Former Minister and Ambassador Hassan Sabir laid to rest with state honors

Former Tourism Minister and long-serving Maldivian diplomat Hassan Sabir was laid to rest today with full state honors following his passing on July 28. He was 76.

The President’s Office announced that in his memory, the national flag will be flown at half-mast for three days beginning Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

Sabir, a recipient of the prestigious *Nishan Izzuddeen* honor, dedicated more than 38 years of his life to public service. He began his career with the Maldivian government on February 7, 1973. One of his early contributions was through the National Planning Agency. Following the agency’s dissolution, he continued his work in the Ministry of Planning and Development, holding several key positions after its formation on November 10, 1982.

On November 11, 1993, during President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s fourth term, Sabir was appointed Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture. He was later appointed Minister of Tourism during Gayoom’s fifth term.

Sabir’s service extended to the foreign affairs sector, where he served as Ambassador of Maldives to the United Kingdom, Singapore, the European Union, and Japan.

Recognized for his significant contributions to national development and diplomacy, Hassan Sabir leaves behind a distinguished legacy in Maldivian public service.