Maumoon Abdul Gayoom

{{Short description|President of the Maldives from 1978 to 2008}} {{Redirect2|Maumoon|Gayoom|other uses|Maumoon (disambiguation)|and|Gayoom (disambiguation)}} {{AI-generated|date=March 2026|reason=This 2024 rewrite and likely other edits by user; note extensive WP:AISIGNS in superficial analyses, vocab distro typical of specifically 2024 LLM output, etc}} {{Use British English|date=December 2023}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2025}} {{Infobox officeholder | honorific_suffix = {{postnominals|country=MDV|NGIV|GCMG|GOM|size=100%}} | native_name = މައުމޫން ޢަބްދުލް ޤައްޔޫމް | image = Maumoon Abdul Gayoom Presidential Portrait 2000s (cropped).jpeg<!-- Do not change without leaving a talk in the Talk page --> | caption = Formal portrait, 2008 | order = 3rd | office = President of the Maldives | vice_president = ''None'' | term_start = 11 November 1978 | term_end = 11 November 2008 | predecessor = Ibrahim Nasir | successor = Mohamed Nasheed | office2 = Minister of Finance and Treasury | term_start2 = 5 January 1989 | term_end2 = 1 September 2004{{efn|The ministry was previously known as the Ministry of Finance from 5 January 1989 to 11 November 1993.}} | president2 = Himself | predecessor2 = Mohamed Nooraddin | successor2 = Ismail Fathhy | office3 = Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority | term_start3 = 1 July 1981 | term_end3 = 31 August 2004 | president3 = Himself | predecessor3 = ''office established'' | successor3 = Mohamed Jaleel | office4 = Minister of Defence and National Security | term_start4 = 11 November 1978 | term_end4 = 11 November 1993{{efn|The ministry was previously known as the Ministry of Public Safety from 11 November 1978 to 11 November 1982. As Gayoom assumed the role of Minister of Defence since 1978, Ilyas Ibrahim played a significant role in overseeing the Ministry of Defence, serving as Deputy Minister of Defence and Deputy Chief of Defence Force from 22 February to 30 May 1990.}} | deputy4 = Ilyas Ibrahim | president4 = Himself | predecessor4 = Abdul Hannan Haleem | successor4 = Abdul Sattar Adam | office5 = Minister of Transport | term_start5 = 29 March 1977 | term_end5 = 11 November 1978 | president5 = Ibrahim Nasir | predecessor5 = Hassan Zareer | successor5 = Hassan Zareer | office6 = Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations | term_start6 = 24 September 1976 | term_end6 = 28 March 1977 | president6 = Ibrahim Nasir | predecessor6 = Abdul Sattar Moosa Didi | successor6 = Fathulla Jameel | birth_name = Abdulla Maumoon Khairi<!-- Do not remove "Khairi", see Early life section --> | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1937|12|29|df=y}} | birth_place = Malé, Sultanate of the Maldive Islands | death_date = | death_place = | resting_place = | party = Independent (1978–2005, 2017–2019, 2025–present) | other_party = {{plainlist| * Rayyithunge (2005–2011) * Progressive (2011–2017) * Reform (2019–2025) }} | spouse = {{marriage|Nasreena Ibrahim|20 July 1969}} | children = {{flatlist| *Dunya *Yumna *Faris *Ghassan }} | father = Abdul Gayoom Ibrahim | alma_mater = {{unbulleted list |Al-Azhar University | American University }} | signature = Maumoon Abdul Gayoom signature.svg | signature_alt = Gayoom's English signature in black ink | module = {{Listen |embed=yes | title = Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's voice | filename = Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's speech at the 58th World Health Assembly.ogg | type = speech | description = {{br entries|Gayoom speaks on the 58th World Health Assembly|Recorded 16 May 2005}} }} }} {{Maumoon Abdul Gayoom sidebar}} <!-- Do not add post-nominals to the first paragraph -->

'''Maumoon Abdul Gayoom''' ({{IPAc-en|ɡ|aɪ|ˈ|j|uː|m}} {{respell|gah|YOOM}}; born '''Abdulla Maumoon Khairi'''; 29 December 1937) is a Maldivian politician, statesman and diplomat who served as the 3rd president of the Maldives from 1978 to 2008, a total of 30 years. He previously served as the Minister of Transport from 1977 to 1978, and as the Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations from 1976 to 1977. Gayoom is the longest-serving president in Maldivian history.

Gayoom was born and raised in Malé. After serving as a lecturer at the Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria, he returned to the Maldives in 1971 and worked as a teacher at Aminiya School. He was later appointed the manager of shipping department at the government. Gayoom was placed under house arrest in 1973 for criticising the policies of the then-president Nasir. He was later banished to Makunudhoo for four years but was released five months later as part of an amnesty following President Nasir's re-election for a second term. In 1974, he was arrested again for his continued criticism of Nasir's policies, but after 50 days in jail, he was freed and, in 1975, appointed as Special Undersecretary in the Prime Minister's Office. Gayoom later served as the deputy ambassador of the Maldives to Sri Lanka and was appointed deputy minister of transport under minister Hassan Zareer. After serving as deputy minister, he was appointed Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations in 1976. Following the vacancy of minister of transport, Gayoom was appointed to the position. As president Nasir chose not to seek re-election, a vote in the Citizen's Majlis which selected Gayoom as the candidate. In July 1978, Gayoom won the presidential referendum with 92.96% of the vote.

During his administration, economic policies prioritised infrastructure development and tourism, which significantly boosted the nation's economic growth. He introduced educational reforms that expanded access to primary and secondary education and improved healthcare by establishing new health facilities. In response to political unrest and calls for greater democracy, Gayoom initiated constitutional reforms transitioning from a presidential to a semi-presidential system, intending to increase political participation and transparency. However, his presidency faced criticism for restricting political freedoms and suppressing opposition. The 1988 coup attempt prompted a focus on strengthening the armed forces. The 2004 tsunami had a profound impact on his administration, leading to the loss of 62% of the GDP and nearly two decades of development, which reshaped his policies and necessitated extensive reconstruction efforts. Despite challenges, Gayoom's long tenure, strict policies, and human rights violations, earned him a reputation as a dictator.

Following his defeat in the 2008 presidential election to Mohamed Nasheed, which marked the Maldives's first multi-party elections, Gayoom adopted a low public profile. In 2018, Gayoom was arrested on charges of conspiring to overthrow the government as a part of the 2018 political crisis, and was sentenced to 19 months in prison for obstructing justice after refusing to cooperate with the police and judiciary. He was placed under house arrest in September 2018 due to health concerns and was released on bail later that month. He was acquitted of all charges in October 2018. {{TOC limit|limit=3}}

== Early life == {{multiple image | align = left | image1 = | caption1 = Gayoom, {{circa}} 1950s }}

Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was born Abdulla Maumoon Khairi on 29 December 1937, at his father's home in Machangoalhi, Malé.<ref>{{cite web |title=The President – Family |url=http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/v3/pages/body.phtml?ID=4&Table=Head2&PTID=1 |website=The President's Office |access-date=19 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041010054918/http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/v3/pages/body.phtml?ID=4&Table=Head2&PTID=1 |archive-date=10 October 2004 |date=10 October 2004 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He was the first child of Abdul Gayoom Ibrahim and Khadheeja Moosa and the tenth child of Abdul Gayoom.{{sfn|Ellis|1998|p=11}} His father was a lawyer and the 7th Attorney General of the Maldives from 1950 to 1951. Gayoom is a descendant of the Hilaalee and Dhiyamigili dynasties, with Arab and African ancestry.{{sfn|Adam|2020}}{{sfn|Riyaz|2018}}

Gayoom spent his early years under the care of his parents at Kaamineege, their family residence. His birth name was Abdulla Maumoon Khairi, and he was familiarly known as Lhaseedi at home, while in school, he was called Abdulla Maumoon.<ref>{{cite book |title=The President's third five years of colorful services |date=1993 |edition=1}}</ref> His name was changed to Maumoon Abdul Gayoom due to a clerical mistake during the issuance of his passport for overseas education in 1947.{{sfn|Adam|2020}} When completing the passport form, an assistant mistakenly combined his commonly used name, "Maumoon", with his father's name, resulting in the name Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.{{sfn|Adam|2020}}

=== Education === Gayoom received his early education through homeschooling, taught by his father, a teacher and scholar. He later attended the then-Saniyya School, studying religion, the Dhivehi language, mathematics, and Maldivian history. In 1947, he received a government scholarship to study abroad. He traveled to Ceylon intending to continue to Egypt but was kept there due to the outbreak of the 1948 Arab–Israeli war.{{sfn|Shafeeu|2021|p=61}} While in Colombo, he continued homeschooling with a private tutor who taught him English.{{sfn|Shafeeu|2021|p=61}}

