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President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has conferred the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin on four Maldivians for their outstanding contributions to education, religion, tourism, business, and national development.
Mariyam Adheela
MALÉ, Maldives: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has conferred the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (O.D.R.I.) on four prominent Maldivians during the official ceremony held to mark the Maldives’ 61st Independence Day.
The recipients honoured were Dr Mohamed Latheef, Uz Ibrahim Rasheed Moosa, Hussain Afeef, and Mohamed Moosa, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to national development and public service.
Dr Mohamed Latheef was recognised for his more than four decades of service, particularly his major contributions to the education sector.
He played a key role in modernising the national education system, expanding access to higher education, developing teacher training institutions, and helping establish the foundation for higher education in the Maldives.
Dr Latheef also served in several senior government positions, including as Minister of Education, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Chancellor of the Maldives National University.
Uz Ibrahim Rasheed Moosa received the honour for his lifelong contributions to Islamic education, scholarship, and public service.
A graduate of Al-Azhar University, he played a leading role in establishing Ma’had al-Dirasat al-Islamiyya and contributed greatly through religious education, writing, translation, and educational programmes.
He has authored more than 50 books and translated several important Islamic works into Dhivehi.
Hussain Afeef was recognised for his significant role in developing the Maldives tourism industry.
As one of the pioneers of tourism in the Maldives, he contributed to raising standards in hospitality and promoting the country as a leading international tourism destination.
He
also played a role in sustainable tourism development, including the establishment of the world’s first fully solar-powered resort in Gasfinolhu. His contributions extend to aviation, healthcare, banking, and community development.
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Mohamed Moosa was also awarded the honour for his contributions across business, agriculture, tourism, media, infrastructure, and social development.
He founded several successful businesses and played a role in expanding local agriculture, developing tourism projects, supporting private broadcasting, and contributing to national infrastructure.
Through his philanthropic efforts, he has supported education, community development projects, and healthcare initiatives, including the establishment of Tree Top Hospital.
The Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin is one of the Maldives’ highest national honours, awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the country.
