National Award for Public Service conferred to Dimms Solih

A National Award for Public Service was conferred to the owner of Damas Mohamed Solih (Dimms Solih) earlier today.

Hailing from Addu Hulhudhoo, Solih was presented with the Order of the Dignified Rule of Muleege Dynasty (ODRMD) by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during the Republic Day ceremony held at the Social Center.

Solih entered the business industry 43 years ago in 1983 and continues to be a part of it to this day.

He started a general trade business by the name of "Dimms", where he supplied resorts, ran a duty free shop, a bonded warehouse and a furniture store. He also imported and sold spare parts for Yanmar engines with the option of installments as well.

When the British were stationed in Addu Gan, Solih had served in the UK Royal Air Force for around 16 years. After that, he went to Male' in 1978 and began clearing cargo, working in the construction industry and officially began his journey into trade.

Famed Maldivian company Dimms was formed by Solih in 1983 alongside his close friend Ibrahim Mohamed Didi (Dimms Didi). It was one of the most famous retail/wholesale names in the Maldivian trade and tourism industries.

However, after running Dimms for 17 years, Solih and Didi went their separate ways and started their own businesses, with Solih naming his company Damas.

Solih has played an important role in the promotion of Maldivian tourism, with him being one of the businessmen who was most involved in advertising Maldives to China. He also served as President of the Maldives Trade Association.

The first Managing Director of the Maldives Tourism Development Corporation was Solih. He was also pivotal in bringing Herathera Island Resort in Addu to operational status.

Solih has also voluntarily provided social services to the community, one of the biggest being building mosques in his home island of Hulhudhoo and other islands.

Solih was awarded the National Award of Honor in 2022 by the government in appreciation of his constant service in the progression of trade in Maldives. Solih was also awarded the President's Tourism Gold Award during the celebration of 50 years of Maldivian tourism.