Gayoom then attended Al Bahjathul Ibraheemiyyah Arabic College in Galle but later transferred to Royal College, Colombo. After two years in Ceylon, he traveled in March 1950 to Cairo, Egypt, where he studied at Al-Azhar University. He spent six months learning Arabic in the university and later earned bachelor's and master's degrees in Islamic Sharia and Law.{{sfn|Abdul Gayoom|2000}} He also obtained a Master's of Arts in Shariah and Law<ref name="hoba">{{cite journal |date=2024 |title=Al-Usthaz Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's Collection |url=https://hoba.ium.edu.mv/communities/2e3e4ebf-55ce-44ed-9c97-943f90a06180 |publisher=Islamic University of Maldives |website=Repository of the Islamic University of Maldives}}</ref> and later began preparing a thesis for a PhD in Sharia and Law. However, his plans were interrupted when the Egyptian government ceased financial aid to Maldivian students after the Maldives established diplomatic relations with Israel.{{sfn|Abdul Gayoom|2000}} Gayoom protested by sending a letter to prime minister Ibrahim Nasir—an act that led to his blacklisting and a ban from entering to the Maldives. The ban was later lifted.{{sfn|Shafeeu|2021|pp=64–66}} During the 1956 Suez Crisis, Gayoom was volunteered to defend Palestine during the Israeli attack on Egypt.<ref name="plstine" /> He graduated from the Al-Azhar University in 1966.<ref>{{cite news |date=2 January 2012 |title=Former President denies being invited to scholars symposium |url=https://minivannewsarchive.com/news-in-brief/former-president-denies-being-invited-to-scholars-symposium-30215 |work=Minivan News |quote=Gayoom is a graduate of Egypt's al-Azhar University where he finished top of his class in 1966.}}</ref>{{sfn|Abdul Gayoom|2000}}

Gayoom also attended the American University in Cairo, where he furthered his studies in Islamic Sharia and Law and later obtained a secondary-level certificate in English.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Personal Details |url=http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/v3/pages/body.phtml?ID=1&Table=Head3&PTID=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040423151343/http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/v3/pages/body.phtml?ID=1&Table=Head3&PTID=1 |archive-date=23 April 2004 |website=The President's Office}}</ref>

=== Marriage and children ===

In 1965, the 27-year old Gayoom met 15-year old Nasreena Ibrahim in Cairo while she was there to study.{{sfn|Ellis|1998|p=12}} Four years later, on 20 July 1969, the couple married in Cairo, Egypt,<ref>{{cite news |last=Rehan |first=Mohamed |date=20 July 2022 |title=ރައީސް މައުމޫނުގެ ދެކަނަބަލުންގެ ކައިވެނިފުޅަށް 53 އަހަރު |trans-title=53 years of marriage between President Maumoon and Nasreena Ibrahim |url=https://cnm.mv/news/51960 |access-date=17 October 2024 |work=Channel News Maldives |language=dv}}</ref> before moving to Nigeria for Gayoom to work at Ahmadu Bello University.<ref>{{cite news |date=22 July 2024 |title=ރައީސް މައުމޫން އާއި ނަސްރީނާގެ ކައިވެނިފުޅަށް 55 އަހަރު ފުރުމުގެ އުފާ އާއިލާއާ އެކު |trans-title=President Maumoon and Nasreena celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary with their family |url=https://hurihaa.mv/31360 |access-date=17 October 2024 |work=Hurihaa |language=dv}}</ref>

A year after their marriage, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Nasreena welcomed their first children, twins Dunya and Yumna, on 20 March 1970.<ref name="drfrd">{{cite news |last1=Aiham |first1=Mohamed |date=7 October 2018 |title=My beloved wife, my dearest friend: President Gayoom |url=https://edition.mv/news/7431 |access-date=17 October 2024 |work=The Edition}}</ref> Their first son, Ahmed Faris, was born in Malé on 31 March 1971, followed by their second son, Mohamed Ghassan, who was born on 12 June 1980 during Gayoom's presidential administration.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Naseem |first1=Sihana |date=28 July 2021 |title=ރައީސް މައުމޫނާއި ނަސްރީނާގެ ކައިވެނީގެ ސިއްރު! |trans-title=President Maumoon and Nasreena's marriage secret! |url=https://raajje.mv/103923 |access-date=17 October 2024 |work=Raajje TV |language=dv}}</ref>

== Early career == === Career ===

From 1969 to 1971, Gayoom was a lecturer in Islamic studies at Abdullahi Bayero College, then part of Ahmadu Bello University in Kano State, Nigeria.<ref name=":2" /> After serving at the Ahmadu Bello University, Gayoom returned to the Maldives in early 1971. From 1971 to 1972, he taught English, arithmetic, and Islam at Aminiya School in Malé, where he gained popularity among parents.<ref name="ast" /> In 1972, he was transferred to the government shipping department, where he served as manager.{{sfn|Ellis|1998|p=17}}

In 1974, Gayoom was appointed undersecretary and later became director of the government telecommunications department.<ref name="career" >{{Cite web |title=Career |url=http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/v3/pages/body.phtml?ID=2&Table=Head3&PTID=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030821033400/http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/v3/pages/body.phtml?ID=2&Table=Head3&PTID=1 |archive-date=21 August 2003 |website=The President's Office |access-date=14 June 2024 }}</ref> Later that year, he was appointed special undersecretary in the office of prime minister Ahmed Zaki.{{sfn|Ellis|1998|p=18}} The position ended in March 1975 when Zaki was removed from office, and the prime minister's role was abolished. Gayoom then spent time in Colombo before returning to the Maldives, where he was appointed deputy ambassador to Sri Lanka.<ref name="career" />{{sfn|Ellis|1998|p=22}} In 1975, he became undersecretary at the Department of External Affairs.<ref name="career" />

In 1976, Gayoom was appointed deputy minister of transport and, on 24 September,<ref>{{cite web |title=New Permanent Representative of Maldives Presents Credentials |url=https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/3809698 |website=United Nations |access-date=4 April 2025 |date=1976-09-24}}</ref> became the Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations.<ref name="career" /> He returned to the Maldives in March 1977 and served as minister of transport until November 1978.{{sfn|Ellis|1998|p=21}}

==== Minister of Transport (1977–1978) ==== Soon after returning from the United States after serving at the United Nations, Gayoom accepted President Nasir's request to serve as Minister of transport.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |title=Maumoon, light to a country from darkness of modern world |date=2001 |page=16 |edition=1}}</ref> At the time, the position was vacant; Nasir appointed Gayoom as the minister of transport in March 1977. During his tenure, Gayoom focused on improving the country's transportation infrastructure.<ref>The President's first 100 days, 1978</ref>

During his tenure as minister, Gayoom oversaw developments in transportation and aviation in the Maldives. He encouraged the use of engine-powered boats, which were not widely popular among the population at the time. He also contributed to the improvement of Hulhulé Airport by upgrading its systems.<ref>{{cite web |date=2014 |title=Transport services in the Maldives – an unmet need for health service delivery |url=https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/Bulletin%2084_Article2.pdf |access-date=29 March 2025 |website=United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific |page=23}}</ref> Gayoom worked on expanding the aviation sector by increasing flights between the Maldives and international destinations, supporting the growth of the tourism industry and improving travel options for Maldivians.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mohamed |first1=Ahmed |title=Aviation in the Maldives - A Historical Perspective |date=2024 |publisher=Maldives National Library |page=98}}</ref> His tenure ended upon his inauguration as president of the Maldives in November 1978.<ref name=":4" />

=== Imprisonments === During the early 1970s, efforts were underway to expand the tourism industry in the Maldives, led by president Ibrahim Nasir. Tensions between Gayoom and the authorities—arising from earlier disputes during his time in Egypt—continued to grow.<ref name="ast" /> His remarks on alcohol and drugs drew widespread attention and sparked discussions across Malé.<ref name="ast" /> The government investigated the matter, placing him under house arrest on 12 March 1973.{{sfn|Ellis|1998|p=18}} After a trial, Gayoom was sentenced to four years of banishment on 14 May 1973 and transferred to Makunudhoo Island in Haa Dhaalu Atoll on 21 May.<ref name="ast" /> He was released on 13 October 1973 under an amnesty following Nasir's re-election, having served five months.<ref name="ast" />

On 28 July 1974, Gayoom was arrested again for continuing to criticise government policies and held in solitary confinement in a Malé prison.{{sfn|Ellis|1998|p=18}}<ref name="ast" /> After 50 days, he was released in September 1974 and ceased further public criticism.<ref name="ast" />{{sfn|Ellis|1998|p=18}}

== Presidential elections == === 1978 presidential election === {{main|1978 Maldivian presidential election}} thumb|Portrait, 1985

Gayoom was nominated for the presidential election in 1978 by his two brothers-in-law, who proposed his name to parliament.{{sfn|A. Mihdha|2008|p=24}} Both then-president Ibrahim Nasir and Gayoom were put forward as candidates to be selected as the sole presidential candidate, with Nasir receiving 41 votes and Gayoom securing 5 votes.<ref name="moon1" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=Nohlen |first1=Dieter |last2=Grotz |first2=Florian |last3=Hartmann |first3=Christof |title=Elections in Asia and the Pacific, Vol. I, Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia |date=2001 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BVFBXa69tWMC | page=592 |publisher=OUP Oxford | isbn=9780191530418 }}</ref> However, Nasir decided not to seek a third term due to health concerns.<ref name="moon1" >{{cite news |title=Nasir Declines Nomination for New Term |publisher=Moonlight News |date=16 June 1978 |volume=2}}</ref> The Citizen's Majlis nominated three candidates for the presidency: the Minister of Education and former Vice President Abdul Sattar Moosa Didi, the Minister of Health Moomina Haleem, and the Minister of Transport, Gayoom.{{sfn|Pence|2020|p=2}} In July 1978, the Majlis selected Gayoom as the sole candidate for the election—as required by the constitution.<ref>{{cite news |title=Majlis chooses Gayoom as the presidential candidate |publisher=Moonlight News |date=1 July 1978 |volume=5}}</ref>

