Umar Zahir, a former minister, died on Monday at the age of 85 in Dharumavantha Hospital.
The former minister died in Dharumavantha Hospital while being treated for COVID-19, according to sources cited by local media.
During the government of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, Umar Zahir was a long-serving politician who was instrumental in the development of Hulhumale and Thilafushi, serving as the housing minister. He held many governmental roles, including housing and home minister.
He began as a public servant in the 1950s and continued in numerous government positions throughout his career, for which he was awarded the Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzudheen in 2008, one of the highest awards bestowed in the Maldives.
