Flag hoisting ceremonies held in Malé and across inhabited islands to mark National Day

Ceremonies to hoist the national flag have been held in Male' and across inhabited islands to mark the occasion of National Day.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the First Lady attended a ceremony held at Male' City's Republic Square at 6:00 a.m. on Friday.

In addition, the Vice President, the Speaker of the People’s Majlis, the Chief Justice, cabinet ministers, and other high-ranking government officials were in attendance.

A special prayer was also offered during the flag-hoisting ceremony. The prayer was led by the Director General of Zakat at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Izzuddin Adnan.

National Day is observed to commemorate the liberation of the Maldives from Portuguese rule by Al-Sultan Ghazi Mohammed Thakurufaanu Al-Auzam. This historic event took place on the first of Rabi’ al-Awwal in the Hijri year 981.

In this regard, the first day of Rabi' al-Awwal is observed annually in the Maldives as National Day.

This year’s official National Day ceremony will be held in Ha. Utheemu, the birthplace of the national hero, Muhammad Thakurufaanu. The President’s Office has announced that the National Award of Honour and the National Award of Recognition will be conferred during the official ceremony.

The meeting is scheduled to take place this Saturday, the 15th of the month, at 10:00 AM.

This year, the National Award of Honour will be conferred upon three individuals and one organization. The National Award of Recognition will be presented to seven individuals and one company. Additionally, the National Award for Public Service will be posthumously awarded to one individual.