During his campaign, Gayoom pledged to visit every inhabited island in the Maldives within his first five years in office, if elected.{{sfn|Ellis|1998|p=105}} He also promised to develop the tourism sector and improve education across the country.{{sfn|Ellis|1998|p=105}}

On 28 July 1978, a public referendum was held, in which Gayoom received 92.96% of the vote, making him president-elect. Following his election, Gayoom faced criticism from the public opposition, who argued he was unfit for the presidency.{{sfn|Ellis|1998|p=103}}

=== 1983–1998 presidential elections ===

In the 1983 presidential election, Gayoom was chosen as the sole candidate and was re-elected president on 30 September 1983, receiving 57,913 votes, or 95.62%.{{sfn|Pence|2020|p=3}}

In the 1988 Maldivian presidential election, Gayoom received 69,373 votes and 96.47%. There were 2,537 votes against him.{{sfn|Pence|2020|p=4}}

In the 1993 election, Gayoom and his brother-in-law Ilyas Ibrahim ran for presidency; Gayoom was chosen by the People's Majlis as the sole candidate.<ref>{{cite book| last1=Lansford |first1=Tom |title=Political Handbook of the World 2012 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d33MfEFXvW8C&q=maumoon+abdul+gayoom+ilyas+Ibrahim+1993 |date=April 2012 |publisher=SAGE Publications |isbn= 9781608719952 |issn=0193-175X |page=899 }}</ref> He received 92.8% of the votes and was elected for a fourth term on 1 October 1993. Gayoom was elected for a fifth term of office on 16 October 1998, receiving 86,504 votes, or 90.90%.{{sfn|Pence|2020|p=5}}

=== 2003 presidential election === [[File:President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom speaks at his 2003 election campaign.jpg|thumb|Gayoom speaking during his campaign, in Malé, October 2003]]

Gayoom was selected as the candidate for the presidential referendum with the votes of all 50 members of the People's Majlis.<ref>{{cite news |date=25 September 2003 |title=Maldives leader set for new term |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3138468.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030926034553/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3138468.stm |archive-date=26 September 2003 |access-date=29 March 2025 |work= |agency=BBC News}}</ref> He secured a sixth term with 90.28% of the vote, amounting to 102,909 ballots in the election.<ref>{{cite news |date=21 October 2003 |title=Maldives leader wins sixth term |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/oct/21/3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827162350/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/oct/21/3 |archive-date=27 August 2013 |access-date=29 March 2025 |work=The Guardian |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=20 October 2003 |title=Maldives leader wins sixth term |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3206256.stm |access-date=29 March 2025 |agency=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |author=Sambandan |first=V.S. |date=21 November 2003 |title=A sixth term for Gayoom |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/world-affairs/article30219826.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125051558/https://frontline.thehindu.com/world-affairs/article30219826.ece |archive-date=25 January 2022 |access-date=29 March 2025 |magazine=Frontline }}</ref> Even with high protests against Gayoom, his victory was widely expected, with the government presenting the outcome as evidence of strong public backing.{{sfn|Pence|2020|p=6}} However, concerns were raised regarding the fairness of the process, as only a single candidate was allowed to seek a popular mandate, and political parties had been banned.{{sfn|Pence|2020|p=6}}

Following the election, it was anticipated by the media, that Gayoom's sixth term would be difficult, as there was growing public pressure for a more open and democratic political system.{{sfn|Pence|2020|p=6}}

=== 2008 presidential election === {{main|2008 Maldivian presidential election}}

In August 2007, Gayoom, during a trip to Laamu Atoll, announced his candidacy for the 2008 presidential election from the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party.<ref>{{cite news |last=Buerk |first=Roland |date=7 August 2008 |title=Maldives adopt new constitution |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7547725.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419054059/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7547725.stm |archive-date=19 April 2024 |access-date=9 October 2008 |work=BBC News}}</ref> Although according to DRP's regulations, he was already the official candidate, as the party's leader was automatically nominated for presidential elections.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rasheed |first1=Zaheena |date=5 July 2008 |title=DRP Congress Next Week Will Not Select Running Mate |url=https://www.minivannews.com/news/news.php?id=4675 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080801035105/http://www.minivannews.com/news/news.php?id=4675 |archive-date=1 August 2008 |work=Minivan News}}</ref> His candidacy was challenged in the Maldivian Supreme Court, as the new constitution stated that a president could serve only two terms, while Gayoom was seeking a seventh term.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Judith |title=Gayoom's Candidacy Challenged in Supreme Court |url=https://www.minivannews.com/news/news.php?id=5030 |work=Minivan News |date=24 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925135633/https://www.minivannews.com/news/news.php?id=5030 |archive-date=25 September 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Aminath |first1=Shauna |title=Adhaalath to take Gayoom to Supreme Court |url=https://www.minivannews.com/news/news.php?id=4916 |work=Minivan News |date=30 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080909182402/http://www.minivannews.com/news/news.php?id=4916 |archive-date=9 September 2008}}</ref> He contended that his previous terms should not be counted, as they were served under the old constitution.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rasheed |first1=Zaheena |title=Opposition Groups To Challenge Gayoom Re-Election Bid In Courts |url=https://www.minivannews.com/news/news.php?id=4852 |work=Minivan News |date=17 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080827145816/http://www.minivannews.com/news/news.php?id=4852 |archive-date=27 August 2008}}</ref> The Supreme Court agreed, stating that the term limits applied only to terms served "under the new constitution," thus allowing Gayoom to contest the election.<ref>{{cite news |date=3 October 2008 |title=Supreme Court declares Gayoom can contest in the Election |url=http://miadhu.com.mv/news.php?id=7994 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003153300/http://www.miadhu.com.mv/news.php?id=7994 |archive-date=3 October 2008 |access-date=28 October 2008 |website=Miadhu Daily}}</ref>

On 5 August 2008, Gayoom chose atoll minister Ahmed Thasmeen Ali as his running mate.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Judith |last2=Rasheed |first2=Zaheena |title=Thasmeen is Gayoom's Running Mate |url=https://www.minivannews.com/news/news.php?id=4800 |work=Minivan News |date=5 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080808170244/http://www.minivannews.com/news/news.php?id=4800 |archive-date=8 August 2008}}</ref> Three days afterwards, the presidential campaign began.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.miadhu.com/2008/08/local-news/gayoom-campaign-kicks-off-7370/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120910142228/http://www.miadhu.com/2008/08/local-news/gayoom-campaign-kicks-off-7370/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 September 2012 |title=Gayoom campaign kicks off |work=Miadhu Daily |date=10 August 2008 |access-date=24 February 2012 |author=Miadhu Daily }}</ref> During the campaign, Gayoom focused on his presidency's reforms in education and healthcare, portraying them as key pillars of national progress under his leadership.<ref>Rodrigo, p.26</ref> He pledged to drive further developments in economic and social development to elevate the Maldives. In his criticism of Mohamed Nasheed, his main opposition, Gayoom questioned Nasheed's capacity to govern, warning that his policies could undermine the Islamic values that form the foundation of Maldivian society and governance.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jinan |first1=Nishdha |date=18 July 2021 |title=From the Past: Pres. Maumoon on Nasheed |url=https://themaldivesjournal.com/27146 |access-date=29 March 2025 |work=The Maldives Journal}}</ref>

