President Inaugurates Umar Zahir Office Building In Hulhumale’

Today, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih inaugurated the Umar Zahir Office Building in Hulhumale’ which will provide a space for several Government offices and ministries. The eponymous building serves as a reminder of the invaluable services rendered by the late Umar Zahir, state dignitary and honouree of the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (ODRI) during his lifetime.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, President Solih remarked that the building stands as a testament to the exemplary services provided by its namesake individual. He reminisced over the virtues, dedication to national unity and innumerable contributions brought by the late Umar Zahir to the country in many aspects of national development. The President further stated that the land on which the new building is erected in Hulhumale is also a well-planned and executed blueprint of the late Umar Zahir.

Reflecting on the long service record of the late Umar Zahir, the President recalled that he started his career in the government as a clerk but ended up ranked among the most influential and transformative ministers the country has seen. On this note, the President added that he spent almost half his lifetime devoted to government service and therefore, national service, which should suffice on why the new office building bears his name.

Addressing the audience, President Solih said that the opening of the new office building comes at a timely occasion where there is a growing need for new spaces to house government offices. He noted that the Ghazee Building in Male’ is very old and the Huravee Building had to be demolished due to its age as well. Additionally, the President highlighted that it was costly to operate government offices in rented spaces and the new building would help spare some of the strains on the budget.

Currently, the administration plans to relocate three government ministries to the new buildings along with their constituent offices and services. This includes the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services and the Ministry of Higher Education. The newly opened six-storey building features 25,000 sq. ft of office space on four levels along with meeting rooms, seminar rooms, a terrace and a designated parking lot for 21 automobiles and 360 motorcycles.