Hassan Sobir, a veteran public servant and diplomat who played a defining role in shaping the Maldives’ tourism sector and foreign relations, passed away on Monday morning at the age of 74. He died while undergoing treatment at Tree Top Hospital in Hulhumalé following a prolonged illness.
Sobir’s passing marks the end of a career spanning nearly four decades, during which he served successive administrations in senior government and diplomatic roles. Most recently, he held the post of Ambassador of the Maldives to Japan under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration.
A statesman with a long-standing commitment to national development, Sobir first entered public service on 7 February 1973, beginning his career at the National Planning Agency. He went on to serve in various capacities at the Ministry of Planning and Development, later taking on key leadership positions across the tourism, fisheries, and agriculture sectors.
His appointment as Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture in 1993 came during President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s fourth term. In 1998, he assumed the role of Minister of Tourism, serving until 2004. Sobir also represented North Ari Atoll in the then-parliament, bridging governance and constituency needs during a crucial period of sectoral growth.
Sobir’s tenure as Tourism Minister coincided with a pivotal phase in the industry’s expansion. His contributions were central to policies that supported sustainable resort development, while his planning background brought a structured approach to sectoral infrastructure.
Beyond domestic policy, Sobir played a central role in shaping the Maldives’ presence on the international stage. His diplomatic career included postings as Permanent Representative to the United Nations, High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Singapore, and Ambassador to Belgium, the European Union, and Japan. He was the first Resident High Commissioner to Singapore, a testament to his role in deepening bilateral ties in Asia.
His death came just one day after he was awarded the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (O.D.R.I.), one of the country’s highest honours, during the 60th Independence Day celebrations. Although unable to attend the ceremony due to ill health, his decades of service were publicly acknowledged by President Muizzu, who praised Sobir’s legacy as a national asset.
In recognition of his contributions, President Muizzu has ordered the national flag to be flown at half-mast for three days. A state funeral will be held after Asr prayer at the Islamic Centre, where members of the public can pay their final respects.
Hassan Sobir is survived by his wife and two children.