Gayoom's age concerns also arose during the campaign. During the campaign, the Maldivian Democratic Party accused him of attempting to rig the election and achieve a first-round victory.<ref>{{cite news |date=9 October 2008 |title=Maldives president may face runoff |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2008/10/9/maldives-president-may-face-runoff |access-date=29 March 2025 |work=Al Jazeera English}}</ref> Several news outlets reported that Gayoom and Nasheed would face each other in a run-off.<ref>Rodrigo, p.27</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ramesh |first1=Randeep |date=8 October 2008 |title=Maldives president could face defeat in country's first democratic elections |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/oct/08/4 |access-date=29 March 2025 |work=The Guardian}}</ref> The election was the first time Gayoom was facing opposition candidates, and the first multi-party elections.<ref>{{cite news |date=1 November 2008 |title=Maldives Holds Its First Democratic Presidential Election |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-2008-10-08-voa22/401311.html |access-date=29 March 2025 |work=Voice of America}}</ref> Gayoom won the first round of the 2008 Maldivian presidential election with 40.63% of the vote.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lang |first1=Olivia |title=Anni And Gayoom In Second Round |url=https://www.minivannews.com/news_detail.php?id=5123 |date=9 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010125814/http://www.minivannews.com/news_detail.php?id=5123 |archive-date=10 October 2008}}</ref> However, in the second round, he lost to his opponent, Mohamed Nasheed.<ref>{{cite news |title=Challenger wins Maldives presidential vote |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/29/world/asia/29iht-maldives.1.17341269.html |work=The New York Times |date=29 October 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Page |first1=Jeremy |title=Maldives: Mohamed Nasheed defeats President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/maldives-mohamed-nasheed-defeats-president-maumoon-abdul-gayoom-z7hds2588gr |work=The Times |date=30 October 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Maldives: Longtime Leader Is Voted Out |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/30/world/asia/30briefs-LONGTIMELEAD_BRF.html |work=The Associated Press |publisher=The New York Times |date=29 October 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Judith |date=29 October 2008 |title=Maldives ruler falls to opposition |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/economy/maldives-ruler-falls-to-opposition-idUSCOL392374/ |access-date=29 March 2025 |work=Reuters}}</ref> Gayoom conceded the election the following day in a speech, expressing acceptance of the results and pledging a peaceful transfer of power.<ref>{{cite news |title=Maldives' leader vows smooth democratic transition |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/29/world/asia/29iht-maldive29.17359512.html |work=The New York Times |date=29 October 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=29 October 2008 |title=Maldives human rights activist wins presidential election |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/oct/29/maldives-presidential-elections |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903093622/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/oct/29/maldives-presidential-elections |archive-date=3 September 2013 |access-date=8 October 2024 |work=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Reed |first1=Emily |last2=Aminath |first2=Shauna |title=President Concedes |url=https://www.minivannews.com/news_detail.php?id=5304 |date=29 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081101012451/http://www.minivannews.com/news_detail.php?id=5304 |archive-date=1 November 2008}}</ref>

== Presidency (1978–2008) == thumb|Portrait, {{circa}} 1980s

Gayoom was inaugurated as the 3rd president of the Republic of Maldives on 11 November 1978 at 12:00 AM.<ref name="Fairooz">{{cite news |last1=Fairooz |first1=Ahmed |date=17 November 2018 |title=ރައީސުންގެ ހުވާކުރެއްވުމުގެ ރަސްމިއްޔާތަށް ނަޒަރެއް |trans-title=A brief look at the presidential inauguration ceremonies |url=https://raajje.mv/44634 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241128130121/https://raajje.mv/44634 |archive-date=28 November 2024 |access-date=29 March 2025 |work=Raajje TV |language=dv}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=16 November 2023 |title=ރައީސުންގެ ހުވާ ކުރެއްވުމަށް ކަޅިއެއް |trans-title=A look at the swearing-in of presidents |url=https://gaumee.com/1322 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002083856/https://gaumee.com/1322 |archive-date=2 October 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |website=Gaumee.com |language=dv}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Abdulla |first1=Shaina |date=1 November 2018 |title=Remember, remember, the 11th of November |url=https://edition.mv/presidential_election_2018/7705 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001175653/https://edition.mv/presidential_election_2018/7705 |archive-date=1 October 2024 |access-date=1 October 2024 |work=The Edition |language=en}}</ref> His oath was administered by judge Moosa Fathhy.<ref name="Fairooz" /> One of the first things Gayoom did at the beginning of his administration was upgrading the education and healthcare system in the Maldives.

=== First and second terms (1978–1988) === ==== 1980 assassination attempt ==== In February 1980, Former president Ibrahim Nasir, along with his brother-in-law Ahmed Naseem, Health Minister Mohamed Musthafa Hussain, and businessman Mohamed Yusuf, hired nine former members of the British Special Air Service (SAS) to carry out an assassination and coup attempt against Gayoom.<ref>{{cite news |title=Demo in Male |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/page/straitstimes19800430-1.1.1 |work=The Straits Times |publisher=National Library Board of Singapore |date=30 April 1980}}</ref> The mercenaries reportedly operated from a base in Sri Lanka, conducting several reconnaissance trips in preparation for the mission.<ref>{{cite news |title=Maldives Coup Attempt Failed Mercenary Plot |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110594276 |agency=Reuters |date=30 April 1980}}</ref> They were provided with arms and promised a payment of US$60,000 each for their services. However, the assassination attempt was ultimately called off by the SAS operatives due to emerging doubts about the operation.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Athas |first=Iqbal |date=8 February 1981 |title=Reveal details of mercenary coup plot in Maldives |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/02/08/Reveal-details-of-mercenary-coup-plot-in-Maldives/6835350456400/ |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=United Press International}}</ref>

==== 1987 Great wave ==== On 11 April 1987, a devastating tidal wave, often referred to as the "Great Wave", struck Malé, leaving 16 islands across 13 atolls severely affected and causing damages estimated at MVR 90 million.<ref>{{cite web |title=Maldives - Tidal Waves Apr 1987 UNDRO Situation Reports 1-3 |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/maldives/maldives-tidal-waves-apr-1987-undro-situation-reports-1-3 |website=ReliefWeb |publisher=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs |access-date=27 November 2024 |date=13 April 1987}}</ref> The disaster is considered one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in Maldivian history.

In an interview during the early 2000s, Gayoom said: {{Blockquote|I was driving around Malé, looking around various sites where damage had been done, and all of a sudden there was a very high wave which came into Malé, and it dragged the vehicle I was driving. And the people there, they held onto the vehicle, and in fact, they saved me. Otherwise, I would have been dragged into the sea.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Shahid |first1=Ali |title=The Great Wave of 1987, the wave that destroyed Malé Island |date=2006 |language=dv |page=16}}</ref>}}

The wave caused remarkable damage to both the outer and inner seawalls of Malé. In response, the Maldivian government sought assistance from Japan, which sent a team of scientists to assess the situation.<ref name="Adhadhu">{{cite news |last1=Mohamed |first1=Hassan |date=22 September 2024 |title=The Great Wave, Maumoon's foresight and Japan's seawall |url=https://english.adhadhu.com/article/59417 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=Adhadhu}}</ref> The Japanese government later supported the reconstruction of the damaged seawalls, helping the country recover from the disaster.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006 |title=Box II-4 About the Receipt of the "Green Leaf" National Environmental Award from the Maldives |url=https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/oda/white/2006/ODA2006/html/box/bx02004.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126022945/https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/oda/white/2006/ODA2006/html/box/bx02004.htm |archive-date=26 January 2013 |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Japan)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Male' Seawall Project (Maldives) |url=https://www.jsce.or.jp/e/archive/pdf/pj14.pdf |website=Japan Society of Civil Engineers |date=2022}}</ref>

The event drew international attention to the vulnerabilities of small island nations. Gayoom addressed this issue at the 1987 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, proposing the formation of a group of experts to study the impacts of climate change on small island states and low-lying nations.<ref name="Adhadhu" /> His proposal was adopted at the meeting. He also brought the issue to the United Nations General Assembly, becoming the first world leader to speak about climate change on a global stage.<ref name="Adhadhu" />

==== 1988 coup attempt ==== {{main|1988 Maldives coup attempt}}

On 3 November 1988, an attempted coup d'état was launched against Gayoom by a group of Maldivians, along with armed mercenaries from the Sri Lankan Tamil militant organisation, the People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Auerbach |first1=Stuart |title=Coup d'etat Attempted in Maldives |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1988/11/04/coup-detat-attempted-in-maldives/ec8ab147-2317-4213-b942-40585e95fc0e/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=3 November 1988 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321211153/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1988/11/04/coup-detat-attempted-in-maldives/ec8ab147-2317-4213-b942-40585e95fc0e/ |archive-date=21 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Coup Is Reported in the Maldives |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/03/world/coup-is-reported-in-the-maldives.html |work=The New York Times |date=3 November 1988 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525081921/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/03/world/coup-is-reported-in-the-maldives.html |archive-date=25 May 2015}}</ref> The coup was arranged by Abdullah Luthufi, a Maldivian businessman, who sought to overthrow Gayoom's government.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Sushant |date=7 February 2018 |title=Beyond the news: 30 years ago, another Maldives crisis |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/beyond-the-news-30-years-ago-another-maldives-crisis/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207205451/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/beyond-the-news-30-years-ago-another-maldives-crisis/ |archive-date=7 February 2018 |access-date=9 October 2024 |work=The Indian Express}}</ref>

Gayoom's presidency faced weighty opposition, with key figures like Luthufi determined to remove him from power due to dissatisfaction with the political landscape and the perceived lack of opportunities for dissent.<ref name="Robinson, 2011" /> Luthufi believed that an outside force was necessary to facilitate this change, as local electoral processes were deemed ineffective.<ref name="Robinson, 2011">{{cite news |author1=Robinson |first=JJ |date=7 November 2011 |title="I wanted to get rid of Gayoom at any cost": Abdulla Luthufee's Sri Lankan interview |url=https://minivannewsarchive.com/politics/%E2%80%9Ci-wanted-to-get-rid-of-gayoom-at-any-cost%E2%80%9D-abdulla-luthufee%E2%80%99s-sri-lankan-interview-27904 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104181248/https://minivannewsarchive.com/politics/%E2%80%9Ci-wanted-to-get-rid-of-gayoom-at-any-cost%E2%80%9D-abdulla-luthufee%E2%80%99s-sri-lankan-interview-27904 |archive-date=4 November 2017 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=Minivan News}}</ref> His close association with the People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) allowed him to negotiate for military support in the form of an 80-member raiding party.<ref name="Robinson, 2011" /> Strategic discussions regarding a sea-borne raid began in 1987, influenced by the deployment of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite web |title=3rd November 1988 coup d'état – a disorderly preparation |url=https://coralglass.market/news/213 |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=Coralglass Market}}</ref> Additionally, Luthufi secured support from sympathetic members of the Maldivian military, highlighting the complexities of the political situation during Gayoom's rule.<ref name="Robinson, 2011" />

