The national flag will be flown at half-mast for three days starting Tuesday, 29 July, following the passing of Hassan Sobir, a long-serving public servant and recipient of the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin.

The decision was announced by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Monday.

Sobir, whose public service career spanned over 38 years, held several key roles in government and diplomacy. He played a central role in the Maldives' development across various sectors, including national planning, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and foreign relations.

Among his early contributions was leading the 1985 national census – the first in the Maldives to utilise computer technology. He later served as Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, where he launched major agricultural initiatives, and as Minister of Tourism, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s global image. From 2000 to 2005, he also represented North Ari Atoll in Parliament, contributing actively to national recovery efforts following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Sobir also held numerous diplomatic appointments and, at the time of his passing, was serving as the Ambassador of the Maldives to Japan. He had previously represented the Maldives in the United Kingdom, Singapore, Belgium, and the European Union.

Most recently, Sobir was honoured with the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin during the 60th Independence Day ceremony, in recognition of his lasting contributions to national development.

Hassan Sobir leaves behind a legacy of service that helped shape the Maldives’ modern identity and international standing.