The esteemed Order of the Dignified Rule of the Muleege Dynasty, one of the highest honors of the Maldivian State, has been conferred upon Mohamed Salih, owner of Damas Company Private Limited.

The award was presented by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during the official Republic Day ceremony held on Tuesday. The honor recognizes Salih’s long-standing contributions to national development, entrepreneurship, and social service.

Salih began his professional journey at the age of 17, serving as a senior employee among Maldivians stationed at the British Royal Air Force base in Gan, Addu Atoll. Following the British departure from Gan in 1978, he relocated to Malé City, where he began establishing his career in business.

In 1983, Salih co-founded a partnership business under the name “DIMS,” offering a range of general trading services that included hardware, resort wear, duty-free outlets, bonded warehouses and furniture businesses. After the partnership was dissolved in 2000, he registered Damas Private Limited, through which he expanded his operations and introduced diverse new business ventures.

Beyond his success in commerce, Salih has made notable contributions to the country’s healthcare sector. Since 19 January 2013, he has operated Medica, a multi-specialty hospital in Malé City that provides a wide range of medical services.

His international engagements include serving as Thailand’s Honorary Consul in the Maldives, managing the first Thai Consulate established in the country, and holding the position of Vice Chairman of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Salih has played a significant role in public service. He has served as Economic Advisor to the president, a Board Member of the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), and a member of the Tourism Promotion Board. His contributions to the growth and diversification of the tourism sector, as well as his initiatives in human resource development, have been widely recognized. He also served as the first Managing Director of the Maldives Tourism Development Corporation.

In 2022, the government honored Salih with the National Award of Recognition for his continuous efforts in advancing business development. Furthermore, he received the “President’s Tourism Gold Award” during the 50th anniversary celebrations of Maldivian tourism.