Businessman Mohamed Ali Janah, who serves as President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s Principal Advisor on Trade and Investment, has been allocated a large parcel of land in a key location of Phase One in Hulhumalé.
Local media reports reveal that the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) granted Janah approximately 100,000 square feet of land last year, situated near the Ooredoo Building in front of Central Park. The land, part of a 300,000 square-foot area, is designated for the development of an upscale shopping mall, which is expected to feature green spaces and open areas for diverse activities.
It is reported that Janah acquired the land through a joint venture with HDC, allowing him to avoid a substantial land acquisition fee that would have totalled hundreds of millions of Maldivian rufiyaa. The development is also planned in collaboration with Qatari company Estithmar, though it remains unclear which of Janah’s companies is involved due to his broad business portfolio.
The land allocation has stirred public outrage, with many accusing the government of favouritism and corruption since President Muizzu took office.
