Former President Abdulla Yameen has raised concerns over the planned USD 20 billion Eagle Hills development in Rasmalé, describing it as a major disaster for the Maldives.

Speaking about the project, Yameen said he supports development but questioned its location in the Malé area. He also compared the project with a Saudi-backed development proposed in Faafu Atoll during his administration, which he said would have created employment opportunities for Maldivians and been developed in line with Islamic principles.

Yameen said the Faafu Atoll project had faced opposition from political leaders and scholars at the time.

He also raised concerns about the ownership and future management of properties developed under the Rasmalé project.

Yameen has repeatedly alleged that land in Rasmalé is being sold to the UAE-based developer. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and government ministers have rejected such claims.

Housing Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib said the developer would only be able to sell properties within the Rasmalé development to parties approved by the Maldivian Government.

He said ownership of a property would remain with the purchaser and that any transfer or inheritance would be subject to government approval and applicable fees.

Minister Muththalib said claims that properties would be automatically inherited were therefore inaccurate.