President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has extended his deepest condolences to the family of the late Umar Zahir, a state dignitary and honouree of the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin. The late Umar Zahir passed away on December 20.
President Solih spoke on the phone with Aminath Samiha Zahir, the daughter of the late Umar Zahir, and conveyed his sincerest condolences for their loss. During the call, the president expressed that he was deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of her late father, and he extended his heartfelt sympathy to the members of the bereaved family.
In describing the passing of the late Umar Zahir as a loss to the nation, President Solih spoke about some of the late Umar Zahir’s significant contributions to the development and progress of the nation. Ending his call, the president prayed for eternal peace in Jannah for the soul of the late Umar Zahir.
State Dignitary Umar Zahir, 85, passed away on December 20 while being treated at Dharumavantha Hospital. Following his passing, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih declared that the national flag be flown at half-mast in mourning for three days from December 21-23, 2021.
The late Umar Zahir served the nation in various capacities for over 49 years, amongst them senior positions in the Prime Minister's Office, the President's Office, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Male’ Municipality, and Majeediyya School. He was revered for his contributions in different sectors, where he held top positions, serving as the Minister of Home Affairs and Social Services, the Minister of Home Affairs and Sports, and the Minister of Construction and Public Works, among others. The late Umar Zahir was also a Parliamentarian, Special Advisor to the President, and Senior Minister in the President's Office.
The late Umar Zahir is celebrated for his unwavering commitment and contributions in the service of the public. Some of the significant projects undertaken under his leadership include the reclamation of Thilafushi, contributions during the initial reclamation phase of Hulhumale’, and various phases of the road development project in Male’.
In recognition of his many contributions to the nation, the late Umar Zahir was awarded the Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin in 2008.