreement had been set for 11 November.
The MDP National Council has also voted to demand a referendum and approved nationwide demonstrations if the government refuses a vote, though former President Mohamed Nasheed has publicly supported the project.
