Mohamed Muizzu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mohamed Muizzu
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Official portrait, 2024
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| 8th President of the Maldives | |
| Assumed office 17 November 2023 |
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| Vice President | Hussain Mohamed Latheef |
| Preceded by | Ibrahim Mohamed Solih |
| 4th Mayor of Malé | |
| In office 17 May 2021 – 17 November 2023 |
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| President | Ibrahim Mohamed Solih |
| Deputy | Ahmed Nareesh |
| Preceded by | Shifa Mohamed |
| Succeeded by | Ahmed Nareesh |
| Minister of Housing and Infrastructure | |
| In office 21 May 2012 – 17 November 2018 |
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| President |
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| Preceded by | Himself |
| Succeeded by | Mohamed Aslam |
| Minister of Housing and Environment | |
| In office 19 February 2012 – 21 May 2012 |
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| President | Mohamed Waheed Hassan |
| Preceded by | Mohamed Aslam |
| Succeeded by | Himself |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 June 1978 Malé, Maldives |
| Political party | Congress (2023 – present) |
| Other political affiliations |
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| Spouse |
Sajidha Mohamed
(m. 2003) |
| Children |
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| Parents |
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| Relatives | Muizzu Family |
| Residence | Muliaage |
| Alma mater | |
| Signature |  |
| Website | |
Mohamed Muizzu was born on June 15, 1978. He is a Maldivian politician and engineer. Since 2023, he has been serving as the 8th president of the Maldives. He is also the leader of the People's National Congress party.
Before becoming president, Muizzu was the housing minister from 2012 to 2018. This made him the longest-serving housing minister in Maldivian history. He also served as the mayor of Malé, the capital city, from 2021 until 2023.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Mohamed Muizzu was born in Maafannu, Malé, Maldives. His parents were Hussain Abdul Rahman and Husna Adam Ismail Manik. His father, Hussain Abdul Rahman, was a lawyer and an Islamic scholar. He received a national award in 2013 for his work in religious education.
Muizzu's parents separated when he was young. He was raised by his paternal grandmother for a time before living with his mother for primary school. Later, he returned to live with his father. His sister, Fathimath Saudha, also became a politician. She won an election in 2024 for the People's National Congress.
Muizzu started working for the government in 1998. He was a trainee at the Ministry of Construction and Public Works. His father also owned a hotel business, which Muizzu took over after his father passed away in 2015. This property became his home while the official presidential residence was being fixed.
Education
Mohamed Muizzu attended Iskandhar School for his early education. He then went to Majeediyya School, which is the oldest school in the Maldives. In 1995, he achieved first place nationally in his GCE O'Level exams. He also did very well in his GCE A'Level exams in 1997, ranking fourth nationally.
In 2005, he received a scholarship from the British government. This allowed him to study for his PhD in civil engineering at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom. He completed his PhD in 2009. He also earned certifications in Project Management.
Political Journey
Minister of Housing
In 2012, Muizzu became the Minister of Housing and Environment under President Mohamed Waheed Hassan. He continued in this role when Abdulla Yameen became president in 2013. During this time, the ministry was renamed the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure.
From 2012 to 2018, Muizzu was the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure. This was a time of great development in the Maldives. Many important building projects were completed under his leadership. These included the Sinamalé Bridge, Dharumavantha Hospital, and the Hiya Flats housing project. He also oversaw major roadworks and land reclamation projects, like the expansion of Hulhumalé.
Many parks and public areas were also developed in Malé City during his term. He helped complete projects for land reclamation, harbor improvements, and water and sewerage systems across the islands. These efforts greatly improved the infrastructure of the Maldives.
Political Parties
In 2010, Muizzu became the Secretary General of the Adhaalath Party. He held this position while also serving as Housing Minister. After the 2018 presidential election, he joined the Progressive Party of Maldives. In 2019, he became the vice-president of this party.
On October 5, 2023, Muizzu was appointed as the president of the People's National Congress (PNC). This happened after he won the presidential election. In December 2023, he also became the president of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), which is a sister party of the PNC.
Mayor of Malé
In 2021, Mohamed Muizzu was elected as the Mayor of Malé. He won with many votes against the candidate from the ruling party at the time. He officially took office on May 17, 2021. This was a big change because Muizzu was the first Mayor of Malé to be directly chosen by the citizens. He was also the first to be elected for a five-year term. His win ended 11 years of control by the Maldivian Democratic Party over the Malé City Council.
As Mayor, Muizzu visited many homes to understand how people lived in Malé. He supported giving more power to local governments. He served as Mayor from May 17, 2021, until he resigned on November 17, 2023. He was the first Mayor to resign from this position. His resignation happened on the same day he became president.
