Dr. Shaheem receives Alumni Leadership Award from Islamic University of Medina

Former Maldivian Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has been conferred the "Jaaizathulkhirreejeenahruhvaadhu" Alumni Leadership Award from the Islamic University of Medina – the highest honor bestowed to the university’s alumni.

Shaheem was presented with the award by Prince Faisal bin Salman Al Saud, the son of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and governor of Medina province.

He also received a cash prize of SAR 50,000 (MVR 204,906).

The award is bestowed upon the university’s graduates in recognition of their service, both nationally and internationally, academic and administrative leadership, social contribution and innovative thinking.

Shaheem said he was pleased to receive the award. He said it wasn’t an honor to him alone, but an honor to Maldives.

“I am very happy to receive such an award. I consider this as an award to Maldives. As a matter of prestige to Maldives. I am glad,” he said.

Shaheem said he was happy to hear Maldives’ name announced at such a prestigious event.

He thanked the university and the Saudi government for the opportunity to study at the institution.

He said he was also set to receive the Tokoh Alumni Award from the International Islamic University of Malaysia – the highest honor bestowed upon the university’s alumni. He is set to be presented with the award next July.

Shaheem received his education from Maldives, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. He joined the Islamic University of Medina in 2000.

Shaheem, who currently serves as President of the Islamic Organization for Culture and Civilization, had run in the 2018 presential elections as former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s running mate.

Shaheem had served as State Minister for Islamic Affairs during former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed’s administration, and later as Minister for Islamic Affairs during both former Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik’s administration and the early years of Yameen’s administration.

Shaheem played a key role in establishment of Islamic University of Maldives – which was founded while he was Minister of Islamic Affairs. He served as Vice Chancellor of IUM, and later replaced Dr. Zahir Hussain to become the university’s second Chancellor in 2016.