date_range
Sunday 26 Jul 2026
LOCAL EDITION
close
LOCAL EDITION
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu attends the flag-hoisting ceremony to mark Maldives' 61st Independence Day on July 26, 2026. (Photo/President's Office)
The Maldives kicked off its 61st Independence Day celebrations with a flag-hoisting ceremony at the Republic Square in the capital on Sunday, attended by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed.
The ceremony took place at the Republic Square in Male’ City at 06:00 am.
It was also attended by Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, cabinet ministers and other senior government officials.
President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha were welcomed upon arrival by Defense Minister Hassan Rasheed and Heritage Minister Heena Waleed.
In addition to the hoisting of the flag, a special prayer was recited to mark the significance of the occasion.
The ceremony concluded with the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) military band performing the Maldives’ national anthem.
Independence Day is celebrated annually on July 26th, commemorating the day the Maldives gained full independence from the British in 1965.
