Ambassador Hassan Sobir was laid to rest with state honors

Ambassador Hassan Sobir, recipient of the Order of Nishan Izzuddin and Maldives’ Ambassador to Japan, was laid to rest with official honours today at Galolhu Cemetery. Sobir passed away this morning following a long illness.

Sobir passed away this morning after a prolonged illness. In recognition of his lifetime of service to the nation, he was awarded the Order of Nishan Izzuddin, one of the highest honours conferred by the state. The honour was presented during the Independence Day ceremony yesterday, and received on his behalf by his daughter.

With a distinguished career spanning several decades, Sobir played an instrumental role in the Maldives’ development across multiple sectors. He began his public service in 1978 as a Statistical Survey Officer with the National Planning Agency, established under former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. In 1979, he travelled to the United States to further his education and expertise, returning to lead the planning and execution of the 1985 national census—an initiative that also marked the introduction of the first computer to the Maldives.

Following the formation of the Ministry of Planning and Development in 1982, Sobir continued to serve in key legal and leadership roles. He went on to become the Minister of Fisheries in 1993 and held the post of Minister of Tourism in both 1998 and 2003. He is also credited with coining the enduring tourism slogan “The Sunny Side of Life,” which continues to define the Maldives’ global brand image.

Sobir also held numerous diplomatic appointments. He served as Ambassador to the United Kingdom in 2004, where he was instrumental in securing foreign aid following the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami. He later represented the Maldives as Ambassador to Singapore, the European Union, and most recently, Japan.

A pioneer in both public service and infrastructure development, Sobir was also the first chairman of the state-owned Malé Water and Sewerage Company Pvt Ltd.

Hassan Sobir leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service and dedication to national progress, diplomacy, and development.