Hassan Sobir, recipient of the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin and a long-serving public servant, passed away on 28 July 2025, while receiving treatment for cancer at Tree Top Hospital.

Throughout decades of dedicated public service, Sobir played a pivotal role in shaping the modern Maldives. From national planning and agriculture to tourism, diplomacy, and economic development, his contributions left a lasting imprint on the country’s growth and international standing.

His journey in public service began in 1973 when he was appointed as a Statistical Survey Officer at the newly established National Planning Agency under President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s administration. Among his earliest and most groundbreaking efforts was leading the 1985 national census, the first in the Maldives to harness computer technology. As chief coordinator of the project, Sobir brought technical skill and foresight to a nation on the cusp of modernisation.

Sobir later took on the role of Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, where he led transformative initiatives. He launched a nationwide campaign to plant one million trees, revitalising agricultural efforts. He also championed the leasing of uninhabited islands for farming, a visionary move that opened new frontiers for sustainable agriculture across the country.

Appointed subsequently as Minister of Tourism, Sobir steered the sector through a critical phase of growth. He was instrumental in building institutional capacity and embedding the Maldives’ global image through the renowned “Sunny Side of Life” branding campaign. He remains one of the longest-serving ministers in this portfolio.

From 2000 to 2005, Sobir also served as the Member of Parliament for North Ari Atoll. In the aftermath of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, he worked tirelessly to rally global support for the nation’s recovery and reconstruction efforts.

In addition to his domestic achievements, Sobir held several key diplomatic appointments, and at the time of his passing, was serving as the Ambassador of the Maldives to Japan. He has represented the Maldives as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, the first Resident High Commissioner of Maldives to Singapore, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Belgium and European Union, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Japan.

Sobir was most recently honoured with the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin during the ceremony marking the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day; a symbol of national gratitude for his long-standing contributions to state-building, particularly in the fisheries and tourism sectors. The honour was received on his behalf by his daughter, Aishath Raniya Sobir.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, in a message of condolence, described Sobir’s passing as a profound loss for the nation. He paid tribute to Sobir’s foundational contributions to the fisheries, agriculture, and tourism sectors, noting that he served the longest as Minister of Tourism. The message also acknowledged his exemplary diplomatic service, during which he worked to strengthen the Maldives’ foreign relations through various ambassadorial appointments.

Sobir held academic qualifications that reflected the breadth of his expertise: a Diploma in Statistics from the United States, a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from India, and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of South Wales in Australia.

Until his final days, Hassan Sobir remained in service to the state. His legacy is remembered not only for its remarkable scale and enduring substance, but for a life lived in unwavering dedication to the Maldives and its people.

He is survived by his wife and two children; a son and a daughter.