President Muizzu Confers Highest State Honours and Public Service Awards

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has conferred the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin, the Maldivian State's highest honour, upon four distinguished individuals during an official Independence Day ceremony. The awards, granted under the National Honours Act, recognise exceptional contributions to the nation's development, education, and economy. Among the high-level recipients was Mohamed Moosa (Champa), a foundational figure in the tourism industry. Moosa's legacy spans from establishing essential agricultural initiatives and private broadcasting stations like Dhi TV to spearheading critical infrastructure projects, including the development of Addu International Airport. His philanthropic work through the Ali Fulhu Thuthu Foundation has provided vital scholarships and tertiary healthcare via Tree Top Hospital. Hussain Afeef (Champa) was also honoured for his pioneering role in tourism. Afeef is credited with establishing the world's first fully solar-powered resort at Gasfinolhu and serving as Chairman of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry. His contributions extend to aviation and banking, notably through his leadership at the Commercial Bank of Maldives. In the field of education and religion, the Order was presented to Ibrahim Rasheed Moosa and Dr Mohamed Latheef. Rasheed Moosa is recognised for his lifelong dedication to Islamic scholarship and his pivotal role in establishing the Mauhad al-Dhiraasaathil Islamiyya. Dr Latheef, a former Minister of Education, was honoured for modernising the national curriculum and serving as the Chancellor of the Maldives National University. Beyond the highest honours, the President presented shields of honour for the National Award for Public Service to 66 individuals. These awards acknowledge the sincerity and long-term institutional contributions of civil servants across the healthcare, education, and business sectors. The President's Office confirmed that 130 nominations were reviewed for these distinctions. Eligibility required candidates to be current or former employees of state institutions or government-owned enterprises, with nominations submitted by organisations, third parties, or the individuals themselves.