President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed presided over the National Day flag-hoisting ceremony at Republic Square on Sunday morning, reaffirming the nation’s enduring spirit of independence. The ceremony, which began at dawn, brought together top state leaders, military officials, and citizens to mark one of the most significant days in Maldivian history.
ޤައުމީ ދުވަހުގެ ދިދަ ނެގުމުގެ ރަސްމިއްޔާތުގައި ރައީސުލްޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާގެ ދެކަނބަލުން ބައިވެރިވެވަޑައިގަތުން#QaumeeDhuvas1447 pic.twitter.com/4qu1wlAm3n
— The President’s Office (@presidencymv) August 24, 2025
Accompanying the President and First Lady were Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef and senior members of the Government. Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon and Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim formally received them at the venue, underscoring the unity of state institutions on this national occasion.
The ceremony began with the raising of the national flag, followed by a heartfelt prayer invoking blessings and strength for the Maldivian people. The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) military band then performed the national anthem, adding a powerful sense of pride and solemnity to the event.
National Day, observed annually on the first of Rabi’ al-Awwal, commemorates the victory of al-Sultan al-Ghaazee Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-A’uzam, who liberated the Maldives from Portuguese rule in the 16th century. The day is celebrated as a symbol of resilience, sacrifice, and the unyielding will of the Maldivian people to defend their sovereignty.
Under President Muizzu’s leadership, the National Day serves not only as a remembrance of the nation’s heroic past but also as a rallying call for unity, progress, and national pride.