Concerns have emerged over the Rasmale project after reports of disputes in Egypt’s Marassi development, a large waterfront project linked to Mohamed Alabbar’s Emaar Misr.
Marassi features luxury villas, high-end hotels, a marina, and restaurants on the Mediterranean coast. Property owners have taken the developer to court, seeking roughly 100 million Egyptian pounds and alleging restricted beach access, electronic QR codes for entry, and additional fees contrary to agreements.
Egypt Telegraph reported around 120 people, including foreign investors, have filed claims totaling about 10 billion Egyptian pounds. Owners say beaches promised for public use have been privatized for hotels and businesses.
The Egyptian Constitution protects public access to coasts. The case has shifted from private disputes to a national debate on private control of public resources.
In the Maldives, the government signed a commercial terms agreement in September 2026 with Eagle Hills for a major Rasmale development, including waterfront and marina projects, promising luxury tourism, international hotels, and billions in investment. Critics note the lack of full public disclosure of terms.
The Egyptian experience is cited as a cautionary parallel for public beach access and contract enforcement.