Gayoom reached out to neighbouring and other countries for assistance, contacting India, United Kingdom, United States and Singapore for military aid.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Banka |first1=Neha |date=3 November 2022 |title=Operation Cactus: How India helped Maldives thwart coup bid backed by Lankan militants |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/research/operation-cactus-how-india-helped-maldives-end-a-coup-backed-by-lankan-militants-7605322/ |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=The Indian Express}}</ref> Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi responded promptly, and within hours, India launched Operation Cactus.<ref>{{cite news |title=Operation Cactus: How Indian troops went to Maldives and helped quell a coup |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/operation-cactus-how-indian-troops-went-to-maldives-and-helped-quell-a-coup/articleshow/62816787.cms |work=Times of India |date=7 February 2018}}</ref> Indian paratroopers were airlifted to the Maldives and landed in Malé on the same day, securing key locations and restoring order.<ref>{{cite news |date=4 November 1988 |title=Indian troops crush Male coup |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ht-this-day-nov-5-1988-indian-troops-crush-male-coup-101636026949838.html |access-date=4 November 2021 |work=Hindustan Times}}</ref> The Indian intervention was decisive, with the coup leaders unable to mount resistance once foreign troops arrived.<ref>{{cite news |title=Foreign Mercenaries Fail in Coup Effort in Maldives, Flee as Indian Troops Arrive |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-11-04-mn-1214-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |date=4 November 1988}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hazarika |first1=Sanjoy |date=4 November 1988 |title=Indian Troops Arrive to Put Down Coup Attempt in Island Republic |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/04/world/indian-troops-arrive-to-put-down-coup-attempt-in-island-republic.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205182342/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/04/world/indian-troops-arrive-to-put-down-coup-attempt-in-island-republic.html |archive-date=5 December 2010 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> Many of the PLOTE mercenaries were captured, while others fled the country, but were later caught.<ref>{{cite news |date=4 November 1988 |title=India Sends Troops to Maldives to Crush Coup Attempt by Invading Mercenaries |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-11-04-mn-961-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103041723/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-11-04-mn-961-story.html |archive-date=3 November 2020 |work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>

The coup attempt was effectively quashed within hours of the Indian military's arrival.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Rishabh |date=12 January 2024 |title=Operation Cactus: When India deployed all three forces to protect Maldives |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/history-of-it/story/operation-cactus-when-india-deployed-all-three-forces-to-protect-maldives-2487627-2024-01-12 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hazarika |first1=Sanjoy |date=5 November 1988 |title=Indian Troops end coup in Maldives |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/05/world/indian-troops-end-coup-in-maldives.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090827080709/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/05/world/indian-troops-end-coup-in-maldives.html |archive-date=27 August 2009 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> The quick resolution of the coup attempt strengthened Gayoom's position, and he publicly expressed gratitude towards the Indian government for its timely intervention.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Divyam |date=10 January 2024 |title=SOS From Male To Delhi: When India Thwarted A Coup In Maldives In 1988 |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sos-from-male-to-delhi-when-india-thwarted-a-coup-in-maldives-in-1988-4835401 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110100922/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sos-from-male-to-delhi-when-india-thwarted-a-coup-in-maldives-in-1988-4835401 |archive-date=10 January 2024 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=NDTV}}</ref>

Following the coup attempt, planner Abdulla Lutfi and his assistant Sagar Nasir were sentenced to death.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Mohamed |first=Shahudha |date=3 October 2019 |title=State forwards Luthfee's case to PG Office |url=https://edition.mv/sinamale_bridge/12738 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=The Edition}}</ref> However, according to Gayoom, the sentences were reduced to a life sentence of 25 years.<ref>{{cite news |date=4 November 2016 |title=Gayoom refused to execute coup traitors in fear of reprisal |url=https://avas.mv/en/25170 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=Avas}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=27 November 2023 |title=Abdulla Luthfee to be Released from Prison Today |url=https://www.plus.mv/english/abdulla-luthfee-to-be-released-from-prison-today/ |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=MV+}}</ref> Following the coup attempt, a small number of Indian soldiers remained in Malé for a year to protect Gayoom from further threats.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kumar |first1=Anand |title=India-Maldives Relations: Is the Rough Patch Over? |journal=Indian Foreign Affairs Journal |date=2016 |volume=11 |issue=2 |page=155 |jstor=45341094 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/45341094}}</ref>

=== Other terms (1988–2008) ===

==== 2004 tsunami ==== {{main|2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami#Maldives|l1=2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami}}

{{listen | pos = right | filename = President Maumoon addressing the nation following the 2004 Tsunami.ogg | title = Address to the nation | description = Gayoom addressing the nation following the tsunami, 26 December 2004 | format = ogg }}

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was a major turning point in Gayoom's presidential administration.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ali |first1=Humaam |date=26 December 2018 |title=Maldivians showed unwavering solidarity during tsunami: Maumoon |url=https://raajje.mv/47282 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=Raajje TV}}</ref> In response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, President Gayoom addressed the nation on the evening of the disaster, stating that citizens should work together with the government to recover from the losses.<ref>{{cite web |date=26 December 2004 |title=The President addressing the nation following the National Disaster |url=http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/v3/pages/videoindex04.phtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050123205813/http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/v3/pages/videoindex04.phtml |archive-date=23 January 2005 |access-date=26 December 2004 |website=The President's Office}}</ref>

The tsunami caused extensive devastation, resulting in the loss of more than three decades of development and an estimated 62% of the country's GDP and a damage cost of approximately US$460 million.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Shaw |first1=Rajib |last2=Pardasani |first2=Manoj |title=Tsunami reconstruction and redevelopment in the Maldives |journal=Disaster Prevention and Management |date=January 2006 |volume=15 |issue=1 |pages=79–91 |doi=10.1108/09653560610654257|bibcode=2006DisPM..15...79P }}</ref> According to World Bank estimates, the Maldives experienced a GDP growth rate of 13.75% in 2003; however, this plummeted to -11.223% in 2004 as a direct consequence of the tsunami.<ref>{{cite web |title=GDP growth (annual %) - Maldives |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG?locations=MV |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908140750/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG?locations=MV |archive-date=8 September 2017 |access-date=21 September 2024 |website=World Bank |language=En}}</ref> Regardless of various recovery efforts, many damages remained unresolved by the end of Gayoom's presidency.<ref>{{cite web |title=Country Assistance Program Evaluation for the Maldives |url=https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/evaluation-document/35019/files/cap-mld-2011-21.pdf |website=Asian Development Bank}}</ref>

Gayoom declared a state of emergency following the national disaster on the same day, and a special task force was established to deliver aid and supplies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maldives: Tsunami: 2004/12/26 |url=https://www.adrc.asia/view_disaster_en.php?Lang=en&Key=792 |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=Asian Disaster Reduction Center}}</ref> Rescue efforts were hindered by the loss of communication with the nation's over 1,000 islands, as well as the lack of sufficient disaster planning.<ref>{{cite web|date=26 December 2004|title=The President proclaims State of Emergency following National Disaster|url=http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/v3/pages/News.php3?NewsID=2702|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050312054050/http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/v3/pages/News.php3?NewsID=2702|archive-date=12 March 2005}}</ref>

==== Malé bombing ==== {{main|2007 Malé bombing}}

Following the first bomb explosion in Malé on 29 September 2007, which targeted foreign tourists, the government, under the presidency of Gayoom, expressed serious concern over the rising threat of Islamic extremism.<ref name="BRT" >{{cite book |author1=Encyclopedia Britannica |title=Britannica Book of the Year 2008 |date=2008 |isbn=9781593394943 |page=433 |publisher=Encyclopaedia Britannica |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QbCbAAAAQBAJ&dq=maumoon+abdul+gayoom+europe+relations&pg=PA433}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Roul |first1=Animesh |title=The Threat from Rising Extremism in the Maldives |date=2013 |volume=6 |issue=3 |url=https://ctc.westpoint.edu/the-threat-from-rising-extremism-in-the-maldives/ |journal=Combating Terrorism Center }}</ref> In response, the government initiated measures to address religious fundamentalism and militancy;<ref>{{cite journal |title=Growing Islamic Militancy in the Maldives |publisher=Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad |jstor=45242458 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/45242458 |last1=Hafeez |first1=Mahwish |last2=Hafeez |first2=Mehwish |journal=Strategic Studies |date=2008 |volume=28 |issue=1 |pages=251–267 }}</ref><ref name="BRT" /> the authorities declared that clerics or mullahs with beards would be prohibited from entering the country unless specifically invited by the government.<ref name="BRT" />

