President Confers Highest National Honour on Four Distinguished Recipients

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu conferred the Maldives’ highest national honour, the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (O.D.R.I.), on four recipients during the official ceremony marking the country’s 61st Independence Day.

Dr Mohamed Latheef was honoured for more than four decades of public service, particularly his role in shaping the country’s education system. As former Minister of Education and Chancellor of the Maldives National University, he established key teacher-training institutions, expanded secondary and higher education, and helped establish the Maldives College of Higher Education. He also served as the Maldives’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations and as President of the Civil Service Commission.

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Uz Ibrahim Rasheed Moosa was recognised for more than 43 years of service as an Islamic scholar, educator and author. He was the founding head of Ma’had al-Dirasat al-Islamiyya, the Maldives’ first institution for higher education in Arabic and Islamic studies. He authored more than 50 books, translated 11 works and produced major religious educational broadcasts. He later served as President of the National Centre for the Holy Qur’an before retiring.

Hussain Afeef was honoured for his contribution as a pioneer of Maldivian tourism, helping drive the industry’s growth from its early years to international prominence. His contributions include the development of the world’s first fully solar-powered resort. As Chairman of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), he also led business expansion into healthcare, aviation, banking and community development through the Ali Fulhu Thuthu Foundation.

Mohamed Moosa was recognised for his contributions as an entrepreneur and philanthropist across tourism, agriculture, media, healthcare and infrastructure. He pioneered private broadcasting in the Maldives by founding DhiFM and DhiTV, invested in regional airport development and co-founded Tree Top Hospital. He continues to support local agricultural production and charitable initiatives through the Ali Fulhu Thuthu Foundation.