Maldives Ambassador to Japan Ahmed Mahloof has claimed that political leaders opposing the Rasmalé project are attempting to obstruct its progress out of fear that it could strengthen President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s chances of winning the 2028 presidential election.

In a social media post, Mahloof said opposition figures had initially dismissed the project as a waste of money, describing the reclaimed land as an empty stretch where nobody would choose to live. However, he noted that the narrative surrounding the project had now changed.

Mahloof said Rasmalé was being developed in partnership with a capable, large-scale company from a Muslim country. He also stressed that the land would remain the property of the Maldivian state and be leased, with all activities carried out in accordance with Maldivian laws and regulations.

He further assured the public that, given the country's decision to prohibit Israeli citizens from entering the Maldives, Rasmalé would not be used to sell land or property to Jewish people or facilitate business activities involving them. He also said activities such as selling alcohol and pork and operating casinos would not be permitted in the area.

Highlighting the project's potential economic benefits, Mahloof described Rasmalé as a major investment worth approximately USD 20 billion. He claimed the development could generate around 50,000 jobs, create billions of rufiyaa worth of construction opportunities for Maldivian businesses and open up investment opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

He also said the project could provide 5,000 flats for the public and generate billions of dollars in state revenue, helping address the country's foreign currency challenges. According to Mahloof, stabilizing the exchange rate could also reduce the cost of goods and improve the living standards of ordinary Maldivians.

“Political statements made by certain groups need to be countered. Given the scale of this project and the significant benefits it offers the public, it could become a major factor in paving the way for President Muizzu to win the 2028 presidential election. That is why his competitors are afraid. Their only objective is to obstruct the project,” Mahloof said.

The Rasmalé project is being developed through a partnership between the Maldivian government and Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties and chairman of Abu Dhabi-based Eagle Hills. The project is estimated to be worth between USD 12 billion and USD 20 billion.

Located at Fushidhiggaru Falhu, approximately 20 minutes from Malé, Rasmalé is being developed on reclaimed land spanning around 500 hectares.

Mahloof described the development as an essential project for the country's progress and called on stakeholders to give it the opportunity to move forward.