==== 2008 assassination attempt ==== {{main|Maldivian presidential assassination attempts#Maumoon Abdul Gayoom}}

On 8 January 2008, Gayoom was visiting Hoarafushi in Haa Alif Atoll.<ref>{{cite news |last1=James |first1=Orr |date=8 January 2008 |title=Boy foils attack on Maldives president |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jan/08/4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901105500/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jan/08/4 |archive-date=1 September 2013 |access-date=8 January 2008 |work=The Guardian }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=8 January 2008 |title=Boy Scout Thwarts Assassination Attempt |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/boy-scout-thwarts-assassination-attempt/ |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=CBS News |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Mohamed Murshid attempted to stab Gayoom in the stomach with a kitchen knife;<ref>{{cite news |date=8 January 2008 |title=Maldives leader in knife attack |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2008/1/8/maldives-leader-in-knife-attack |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=Al Jazeera English}}</ref> however, the attack was thwarted by Mohamed Jaisham Ibrahim, a 16-year-old boy scout from Kudahuvadhoo, who intervened and blocked the attack with his own hands.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 January 2008 |title=Scout saves Maldives President from assassination |url=https://www.scout.org/node/1781 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111045530/https://www.scout.org/node/1781 |archive-date=11 November 2023 |access-date=11 November 2023 |website=World Organization of the Scout Movement}}</ref> Jaisham sustained injuries during this act and required medical treatment, later being treated at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 January 2008 |title=Boy scout saves Maldives president from assassination |url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iSwQqgfQjMkNXA8Bt7Ybo8guFfNg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711111143/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iSwQqgfQjMkNXA8Bt7Ybo8guFfNg |archive-date=11 July 2011 |access-date=22 January 2010 |work=Agence France-Presse}}</ref> Following the incident, Gayoom stated, "By the grace of Almighty Allah, I am well and safe, but severe injuries have been inflicted on this brave young man from this island, Mohamed Jaisham. He is a true hero. I sincerely thank him and his family, and I pray to Almighty Allah for his speedy recovery."<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 January 2008 |title=The President thanks the Close Protection Team of Maldives National Defence Force for their aid in saving him from yesterday's attack at Hoarafushi |url=http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/pages/eng_news.php?news%3A4522%3A1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209024513/http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/pages/eng_news.php?news%3A4522%3A1 |archive-date=9 February 2008 |website=The President's Office}}</ref>

=== Foreign policy === ==== Palestine and Israel ==== {{further|Maldives–Palestine relations|Israel–Maldives relations}}

During his presidency, Gayoom took a firm stance on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, which was a defining feature of his foreign policy.<ref name="plstine">{{cite news |last1=Raushan |first1=Fathimath |date=19 May 2021 |title=އޭރުވެސް ފަހުންވެސް މިހާރުވެސް މައުމޫނު ހުންނެވީ ފަލަސްތީނާއެކު |trans-title=Maumoon with Palestine, Before, then and Now |url=https://thepress.mv/126450 |access-date=4 October 2024 |website=ThePress |language=dv}}</ref> Within a week of taking office in 1978, Gayoom severed the diplomatic relations with Israel that had been established under the previous administration of Ibrahim Nasir.<ref>{{cite news |date=5 January 2022 |title=Govt. denies reports Maldives in talks to establish diplomatic ties with Israel |url=https://en.sun.mv/71595 |access-date=5 January 2022 |website=Sun}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=6 January 2022 |title=Gov't denies attempt to re-establish ties with Israel |url=https://avas.mv/en/112433 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108120133/https://avas.mv/en/112433 |archive-date=8 January 2022 |access-date=6 January 2022 |publisher=Avas}}</ref> Gayoom supported for an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. He argued that this move was necessary to align with the Maldives' broader support for Palestinian self-determination.<ref>{{cite news |date=26 July 2021 |title=Independence Day: a look back at the beginning of establishment of diplomatic relations |url=https://raajje.mv/103850 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726120637/https://raajje.mv/103850 |archive-date=26 July 2021 |access-date=26 July 2021 |website=Raajje TV}}</ref><ref name="UNGA31">{{cite web |date=1976 |title=Address by His Excellency Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Permanent Representative, to the Thirty-First Session of the United Nations General Assembly |url=http://maldivesmission.com/statements/unga_31_statement_by_he_maumoon_abdul_gayoom_1976 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123224818/http://maldivesmission.com/statements/unga_31_statement_by_he_maumoon_abdul_gayoom_1976 |archive-date=23 January 2020 |access-date=4 October 2024 |website=Permanent Mission of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations}}</ref> In 1984, Gayoom invited Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to the Maldives, and he undertook a state visit in July the same year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 April 2012 |title=Palestinian President to visit the Maldives |url=https://foreign.gov.mv/index.php/en/media-center/news/palestinian-president-to-visit-the-maldives |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Maldives)}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=4 November 2004 |title=President Yasir Arafat's status unstable, started to take care at ICU |url=http://www.haveeru.com.mv/?page=details&id=21019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041109122237/http://www.haveeru.com.mv/?page=details&id=21019 |archive-date=9 November 2004 |work=Haveeru Daily |language=dv}}</ref>

Gayoom also attempted economic partnerships to strengthen ties with Palestine.<ref>{{cite book |title=Maldives and the State of Palestine |date=2002 |page=62 |language=dv}}</ref> His administration launched "Maldives Airways" in collaboration with the Palestinian government, with a fleet of four airplanes.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Maldives Airways |url=https://www.aviatorsmaldives.com/maldives-airways |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=Aviators Maldives}}</ref> However, the airline faced financial challenges, attributed to international sanctions and economic pressure, which led to its bankruptcy by 1984.<ref name=":0" /> Due to the airline's failure, Gayoom's administration continued efforts to support Palestine through other means, such as organising nationwide fundraising campaigns, with donation boxes set up throughout the Maldives.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 May 2021 |title=Did you know Maldives Airways was jointly owned by government and Palestine Liberation Organization |url=https://www.aviatorsmaldives.com/post/did-you-know-maldives-airways-was-jointly-owned-by-government-and-palestine-liberation-organization |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=Aviators Maldives}}</ref>

==== South and East Asia ==== {{multiple image| image1=Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Junichiro Koizumi, October 2001.jpg| caption1= Gayoom with Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi, 2001 in Japan| image2=The President of Maldives, Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom meeting with the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, in New Delhi on February 11, 2008.jpg| caption2=Gayoom with the Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh in 2008| align=left|total_width=400 }}

During Gayoom's presidency, his foreign policy towards South and East Asia was centered on strengthening ties with key regional players, particularly India, China, and Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rasheed |first=Athaulla |date=5 April 2022 |title=What growing resentment in Maldives means for the Indo-Pacific |url=https://www.policyforum.net/what-growing-resentment-in-maldives-means-for-the-indo-pacific/ |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=Asia & The Pacific Policy Society}}</ref>

Gayoom maintained a close relationship with India, which was pivotal during the 1988 coup attempt when India responded with "Operation Cactus" to retain his government.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Rishabh |title=Operation Cactus: When India deployed all three forces to protect Maldives |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/history-of-it/story/operation-cactus-when-india-deployed-all-three-forces-to-protect-maldives-2487627-2024-01-12 |access-date=4 October 2024 |work=India Today |date=12 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jain |first=Tanya |title=A New Discourse on Indo-Maldives Relations: Challenges and Opportunities |url=https://www.usiofindia.org/publication-journal/A-New-Discourse-on-Indo-Maldives-Relations-Challenges-and-Opportunities.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228115355/https://www.usiofindia.org/publication-journal/A-New-Discourse-on-Indo-Maldives-Relations-Challenges-and-Opportunities.html |archive-date=28 December 2024 |website=United Service Institution}}</ref> Gayoom sought to balance the Maldives' foreign policy by establishing ties with China, especially as China's influence in the Indian Ocean grew through infrastructure investments and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).<ref name="cold war">{{cite news |last1=Mitra |first1=Rangoli |title=The China-India Cold War in the Maldives |url=https://thediplomat.com/2022/01/the-china-india-cold-war-in-maldives/ |access-date=19 January 2022 |work=The Diplomat |date=19 January 2022}}</ref> Relationships demonstrated Gayoom's pragmatic approach to foreign policy, ensuring the Maldives benefitted from both regional powers without becoming overly dependent on one.<ref name="cold war" /> China's growing presence was evident in infrastructure projects such as airports and bridges, but the administration was careful to avoid granting military footholds to Beijing, which would have alarmed India.<ref name="cold war" />

In October 1984, Gayoom made the first visit to China by a Maldivian head of state since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1972. The visit was made at the invitation of Chinese president. Upon touching down, Gayoom was greeted by Chinese president Li Xiannian. During the trip, an agreement on economic and technical cooperation was signed between the governments of China and the Maldives.<ref>{{cite web |date=1 September 2022 |title=President Gayoom's first visit to China |url=https://mv.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/zmgx/hfjl/202209/t20220901_10759107.htm |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=Embassy of China, Malé}}</ref>

