Yameen Urges Eagle Hills to Scrap Rasmalé Project, Criticises Government

Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has called on UAE-based developer Eagle Hills to abandon its proposed development in Rasmalé, accusing the company of exploiting the government and questioning the project’s compatibility with the Maldives’ support for Palestine.

In a post on X, Yameen described Eagle Hills as “a depraved bunch” and the administration as a “morally bankrupt regime”, claiming that the government had lost public support.

“A Jewish settlement in a 100% Muslim society that cherishes the Palestinian cause showcases your hypocrisy and depravity,” Yameen wrote, urging the developer to scrap the project.

“We have nothing but disdain for this project,” he added.

Eagle Hills you are a depraved bunch exploiting a morally bankrupt regime that has lost its support with the voters. A Jewish settlement in a 100% Muslim society that cherishes the Palestinian cause showcases your hypocrisy n depravation. You are well advised to scrap ur project. We have nothing but disdain for this project.

— Abdulla Yameen (@prz_ymn) October 11, 2026

The remarks come amid political debate over the government’s agreement with Eagle Hills, an Abu Dhabi-based real estate developer, to develop the Maldives Waterfront and Marina project in Rasmalé.

The government and Eagle Hills signed a commercial terms agreement on 21 September for the proposed development, which is expected to include hotels, residences, a marina, retail outlets and other commercial and community facilities. The project has been presented by the government as a major foreign investment initiative intended to generate employment, expand housing opportunities and boost economic activity.

The agreement has also drawn criticism from opposition figures over its long-term implications, particularly the proposed lease arrangements of up to 99 years and concerns about national sovereignty and transparency.

The government has maintained that the land will not be sold to the developer and that the project will operate under a leasehold framework in accordance with Maldivian law. Officials have also said further agreements and legal arrangements will be required as the project progresses.

The government has defended the project on economic grounds, while critics have questioned its terms and the extent of the commitments being made on behalf of future administrations.