Opposition launches national movement against Eagle Hills project in Ras Malé
Imran said the movement would continue until the government abandoned its plans to transfer land in Ras Malé to Eagle Hills.
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Opposition groups and government critics have launched a national movement under the slogan 'Maldivian Land for Maldivians' to oppose the Maldives Waterfront and Marina project planned by UAE-based developer Eagle Hills in Ras Malé.
The movement was announced at a press conference on Monday, with organisers calling for the cancellation of the project, which involves allocating 500 hectares of land in Ras Malé to the developer.
The government has faced criticism over the proposed development, particularly over the lack of publicly disclosed details about the agreement with Eagle Hills.
Speaking at the press conference, former Home Minister Imran Abdulla said the movement would bring together people from different parts of the Maldives, age groups and professional backgrounds who had expressed opposition to the project.
"What we are starting today is an effort to bring together the voices that have been raised separately against the sale of Ras Malé. Today, we are announcing a national movement of Maldivian citizens under the slogan 'Maldivian Land for Maldivians'," Imran said.
He said the movement would continue until the government abandoned its plans to transfer land in Ras Malé to Eagle Hills.
Imran argued that Maldivian land should not be handed over in a manner that could benefit Zionists.
He also said decisions involving the country's land, lagoons and other resources should be made through public consultation and in a manner that benefits Maldivian citizens.
According to Imran, agreements involving foreign investors must be transparent and subject to public scrutiny.
"We have taken this stand because President Muizzu is proceeding with this project outside the principles I have outlined," he said.
"We will stand with the people and stop this."
The proposed Maldives Waterfront and Marina development is planned on 500 hectares of land in Ras Malé.
The project is expected to include branded residences, resorts, a marina, restaurants, a waterfront promenade, and facilities dedicated to leisure and wellness.
The development is planned to be implemented in phases.
According to previously announced projections, the project is expected to attract more than USD 30 billion in foreign investment, including USD 18 billion in net investment.
The project has also been projected to generate approximately 54,000 employment opportunities.
Eagle Hills has previously said the development could attract more than one million visitors annually and generate USD 2 billion in tourism revenue each year.
The launch of the opposition movement adds to public debate over the proposed development and the terms under which land in Ras Malé would be allocated to the foreign developer.
