Maldives to launch first-ever National Engineering Award in 2026

In a move to recognize the invaluable contributions of engineers to the nation's development, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the government will begin awarding the National Engineering Award starting in 2026. The announcement was made during his speech on the occasion of the first-ever National Engineers' Day, which was celebrated across the Maldives on August 30.

The President kicked off the event by extending his gratitude to engineers who have contributed to the nation’s growth, both in the past and present, across a wide range of sectors. He emphasized the vital role engineers continue to play in shaping the country’s infrastructure, economy, and future.

In his address, President Muizzu also declared that from this year onward, August 30 will be officially recognized as "Maldives Engineers' Day," a national observance to honor the contributions of engineers to the country's progress. The date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the inauguration of the Sinamalé Bridge, the largest infrastructure project in Maldives history, which opened on 30 August 2018. With the Sinamalé Bridge marking its seventh anniversary, the president highlighted how it has transformed the daily lives of Maldivians and positively impacted the economy and public services.

Looking toward the future, Muizzu underscored the essential role engineers will play in achieving the nation’s ambitious goals, including the vision of a Digital Maldives and targets for renewable energy. He stressed that the knowledge and expertise of engineers across various fields are crucial for realizing the Maldives' vision of becoming a developed nation by 2040.

In addition to the creation of the National Engineering Award, the president emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing opportunities for engineering research and education. He emphasized that fostering a strong foundation in engineering education and providing ongoing training will be central to supporting the country's long-term development.

Muizzu also took the opportunity to acknowledge the rich tradition of craftsmanship in the Maldives, noting that Maldivian ancestors were highly skilled artisans. He praised the engineering achievements of past generations, recognizing that the nation’s ongoing development owes much to the engineering expertise that has sustained the country from its early days to the present.