The residents of Haa Alifu Utheemu will be conferred the Higest Honuor for Service to Maldivian Nationhood on National Day; in recognition of their role in preserving national identity, the President’s Office has announced.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu will confer the honour in recognition of the community’s role in safeguarding Utheemu Ganduvaru, the historic residence of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu al-Auzam, which the people of Utheemu have preserved for nearly 500 years.

The designation will be awarded during the official National Day ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m. on Sunday.

At the same ceremony, the National Award of Honour and the National Award of Recognition will also be presented. Three individuals will receive the National Award of Honour this year, including one posthumous recipient. Nine individuals and companies will be presented with the National Award of Recognition.

The National Awards Committee, appointed by the President, is responsible for determining the recipients. The National Award of Honour includes a shield, badge of honour, and commemorative certificate, while the National Award of Recognition comprises a commemorative plaque and certificate.

This year’s National Award nominations included, for the first time, the field of Patisserie and Baking.