==== Africa and the Middle East ==== Gayoom's tenure as president saw the Maldives strengthening ties with African nations, particularly through multilateral organisations such as the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations, where he sought cooperation on shared challenges, such as climate change and development initiatives.{{sfn|Murithi|2013|p=357}} He established relations with more than 25 countries in the African continent, during his presidential administration.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Digital |first1=Adam Matthew |title=Foreign Relations of Maldives |date=2012 |publisher=Adam Matthew Digital |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GYiaswEACAAJ}}</ref> He strongly advocated for the complete and rapid eradication of apartheid and supported the South African people's right to self-determination.<ref name="UNGA31" /> His vocal opposition to apartheid strengthened the Maldives' standing in international forums, where he consistently called for the end of racial oppression and supported liberation movements in Africa.<ref name="UNGA31" />

{{Quote box|width=25em|align=left|quote=The situation in southern Africa continues to constitute a threat to the peace and security of the region. We in the Maldives strongly object to the policy of apartheid and racial discrimination since it violates all fundamental human values. We emphasise the need for the total and speedy eradication of apartheid and for the exercise, by the South African people, of their legitimate right to self-determination.|salign=right |source=—&thinsp;Statement by Gayoom to the UNGA<ref name="UNGA31" />}}

In the Middle East, Gayoom prioritised relations with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ghafoor |first1=Mimrah Abdul |date=15 November 2023 |title=The Gulf's Growing Influence Over the Maldives |url=https://thediplomat.com/2023/11/the-gulfs-growing-influence-over-the-maldives/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117011549/https://thediplomat.com/2023/11/the-gulfs-growing-influence-over-the-maldives/ |archive-date=17 November 2023 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=The Diplomat}}</ref> Saudi Arabia was a crucial ally, providing financial aid, religious scholarships, and investments that supported the Maldives's development.<ref>{{cite news |date=24 March 2014 |title=Saudi Arabia's growing role in the Maldives |url=https://bbc.com/news/business-26668107 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325122529/https://bbc.com/news/business-26668107 |archive-date=25 March 2014 |access-date=30 March 2025 |agency=BBC News}}</ref> Diplomatic exchanges between the two nations were frequent, and the relationship was anchored in Islamic solidarity. Gayoom's government also sought to deepen ties with other Gulf countries like Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. These partnerships focused on economic cooperation, with the Gulf states contributing to various infrastructure projects in the Maldives. In 1981, Gayoom established diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and the Maldives in history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maldives-Saudi Relations |url=https://www.maldivesembassy.sa/index.php/bilateral/maldives-saudi-relations |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117135453/https://www.maldivesembassy.sa/index.php/bilateral/maldives-saudi-relations |archive-date=17 January 2024 |access-date=28 December 2023 |website=Embassy of the Maldives, Riyadh}}</ref>

==== United States and Europe ====

In the realm of security, the Maldives sought to strengthen ties with the United States to enhance its own national security and regional stability.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Digital |first1=Adam Matthew |title=Maldives: Political Relations with United States of America |date=2011}}</ref> Given its strategic location in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives was seen as an important partner in U.S. efforts to combat piracy and terrorism in the region.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Raju |first1=Adluri Subramanyam |last2=Srinivasan |first2=R. |title=The Routledge Handbook of South Asia Region, Security and Connectivity |date=31 August 2023 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=9781000926293 |pages=412 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UsnOEAAAQBAJ}}</ref> Gayoom's government actively cooperated with the U.S. on maritime security initiatives and participated in international discussions concerning security challenges.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fact Sheet: U.S.-Maldives Cooperation |url=https://mv.usmission.gov/fact-sheet-u-s-maldives-cooperation/ |website=United States mission to Maldives |access-date=11 October 2024 |archive-date=9 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009182930/https://mv.usmission.gov/fact-sheet-u-s-maldives-cooperation/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> This cooperation was mutually beneficial, as it provided the Maldives with increased visibility on the global stage while aligning with U.S. interests in ensuring a secure maritime environment. During the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, as part of their tour to affected countries due to the tsunami in 2005, former U.S. presidents Bill Clinton and George H. W. Bush travelled to the Maldives and met Gayoom.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schwab |first1=Nikki |title=Bill Clinton on the moment he and Bush finally 'broke the ice' |url=https://nypost.com/2018/12/02/bill-clinton-on-the-moment-he-and-bush-finally-broke-the-ice/ |access-date=25 September 2025 |agency=The New York Post |date=2 December 2018}}</ref>

[[File:Maumoon Abdul Gayoom welcomes Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.jpg|thumb|left|Gayoom receives Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at Velana International Airport in 2005]]

During the presidency of Gayoom, relations between the Maldives and the United States were marked by cooperation and economic support. The U.S. contributed to the Maldives's economic development mainly through international organisation programmes. Following the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the two countries signed a bilateral assistance agreement, providing $8.6 million for reconstruction efforts.<ref name="DOS">{{Cite web |title=Maldives (09/08) |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/maldives/110837.htm |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=United States Department of State}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 March 2019 |title=United States, Maldives Sign Landmark Assistance Agreement |url=https://mv.usmission.gov/united-states-maldives-sign-landmark-assistance-agreement/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803150027/https://mv.usmission.gov/united-states-maldives-sign-landmark-assistance-agreement/ |archive-date=3 August 2020 |website=United States Mission to the Maldives}}</ref> This aid was directed towards rebuilding harbours, sewage systems, and electrical generation facilities, while also helping the Ministry of Finance improve its capacity to manage and absorb international assistance.<ref name="DOS" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Maldives (03/29/12) |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/maldives/198056.htm |website=United States Department of State |access-date=29 March 2012}}</ref>

During his presidency, the Maldives established and nurtured strong relations with various European countries, particularly in the areas of trade, tourism, and development cooperation. The Maldives became an attractive destination for European tourists, which boosted its economy and helped the nation diversify its income sources.<ref>{{cite web |title=Maldives Common Country Analysis |url=https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2022-07/3.%20Maldives%20CCA%20Final.pdf |website=United Nations Development Programme}}</ref> European nations, particularly the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy, played a crucial role in promoting Maldivian tourism,<ref>{{cite book |title=Tourism Promotion in Countries in an Early Stage of Tourism Development: Proceedings of a Seminar Organizd by ESCAP, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, 18-21 November 1996 |date=1997 |page=35 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LOEHt7p3JuoC}}</ref> contributing to the growth of the hospitality industry and infrastructure development.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tourism In the Maldives |url=https://www.comcec.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/12-TUR-PRE-MAL.pdf |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=COMCEC}}</ref>

==== International trips ==== thumb|upright=1.35|Countries visited by Gayoom during his presidency in dark blue; Maldives in Red

Gayoom made a number of visits to more than 35 countries during his 30 years of presidency.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bilateral Engagement |url=https://foreign.gov.mv/index.php/en/bilateral |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs |access-date=4 October 2024}}</ref> His first visit following first inauguration, was to Libya to attend 1 September revolution celebrations in the country. He became the first Maldivian president to visit Libya, Senegal and South Africa.<ref>{{cite web |title=South Africa - Bilateral Engagement |url=https://foreign.gov.mv/index.php/en/bilateral/countries/south-africa |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs}}</ref> At the end of his presidency, Gayoom had visited India over sixteen times in various capacities, making him the Maldivian president with the most visits to India.<ref>{{cite web |title=High Level Visits |url=https://maldiveshighcom.in/visits/ |website=High Commission of the Republic of Maldives in India |access-date=5 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228000502/https://maldiveshighcom.in/visits/ |archive-date=28 February 2021 |quote=Former President His Excellency Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has visited India more than sixteen times in different capacities while just about every Prime Minister of India, starting from Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in January 1975, has undertaken Official/State Visits to the Maldives |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Domestic policy === ==== Health and education policy ==== Education and healthcare policies were one of the most important–focused subjects during the presidential administration of Gayoom.

