Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Heena Waleed has travelled to Haa Alifu Atoll to review preparations for this year's National Day celebrations and inspect the progress of heritage conservation projects being carried out across the atoll.

The Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage stated that the visit includes inspections of work under the national project to preserve the historical heritage and legacy of Ghaazee Bandaarain, which is being implemented in Utheemu, Baarah and Thakandhoo as part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's pledge to preserve the country's historical and cultural heritage.

The minister began her visit in Utheemu, where this year's National Day celebrations will be held on 14 August. During the visit, officials from the Utheemu Island Council briefed her on preparations for the celebrations, including island beautification efforts and a series of cultural programmes planned to celebrate the occasion.

Minister Heena is also scheduled to visit Baarah and Thakandhoo to review the progress of heritage conservation work and meet with the councils of all three islands to discuss ongoing development projects and the needs and priorities of local communities.

National Day, observed annually on the first of Rabi’ al-Awwal, commemorates the heroic efforts of al-Sultan al-Ghaazee Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-A’uzam in liberating the Maldives from Portuguese rule. The day serves as a tribute to the resilience and sacrifice that underpin the nation’s independence.