The Umar Zahir Office Building inaugurated on Wednesday, stands as a testament to his exemplary services, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The president said this during a ceremony held to inaugurate the Umar Zahir Office Building, developed in Hulhumalé by the government.

As such, taking the podium at the event, President Solih recalled Umar Zahir’s invaluable services to the nation as a state dignitary.

Highlighting that his namesake office complex stands testament to his exemplary services, the president recalled the virtues, invaluable contributions to national development, and devotion to preserving national unity, by the late Umar Zahir, stating that the land on which the new building stands is a well-planned and executed blueprint by the late state dignitary.

Speaking about the long service record of the late Umar Zahir, President Solih noted that he spent over half of his lifetime in the service of the government and nation, which was reason enough to dedicate the new office building to his name.

Further noting that the new office building has been inaugurated at the most opportune time, the president said that there is an escalating need for new spaces to run government offices.

Stating that the Ghaazee Building in Malé was old and that the Huravee Building was demolished due to its old and weak structure, the president went on to state that it was costly to operate government offices in rented spaces and that the new building would ensure some reprieve to the budget.

The Solih administration plans to relocate offices and services of three government ministries to Umar Zahir Office Building. They include the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Gender, Family, and Social Services, and the Ministry of Higher Education.

Featuring 25,000 square feet of office space on each of its four levels, the six-story building has meeting rooms, seminar rooms, a terrace, and a parking lot for 21 automobiles and 360 motorcycles.

Holder of the highest-ranking Maldivian honor, the Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin, Umar Zahir started his career in government as a clerk and ended it as one of the most influential ministers in the government.

He succumbed to complications of Covid-19 in December 2021.

Zahir, who provided sincere services to the state for longer than 50 years, passed away at 84 years of age while receiving treatment for coronavirus at Dharumavantha Hospital.

He was a celebrated long-serving statesman has proven to be a great example for engagement in matters of social and national importance.

Born on 26 October 1936, Zahir had also played an active role on the frontlines of efforts to bring national sovereignty and freedom in the 60s.

The late Zahir also served as the first Sports Minister of the Maldives. He served as the Minister of Home Affairs and Social Services from 1983 to 1988. After social services were removed from the ministry’s mandate in 1988, the ministry was renamed the Ministry of Home Affairs and Sports up until 1993.

The honorable Umar Zahir began his national services to the country as early as 1950 and since then up until the 70s, Zahir served in numerous positions including positions linked to the military, Headmaster of Majeediyya School, owner of Radio Maldives, Deputy Minister of Education, Deputy Minister of Home Ministry as well as Manager of Bandos Maldives Resort.

Afterwards, he served as the President of Malé Municipality from 1980 to 1993. Other positions he filled include Minister of Construction and Public Works as well as Senior Minister at the President’s Office.

The most distinguished national award, the Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin was conferred to the late statesman in honor of his outstanding national services, during 2008. He was renowned for his resilience and contributions in the services to the public.

The government of Maldives flew the national flag half-mast for a period of three days in mourning of his death.

He also served as the President of Malé Municipality from 1980 to 1993. Other positions he filled include Minister of Construction and Public Works as well as Senior Minister at the President’s Office. He was also a Malé constituency Member of Parliament, Special Advisor to the President, and Senior Minister in the President's Office.

Some significant projects were initiated under his leadership including the reclamation of Thilafushi Island, contributions during the initial reclamation phase of Hulhumalé, and various phases of the road development project in Malé City.