President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday conferred Adam Abdul Rahman, better known as Utheemu Adambe, with the Order of the Dignified Rule of the Dhiyamigili Dynasty (ODRDD).
Adam, who served the state for over 42 years, was presented with the laurels by President Muizzu during the National Day reception held in HA. Utheemu on Sunday morning.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu (R) confers Adam Abdul Rahman (L) with the Order of the Dignified Rule of the Dhiyamigili Dynasty on August 24, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
Adam joined public service on August 26, 1965 as the kateeb or island chief of Utheemu; a position he served for 15 years, before getting promoted as deputy to the atoll chief of HA. Atoll. He went on to serve three tenures as the atoll chief of HA. Atoll, totaling over 11 years.
According to the President’s Office, Adam is credited with taking important measures to prevent the loss of lives in Utheemu amid a food shortage in the 1970s during his time as island chief, at a time when resources were limited and rural life full of hardship.
Adam Abdul Rahman is conferred the Order of the Dignified Rule of the Dhiyamigili Dynasty on August 24, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
He is also credited with successfully petitioning for a shift in government policy that allowed for projects in islands to be conducted on contract basis, lessening the dependency on the capital. He also successfully petitioned to decentralize administrative services that were previously only available from Male’.
According to the President’s Office, Adam worked closely with the people, and engaged in sincere efforts to identity and address the difficulties they faced.
Adam Abdul Rahman and his family. (Photo/President's Office)
After his tenure as the atoll chief, Adam went on to serve for over three years as the head of the Bodu Thakurufaanu Memorial Center, and later headed various public education centers in the atolls.
A writer and poet, Adam is also known for his contributions to Maldivian literature. He won the National Award of Recognition for his poetry in 2004, and the National Award of Honor in 2016, for his contributions towards Dhivehi language and literature.