President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ordered the national flag to be flown at half-mast for three days following the passing of the late Hassan Sobir, recipient of the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (O.D.R.I.).
Sobir, recognised for his public service in the Maldives’ economic sector, passed away while receiving treatment at Tree Top Hospital earlier this morning. He was 73.
In mourning, the President declared that the national flag be flown at half-mast for three days, from Tuesday, 29 July 2025.
The Government will hold a State Funeral for him, with the funeral prayer scheduled to be held at Masjid al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auzam after Asr today.
Over the course of 38 years in public service, Sobir made numerous contributions to national development. His most notable efforts were in the economic sector, particularly in advancing the Maldives’ tourism, fisheries, and agriculture industries. He also played a key role in the planning of nationwide development projects and made significant contributions to the country’s foreign service.
Sobir’s entry into government service began under the leadership of former President Uz Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Upon his election to office on 11 November 1978, the former President focused on formulating a National Development Plan, establishing the “National Planning Agency”, and recruiting skilled, capable individuals to staff it. Sobir was designated as the Statistical Survey Officer of the agency on 16 December 1978.
In pursuit of higher education, he flew to the United States of America in August 1979. Upon his return, he resumed work at the National Planning Agency as a Statistical Officer, where his most notable work was preparing for Census 1985. The first computer system was brought to the Maldives for that purpose, and his expertise was instrumental in leading the project.
Sobir continued to play a vital role in national planning and development. His contributions following the dissolution of the National Planning Agency and the founding of the Ministry of Planning and Development on 10 November 1982 are noteworthy. He was later appointed Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture on 26 August 1993.
In the years that followed, Sobir held several key cabinet positions. He was appointed Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture in the cabinet formed during former President Gayoom’s fourth term. In this role, he made significant contributions to the fisheries and agriculture sectors, including the establishment of a 1,500-tonne cold storage facility on Gaafu Alif Kooddoo and the launch of the one million tree planting programme. During his tenure, he also initiated the leasing of uninhabited islands to the public as a means of increasing state revenue, promoting agriculture, and enabling individuals to pursue economic opportunities.
His ministerial service extended into Gayoom’s fifth term, when he was appointed Minister of Tourism. In this capacity, his efforts had a significant impact on the development of the sector. He focused on capacity building under the motto “Sunny Side of Life.” His leadership and strategic thinking were instrumental in navigating the tourism industry through major global challenges, including the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak, the 9/11 attacks, and the Middle East conflict. Also noteworthy were his efforts to market Maldivian tourism abroad and increase tourist prospects and interest in the Maldives.
He was reappointed as Minister of Tourism during Gayoom’s sixth term. In the years that followed, his service transitioned from the tourism sector to the foreign relations arena, further cementing his legacy. His exceptional efforts in securing donor aid and rallying global support for the nation’s recovery and reconstruction following the Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004 are particularly noteworthy.
Sobir’s diplomatic service began with his appointment as High Commissioner to Singapore on 31 October 2007. During his tenure, bilateral relations between the two countries saw marked improvements.
He later served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Belgium and the European Union. His notable achievements in this role included advocating for duty exemptions on Maldivian exports to the EU and strengthening diplomatic ties between the Maldives and the European Union.
On 30 May, he was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Japan, and continued to serve in this role following the inauguration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on 17 November 2023.
In addition to his executive and diplomatic roles, Sobir also served as a Member of Parliament for the North Ari Atoll constituency from 24 February 2000 to 27 February 2005.
He is survived by his wife and two children: a son and a daughter.