Wednesday 04 Nov 2026
‘Dhivehinge Bin Dhivehinnah’ movement launched against Rasmale’ project.
The ‘Dhivehinge Bin Dhivehinnah’ movement has postponed its rally calling for public opinion on the Rasmale' project.
The rally, originally scheduled for this coming Friday, has now been moved to the 13th of this month. Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday, lawyer Ali Hussain said the MDP and several other groups had expressed interest in joining the rally. He said the postponement would allow the movement to expand the event and ensure wider participation.
Ali said the Constitution requires a public referendum if any change is made to the territory of Maldives. He argued that granting ownership of Maldivian land to foreigners, along with the activities carried out on that land, constitutes a change to the country’s territory. “Therefore, we believe that if the people’s vote is given to an outside party without going to a referendum vote, it will be against the Constitution of Maldives,” Ali said.
The government’s decision to award the project to Dubai’s Eagle Hills has drawn criticism from the opposition, with some alleging that the project would allow Israelis to live in Maldives. The government maintains that the project, which allocates more than 500 hectares of land in Rasmale' for 99 years, will bring significant benefits to the country. In response, the President has stated that only Maldivians and Muslims from other countries will settle in Rasmale'. Eagle Hills Chairman Mohamed Alabbar previously said he hopes to sign the final agreement on the Maldives Waterfront and Marina project on Wednesday, the Maldives’ Republic Day.
