The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has opened a condolence register in memory of Mohamed Umar Manik, affectionately known as MU Manik, widely recognized as a trailblazer in the Maldives’ journey to becoming a global tourism destination.

MU Manik passed away on August 30 at the age of 78, while receiving treatment at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. He had been undergoing medical care for about a month prior to his passing.

In a statement, MATI announced that the condolence book will be open to the public from September 7 – 14 at the association’s office on the fourth floor of the Fasmeeru Building in the capital, Malé City. Members of the public, tourism industry professionals, and well-wishers are invited to sign the register between 9am and 5pm daily, excluding Fridays.

At the time of his death, MU Manik was serving as the Chairman of MATI, an organization he helped shape and lead throughout the rapid growth of the tourism sector in the Maldives. His role in pioneering and promoting the industry has been widely credited with transforming the country into a world-renowned travel destination.

Over the decades, MU Manik was recognized with numerous national honors for his service. These include the General Service Incentive Award (1982), the Honorary Award for contributions to tourism (2002), and the Minivan 25 General Service Award. In 2011, he was awarded the Order of the Dignified Rule of the Muleege Dynasty (ODRMD), one of the nation’s highest honors, for his exceptional contributions to the Maldivian state and society.

Tributes have poured in from across the country and beyond, with many remembering MU Manik as a visionary leader whose work played a central role in shaping the Maldives’ economy and international identity.