President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed attended the flag ceremony marking National Day 1446 on Wednesday. The special function was held at Republic Square and began at 6 a.m. Wednesday.

They were accompanied by Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, his spouse, Aishath Afreen Mohamed, and senior government officials.

Upon arrival, President Dr Muizzu and the First Lady were welcomed by the Minister of Defence, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, and the Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage, Adam Naseer Ibrahim.

In addition to the flag-hoisting activity, a special prayer, marking the significance of the occasion, was recited during the ceremony. The ceremony concluded with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) military band performing the Maldives’ national anthem.

National Day, celebrated annually on the first of Rabi’ al-Awwal, serves as a solemn reminder of the valiant efforts of national hero al-Sultan al-Ghaazee Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-A’uzam in liberating the Maldives from Portuguese dominion. This day is a tribute to the resilience and sacrifice that underpin the nation’s independence.