- National Awards conferred for the first time in an island outside the capital city
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called on the Maldivian people to place faith, sincerity, and trustworthiness at the heart of their lives for the sake of the nation. He made this appeal in his address to the nation on the occasion of this year’s National Day, celebrated on Sunday.
In his speech, the President highlighted that sincerity and trustworthiness are essential to achieving holistic national progress, emphasizing that development can only be realized through both the Administration’s initiatives and the people’s forward-looking mindset. He noted that National Day serves as a moment for renewal, reminding citizens of their individual and collective responsibilities as Muslims.
The President urged all Maldivians to honour the sacrifices and bravery of the country’s national heroes, pointing out that their legacy provides valuable guidance for shaping a prosperous and peaceful future. He further emphasized that the foundation of Maldivian independence and nationhood rests on mutual respect, brotherhood, and love, reminding citizens that true nationhood comes with obligations as well as rights.
Reaffirming his Administration’s dedication to advancing development across the country, President Muizzu stressed that genuine progress begins with personal growth. He underlined the importance of instilling the values of nationhood in future generations, highlighting the critical role of young people in shaping the Maldives of tomorrow.
As part of the official National Day celebrations, the National Awards were presented in Utheemu — marking the first time the ceremony was held outside Malé. This year, three individuals received the National Award of Honour, while nine individuals and one company were presented with the National Award of Recognition. One of the National Awards of Honour was conferred posthumously.
National Award of Honour recipients:
Sh. Ismail Mohamed – for raising awareness of Islam, service to faith, and religious education.
Mohamed Mauroof Jameel – for contributions to construction and architecture.
The late Mohamed Majid – for his outstanding work as a performing artist.
National Award of Recognition recipients:
Husna Fahmy – for her steadfast dedication to promoting Dhivehi language and literature through publishing and writing.
Izzath Ahmed Nizar – for continued efforts in advancing Dhivehi poetry.
Abdul Azeez Hameed – for his exceptional contributions to healthcare and public awareness.
Amira Sulaiman – for outstanding service in healthcare, particularly in fostering traditional medicine.
Fathimath Ibrahim – for her tireless dedication to the welfare of children and adults with disabilities and special needs.
Ahmed Waheed Ali – for exemplary contributions to community engagement, empowerment, and mobilisation.
Ooredoo Maldives Public Limited Company – for its efforts in strengthening commerce and telecommunications.
Aleemuddeen – for his multifaceted contributions to society through various productive endeavours.
Mohamed Jailam – for innovation and excellence in developing computer software and applications.
Zahiyya Mohamed – for her trailblazing dedication in a field traditionally underrepresented by women.
The ceremony also featured the conferring of the Order of the Dignified Rule of the Dhiyamigili Dynasty (ODRDD) upon Adam Abdul Rahman, a senior citizen of Utheemu, in recognition of his long and distinguished service. Widely known as Utheemu Adam Be’, he began his service to the nation in 1965 as Island Chief of Utheemu, later serving more than 15 years in that role before becoming Atoll Chief for over 11 years across three terms. His tenure was marked by immense challenges due to limited resources, yet his leadership ensured resilience during difficult periods, including the food shortages of the 1970s, when his wise management prevented starvation in Utheemu.
Adam Abdul Rahman also played a pivotal role in reforming administrative practices, introducing a contractual system to replace inefficient methods of managing goods and compensations. His efforts helped extend administrative services to islands previously reliant on Malé, greatly improving access for local communities. Known for his empathy and close connection with the people, he worked tirelessly to address their needs.
After his tenure as Atoll Chief, he went on to serve as Administrator of the Bodu Thakurufaanu Memorial Centre for over three years, where he dedicated himself to preserving the site as a symbol of national heritage. Later, he contributed to education as a Director at the Ministry of Education. Beyond his administrative career, Adam Abdul Rahman has been recognized as a prominent figure in Dhivehi language and literature, celebrated for his poetry, storytelling, and writing. He was previously honoured with the National Award of Recognition for poetry in 2004 and the National Award of Honour in 2016 for his contributions to Dhivehi literature.
In addition, President Muizzu conferred the Presidential Honour for Distinguished Service to the Nation of Maldives upon the people of Utheemu, North Thiladhunmathi Atoll. This rare honour recognizes their centuries-long role in preserving national heritage, particularly their devoted stewardship of Utheemu Ganduvaru, a site of immense historical and cultural significance that has remained under their care for nearly five hundred years.
President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed arrived in Utheemu for the official National Day celebrations, where they were accorded a ceremonial welcome. The President and First Lady also took part in a number of commemorative events, including the inauguration of the project to revive the legacy of Ghazee Bandaarain, marked with the groundbreaking of the Boduthakurufaanu Gate.
Following the conclusion of the Utheemu celebrations, the President embarked on a tour of the islands in Haa Alif and Haa Dhaal Atolls, continuing his engagements with local communities.
