Presentation of National Award of Honor and National Award of Recognition

The National Award of Recognition has been conferred to 22 recipients:

• Qari Mohamed Waheed - For his remarkable efforts to promote Quranic studies and recitation.
• Sheikh Ilyas Hussain - For his excellent and continued efforts to promote religious awareness.
• Dr. Ali Zahir - For his excellent and continued efforts to promote religious awareness.
• Ibrahim Mamdhooh - For promoting and showcasing traditional Maldivian music and dance.
• Ali Naseer - For his innovative and successful methods of teaching.
• Maldives Autism Association - For the exceptional service in the field of special needs education and promoting public awareness.
• Aishath Zaeema - For her contribution in strengthening special needs education and awareness raising.
• Mariyam Shunana - For her contribution to promoting legal literacy and pro-bono legal service.
• Ibrahim Shahid - For his excellent and continued efforts in promoting tourism.
• Mariyam Noordeen- For her remarkable efforts to build and foster local capacities and skills in tourism and hospitality industry.
• Abdulla Ali - For his commitment and dedication to volunteerism.
• Ali Yoosuf - For his humanitarian service as a dedicated blood donor.
• Muni Enterprises Private Limited - For developing and expanding commerce and industry.
• Adheel Ismail - For introducing and promoting new enterprises.
• Joodhy Khalid - For her remarkable and continued efforts to promote arts and craftsmanship especially in culinary skills.
• Fahd Faiz - For his excellent efforts to promote recreational diving.
• Aishath Ibrahim - For her remarkable efforts to build local skills in hair care and beauty service.
• Mohamed Hamdhoon - For his remarkable efforts to promote responsible journalism and reporting.
• Sergeant Major Ismail Madhi - For his dedicated service as a professional shooting instructor.
• Mohamed Jaushan Shareef - For his exceptional service as a sports lawyer
• D Tune Band - For their unwavering efforts to promote and showcase music and singing.
• Hassan Farhan Mohamed - For his remarkable efforts to empowering and promoting youth leadership through volunteerism.

Abidha Ismail Ali (M. Kandookuri, K. Male’) has been conferred the National Award of Honor for her contribution to the development of arts and crafts.

A self-taught seamstress, Abidha began her career at the age of 13 years. She now specializes in the traditional dhigu hedhun. She also trains seastresses.

Mohamed Salih (M. Shuvaz, K. Male’) has been conferred the National Award of Honor for his contribution to the development, expansion and diversification of trade and economy.

He launched his first business – Dims – in 1983. He went on to promote fisheries through modern technologies.

Ahmed Ali Manik (G. Viyavathi, K. Male’) has been conferred the National Award of Honor for his contribution to social services.

He has been contributing to social services for over 35. He is especially celebrated for his contribution to promoting Scouts activities in Maldives.

Zaina Ahmed Didi (Gumunzaanige, S. Feydhoo) has been conferred the National Award of Honor for her contribution to social services.

Zaina began working as a midwife in 1977, birthing over 500 children.

She has been volunteering at the Feydhoo Women’s Committee since its inception.

Mohamed Zahir (M. Kinaaraa House, K. Male’) has been conferred the National Award of Honor for his contribution in the field of environment and energy.

He began writing environmental awareness articles on Haveeru in 1986.

He received the UNEP Global 500 Award in 1990, and the National Award of Recognition for Public Service for his contribution to creating environmental awareness in 1987.

Ahmed Nashid (ADK Nashid) (H. Ranrinbudhoo, K. Male’) has been conferred the National Award of Honor for his contribution to the health sector.

Nashid is the founder and chairman of Maldives’ first private hospital – ADK Hospital.

He was conferred the National Award of Recognition for his contribution to the Maldivian health sector in 2001.

Dr. Ahmed Anwar (Hassankareege, S. Meedhoo) has been conferred the National Award of Honor for his contribution to the field of education.

Anwar oversaw the establishment of Maldives’ first private college – Villa College – under the guidance of Qasim Ibrahim.

He was conferred the National Award of Recognition for his contribution to the development of higher education in 2011.

Abdulla (Kalobeyya) (Aaruzoo, GDh. Thinadhoo) has been conferred the National Award of Honor for his contribution to Dhivehi culture and traditions.

Abdulla is celebrated for his contribution to promoting antient Maldivian arts. He is most known for toddy tapping. He has been toddy tapping at the age of 15 years, and now produces and distributes Maldivian sugar.

Hassan Shakir Mohamed (H. Hudhufinifenmaage, K. Male’) has been conferred the National Award of Honor for his contribution to Dhivehi language and literature.

His greatest contribution to Dhivehi literature is in poetry. He wrote his first poem in 1980. He won the National Award for Public Service for poetry in 1998, and the National Award of Recognition for his contribution to Dhivehi literature and oration in 2007.

Mohamed Shahid Haleem (M. Diamond Valley, K. Male’) has been conferred the National Award of Honor for his contribution to Dhivehi language and literature.

He has provided over 57 years of service to Dhivehi literature.

He won the National Award for Public Service for translating works to Dhivehi language in 1992.

He is vice chair of Dhivehi Bahuge Academy’s regulations committee.

President Solih noted that in addition to his contribution to the tourism industry, Naseem also has 37 years of public service under his belt. He especially noted Naseem’s service to the foreign service, including his service as Foreign Minister.

President Solih begins delivering his remarks.

The Order of the Dignified Rule of the Muleege Dynasty commemorates the rule of Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddin.

Health Minister Ahmed Naseem is conferred the Order of the Dignified Rule of the Muleege Dynasty.

Home Minister Imran Abdulla delivers his remarks.