from President Gayoom Zahir was born on 26 October 1936. He was married to Moomina Ibrahim, and they had one daughter. Moomina died in 2018 at the age of 84.
Early career Around 1950, Zahir began working at the government liaison office for
Gan. He later worked in a number of jobs: headmaster of
Majeediyya School, owner of Radio Maldives, and manager of Bandos Resort. Zahir served as the President of
Malé Municipality from 1980 to 1993, introducing projects to improve the city and its roads. led to Thilafushi's international notoriety as "trash island". Plans for modern disposal facilities were announced in 2021. The ministry also completed the first construction phase (1997–2002) of
Hulhumalé. Dubbed "the island of hope" by foreign press, Hulhumalé would provide more housing for residents of Malé, one of the
most densely-populated cities in the world. To better protect Malé from ocean hazards, Zahir's ministry built a
seawall (1995–1997) with
Japanese foreign aid. His ministry also built harbors in
Fuvahmulah (2000–2002) and other islands. After briefly returning as Minister of Home Affairs from 2004 to 2005, he was Senior Minister from 2005 to 2008. When Gayoom was jailed prior to the
2018 presidential election, Zahir supported the united opposition on Gayoom's behalf. He was a guest of honour at the 2020 opening of
Lonuziyaaraiy Park in Malé.
Death and remembrance Zahir died in Malé on 20 December 2021, after being hospitalized for
COVID-19. President
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the
Maldives Olympic Committee both published their condolences. Zahir received a
state funeral on the same day, and was buried in
Galolhu Cemetery. The
national flag was flown at
half-mast from 21 to 23 December. Currently, the office building houses some ministries. == References ==