Mohamed Umar Manik (MU Manik), one of the pioneers of tourism in the Maldives, has passed away at the age of 78.
He died at 6:30 am local time while undergoing treatment at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. Manik was a shareholder of Universal Enterprises and had served as Chairman of both the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) and Universal Enterprises Limited.
Universal Enterprises described Manik as a figure who worked with courage and sincerity to promote tourism in the Maldives, noting that he guided and supported many in the field.
Over his career, Manik was recognized with several honors, including the Order of the Dignified Rule of the Muleege Dynasty in 2011, the National Award of Recognition in 1982, and the National Award in 2002.
He played a key role in developing the Maldives’ first tourist resort, a 30-room property opened in Villingili, Malé Atoll, in 1972, and in arranging the arrival of the first group of tourists on February 16 of the same year. He was also instrumental in the redevelopment of Kurumba Village Resort in 1986 into the first five-star resort in the country.
Manik’s funeral will be held today at the Pusara Aman Mosque in Singapore after Asr prayers.
He died at 6:30 am local time while undergoing treatment at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. Manik was a shareholder of Universal Enterprises and had served as Chairman of both the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) and Universal Enterprises Limited.
Universal Enterprises described Manik as a figure who worked with courage and sincerity to promote tourism in the Maldives, noting that he guided and supported many in the field.
Over his career, Manik was recognized with several honors, including the Order of the Dignified Rule of the Muleege Dynasty in 2011, the National Award of Recognition in 1982, and the National Award in 2002.
He played a key role in developing the Maldives’ first tourist resort, a 30-room property opened in Villingili, Malé Atoll, in 1972, and in arranging the arrival of the first group of tourists on February 16 of the same year. He was also instrumental in the redevelopment of Kurumba Village Resort in 1986 into the first five-star resort in the country.
Manik’s funeral will be held today at the Pusara Aman Mosque in Singapore after Asr prayers.