2023 Presidential Election
Mohamed Muizzu became a presidential candidate in August 2023. He was chosen as the candidate for the People's National Congress, which was part of the opposition. Hussain Mohamed Latheef was his running mate.
In the first round of the 2023 Maldivian presidential election, Muizzu received the most votes. He then went to the second round on September 30, 2023. In the second round, he won the election with 54.04% of the votes, defeating the current president, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Muizzu was sworn in as the new president on November 17, 2023.
During his campaign, Mohamed Muizzu visited many islands and cities in the Maldives. His campaign was called "Dhivehinge Raajje," which means "The Nation of the Maldivians."
Campaign Focus
Muizzu's campaign focused on several important issues. These included protecting the country's national sovereignty, improving infrastructure, and building more housing. He promised to change agreements that he felt threatened the Maldives' independence, especially those involving foreign military presence. He also highlighted his plans for big housing projects and better infrastructure in Malé and other islands.
Dr. Mohamed Muizzu Book
In February 2024, Muizzu published a book titled Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. This book contains the speeches he gave during his presidential campaign. It was shared with government offices, schools, and libraries.
Presidency
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Mohamed Muizzu became the 8th President of the Republic of Maldives on November 17, 2023. He is the fourth president to be chosen by the people and the sixth from Malé. He took his oath of office with his running mate, Hussain Mohamed Latheef, at Republic Square.
On May 3, 2025, President Muizzu held a press conference that lasted almost 15 hours. His office said this was a new record for a president.
First 100 Days in Office
In the first few months of his presidency, Muizzu began the process of removing Indian troops from the Maldives. During his campaign, he had promised to start several housing projects within his first 100 days. He also planned to create a special fund for housing and set a limit on housing loan interest rates.
Muizzu also started working to end secret agreements that previous governments had made with other countries. He believed these agreements threatened the Maldivian independence and sovereignty. He also challenged a court ruling that affected part of the country's sea area.
Relations with China and India
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On January 7, 2024, Muizzu visited China after being invited by President Xi Jinping. His campaign had focused on reducing India's influence in the Maldives. When he returned, Muizzu said that even though the Maldives is a small country, it should not be treated unfairly. He explained that China-Maldives relations are based on respect and equal standing. By May 10, 2024, all Indian armed forces had left the Maldives.
Support for Palestine
President Mohamed Muizzu's foreign policy strongly supports Palestine. He often speaks up for their rights on the world stage. On December 23, 2023, Muizzu praised a United Nations Security Council decision that asked for more humanitarian assistance for the people in Gaza. He said that aid is hard to deliver when there are ongoing attacks. He urged the world to work towards ending the fighting and ensuring the rights of the Palestinian people.
On January 26, 2024, Muizzu welcomed a decision by the International Court of Justice. This decision called on Israel to prevent actions that could lead to genocide in Gaza. He stated that Israel must stop its military actions in Gaza and have an immediate ceasefire. He believes that peace cannot be achieved through violence. In June 2024, Muizzu's government decided to ban Israeli passports from entering the Maldives. He also started fundraising campaigns to show Maldivians' support for Palestine.
Economic Policy
In January 2024, Muizzu announced plans to create a development bank and review economic policies. He decided to establish the Maldives International Financial Services Authority. He also aims to grow a creative economy. Additionally, he launched a large project to improve Velana International Airport. This project will allow the airport to handle 25 million passengers. He also announced plans to build two new airports to improve transportation and boost the economy.
Personal Life
In an interview during Muizzu's election campaign, Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha shared that they first met at Velana International Airport in April 2003.
Muizzu married Sajidha Mohamed on May 18, 2003. They have three children: Yasmine, Umair, and Zaid.
Awards and Recognitions
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Mohamed Muizzu earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in civil engineering in 2009. This is why he is called "Dr." Muizzu.
In 2013, when he was a minister, Muizzu received the Maldives National Award. This award was given by President Mohamed Waheed Hassan for "Achieving the highest academic qualification in the Maldives."
On December 24, 2023, the Maldives National Association of Construction Industry (MNACI) gave Mohamed Muizzu the title "Bodu Rasgefaanu." This means "great king" and was given to him to recognize his important work in the construction industry in the Maldives.
On April 29, 2025, the International Islamic University Malaysia gave Muizzu an Honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Leadership and Madani Development.
On May 19, 2025, Muizzu won the WHO Director-General’s Special Award. This award recognized his government's efforts to reduce tobacco use.
- August 22, 2013: National Award.
- December 24, 2023: Bodu Rasgefaanu title.
- April 29, 2025: Honorary degree.
- May 19, 2025: WHO Director-General’s Special Award.
Images for kids
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Mohamed Muizzu's signature
See also
In Spanish: Mohamed Muizzu para niños
