Adhaalath Party: Allowing foreign settlements pose a challenge to Maldives’ religious unity

Adhaalath Party (AP) has appealed to the Maldivian government against running real estate projects that create areas for long-term residency of foreigners in the Maldives, stating that such projects pose challenges to the country’s religious unity.

The appeal was made in a resolution issued by the AP on Tuesday night regarding the party’s stand on international real estate projects in the country.

“The Adhaalath Party believes that running projects in a manner that creates designated areas for long-term residency of foreigners poses challenges to the country’s religious unity, public order, and the country’s culture and safety and security,” stated the party.

“We therefore urge the government not to run a project in such a manner.”

AP believes that international real estate projects should not be focused on creating designated areas for long-term residency of foreigners, but on developing facilities for them to vacation in such as holiday homes.

“Adhaalath Party believes that running international real estate projects or developing holiday homes in accordance with Islamic principles will facilitate a diverse and resilient economy,” said the party.

ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގައި އިންޓަރނޭޝަނަލް ރިއަލް އެސްޓޭޓު މަޝްރޫޢުތައް ކުރިއަށް ގެންދިއުމާއި ގުޅޭގޮތުން ޢަދާލަތު ޕާޓީއިން ނެރޭ ޤަރާރު https://t.co/9nzMn6BS3N

— Adhaalath Party (@AdhaalathOffice) November 10, 2026

The resolution comes amid controversy surrounding a proposed USD 20 billion waterfront and marina project in Rasmale’

On September 21, Abu Dhabi-based real estate giant Eagle Hills signed a commercial terms agreement or letter of intent for a mega project to develop a new integrated island destination in Rasmale’, including international hotels and resorts, premium and branded residences, a world-class marina, waterfront promenades, restaurants, shops, leisure and wellness centers.

Eagle Hills is set to receive 500 hectors of land for 99 years from Rasmale’ for the development - described by the Maldives government as one of the most ambitious development initiatives in the country’s history.

According to the Maldives government, preliminary economic impact estimates indicate the project could attract more than USD 30 billion in gross foreign investment over its lifetime, including about USD 18 billion in net foreign investment in the Maldives.

It is also expected to create more than 54,000 direct and indirect jobs. At full maturity, the destination is expected to attract more than one million visitors annually and generate more than USD 2 billion in annual tourism revenue.

However, the project has sparked fears that Rasmale’ could become a foothold for Zionist settlement – fears that the government says are unfounded.