When Gayoom became president in 1978, the Maldives lacked a formal education system beyond the capital Malé, although two secondary schools and basic educational infrastructure existed there.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Virusha |first1=Aminath |date=16 November 2023 |title=ދެވަނަ ޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާގެ ދެވަނަ ރައީސް: މައުމޫން އަބްދުލް ގައްޔޫމް |trans-title=Second president of the Second Republic of the Maldives |url=https://sangu.mv/117984/ |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=Sangu TV |language=dv |archive-date=3 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203231103/https://sangu.mv/117984/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In early 1979, his government conducted a study that revealed 24.77% of the population was illiterate. In response, the government launched the "Basic Education Project" in January 1980, aimed at eradicating illiteracy.<ref>{{cite book |title=Furadhaana |date=October 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Saeed |first1=Mahfooz |date=9 September 2022 |title=ރާއްޖޭގެ އަސާސީ ތައުލީމުގެ މަޝްރޫއުގެ ފެށުމާއި ސަބަބުތައް |trans-title=The Beginning and Reasons for the Basic Education Project in the Maldives |url=https://adhadhu.com/article/28764 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=Adhadhu}}</ref> The project began the following month, with the start of teaching basic education classes.<ref name="MNL" /> Over time, the initiative reduced the illiteracy rate, bringing it down to 1.06% by 1999.<ref name="MNL" >{{cite book |title=Dhivehi Raajje |date=January 2012 |publisher=National Library of Maldives |page=82 }}</ref> Gayoom made education a key priority, aiming to expand access across the country. His government began by establishing primary schools in the atolls, with Gayoom personally inaugurating the first in South Miladhunmadulu Atoll in March 1979, months after assuming office.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Far East and Australasia |date=1982 |isbn=0905118766 |page=785 |publisher=Europa Publications |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n3kSAAAAMAAJ}}</ref><ref name="Edpo" >{{cite web |title=Special Concerns – Education |url=http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/v3/pages/body.phtml?ID=3&Table=Head4&PTID=4 |website=The President's Office |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021130051507/http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/v3/pages/body.phtml?ID=3&Table=Head4&PTID=4 |date=2002 |archive-date=30 November 2002}}</ref>

[[File:MV Government National Award for Special Achievement - 1989 - Waheed.jpg|thumb|Gayoom awarding the future president Mohamed Waheed Hassan in 1989]]

A national curriculum was introduced, and efforts were made to provide seven years of primary education to Maldivian children.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cook |first1=John |title=Study on Educational Quality, Relevance, and Equity |url=https://www.hassanhameed.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Study-on-Education-Quality-Relevance-and-Equity-by-J-Cook-2004.pdf |website=hassanhameed.com |page=9 |date=March 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 2011 |title=Maldives; World data on education, 2010/11; 2011 |url=https://itacec.org/itadc/document/learning_resources/project_cd/ELDS%20South%20Asia/Maldives.pdf |website=itacec.org}}</ref> Additionally, two secondary schools were established in the atolls, reducing the need for students to move to Malé for higher education.<ref name="Edpo" /> The number of students sitting for the GCE ordinary Level examinations grew from 102 in 1978 to 6,495 in 2002.<ref name="Edpo" /> Total student enrolment increased from around 15,000 in 1978 to 97,323 in 1998, and the literacy rate improved from 70% to 98.82% by the same year.<ref name="Edpo" /> By 1999, 254 schools with 2,646 teachers were providing education up to Grade 10.<ref name="Edpo" />

Gayoom's administration introduced many healthcare reforms in the late 1970s, when the Maldives had limited medical facilities, including just one small hospital and basic health services. His government prioritised improving maternal and child health, contributing to an increase in life expectancy from 48 years in 1978 to 71 years by 1998.<ref name="HETH" >{{cite web |title=Special Concerns – Health |url=http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/v3/pages/body.phtml?ID=4&Table=Head3&PTID=1 |website=The President's Office |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021105152253/http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/v3/pages/body.phtml?ID=4&Table=Head3&PTID=1 |archive-date=5 November 2002 |date=2002}}</ref> Universal immunisation was achieved by 1990, and the government implemented measures to combat communicable diseases.<ref name="HETH" /> Gayoom's administration also launched public health campaigns promoting healthy living, balanced diets, and the risks of tobacco consumption.<ref name="HETH" />

By 1998, the physician to population ratio had improved from one per 20,700 people in 1978 to one per 1,300, and hospital bed capacity increased nearly tenfold.<ref name="HETH" />

==== Human rights policy ==== Gayoom's presidency was marked by controversy, particularly regarding human rights issues.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 2012 |title=From Sunrise to Sunset: Maldives backtracking on democracy |url=https://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/maldivesen.pdf |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=International Federation for Human Rights |page=16}}</ref> International human rights organisations and foreign governments have accused his administration of employing tactics against dissidents, including arbitrary arrest and detention, torture, forced confessions, and politically motivated killings.<ref>{{cite news |date=19 May 2005 |title=Maldives dissident denies crimes |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4560421.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111045756/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4560421.stm |archive-date=11 November 2023 |access-date=22 January 2010 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=22 November 2005 |title=Take Action! Maldives: Human Rights Defender Imprisoned |url=http://ifex.org/maldives/2005/11/23/take_action_maldives_human_rights/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815184528/http://ifex.org/maldives/2005/11/23/take_action_maldives_human_rights/ |archive-date=15 August 2011 |access-date=22 January 2010 |website=IFEX}}</ref> Reports indicated that security forces were sometimes used to intimidate opposition figures.<ref>{{cite web |date=26 May 2004 |title=Amnesty International Report 2004 – Maldives |url=http://www.refworld.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/rwmain?page=publisher&publisher=AMNESTY&type=&coi=MDV&docid=40b5a1fbc&skip=0 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808180428/http://www.refworld.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/rwmain?page=publisher&publisher=AMNESTY&type=&coi=MDV&docid=40b5a1fbc&skip=0 |archive-date=8 August 2014 |access-date=21 August 2013 |website=Refworld |publisher=United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees |agency=Amnesty International}}</ref>

Criticism of Gayoom's governance came from various quarters, including foreign nations such as those within the European Union and the Commonwealth of Nations, which expressed concerns over his long-term rule and described it as autocratic.<ref name="hmr">{{cite web |last=Mulberry |first=Matt |title=The Maldives – From Dictatorship to Democracy, and Back? |url=https://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/maldives-dictatorship-democracy-back/ |access-date=24 February 2024 |website=International Center on Nonviolent Conflict}}</ref> Critics highlighted issues related to the abuse of power, and some characterised his leadership style as dictatorial, pointing to limitations on political freedoms.<ref name="hmr" /> The complex nature of his legacy continues to be a topic of discussion, with supporters citing developmental achievements while critics emphasise human rights violations.<ref name="hmr" />

Towards the end of his presidency, Gayoom apologised for his actions, saying: {{blockquote|If any Maldivian citizen has had to endure undeserved hardship or distress due to a policy I implemented, a decision I made, or due to my failure to give proper attention where it was needed, I sincerely regret it. And if any citizen has experienced such a situation, I humbly ask for generous forgiveness from that citizen.{{sfn|Shafeeu|2021|p=43}}}}

==== Economic policy ==== {{main|Economy of the Maldives}} thumb|The contribution of the tourism and fisheries industries to the GDP of the Maldives between 1980 and 2002

During the Gayoom's administration, tourism became the largest industry in the Maldives, a status it continues to hold.<ref>{{cite web |title=2023 Investment Climate Statements: Maldives |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-investment-climate-statements/maldives/ |website=US Department of State |date=2023}}</ref> By the 1980s, tourism accounted for 28% of the nation's GDP and more than 60% of its foreign exchange receipts.<ref name="IMF" /> This sector played a critical role in driving economic growth, with GDP per capita expanding by 265% during the 1980s and a further 115% in the 1990s.<ref name="IMF" /> The tourism industry's rapid development underpinned the Maldives' economic success, and this expansion provided a steady source of income and foreign currency, which helped to stabilise the economy during Gayoom's rule.{{sfn|A. Mihdha|2008|p=9}}

Under Gayoom's leadership, the tourism industry was restructured in 1979 with the introduction of the Tourism Act, which established regulations to manage entry into the sector through capacity control.{{sfn|A. Mihdha|2008|p=9}} These measures improved standards in existing resorts and increased profitability.{{sfn|A. Mihdha|2008|p=9}} By the end of the 20th century, tourism became a vital part of the Maldivian economy, contributing to GDP and providing a crucial source of foreign currency.{{sfn|A. Mihdha|2008|p=9}}

Gayoom's government initiated economic reforms in 1989, aimed at liberalising the economy.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hilmy |first1=Ali |title=The Maldives, State of Mahl Dibiyyat and its resources |date=1999 |pages=45–47}}</ref><ref name="wdb">{{cite web |date=16 October 1997 |title=Maldives Country Economic Memorandum |url=https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/707941468052739314/pdf/multi0page.pdf |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=World Bank}}</ref> These reforms included lifting import quotas and opening certain sectors for export to private enterprises.<ref name="wdb" /> The liberalisation also extended to foreign investment regulations, encouraging more international involvement in the Maldivian economy. The nation's GDP grew rapidly, with the gross domestic product rising from MVR 440 million in 1980 to MVR 10,458 million by 2005, according to International Monetary Fund estimates.<ref name="IMF">{{cite web |title=Maldives Data |url=https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2006/01/data/dbcselm.cfm?G=2001 |website=International Monetary Fund |access-date=11 October 2024 |archive-date=20 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220023151/https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2006/01/data/dbcselm.cfm%3FG%3D2001 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Throughout the 1980s, the Maldivian economy experienced relatively low inflation, with real GDP growth averaging around 10%.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Chowdhury |first1=Anis |last2=Mahmud |first2=Wahiduddin |title=Handbook on the South Asian Economies |date=2008 |isbn=9781848441293 |pages=230–232 |publisher=Edward Elgar |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VBl8XLiRo3IC}}</ref> The year 1990 saw an exceptional GDP growth rate of 16.2%, although this figure declined to 4% by 1993.<ref name="DOS" /> Due to slowdown, the economy continued to perform strongly, with an average real GDP growth of over 7.5% per year from 1995 to 2004.<ref name="DOS" /> The sustained growth during this period was largely driven by a combination of tourism, fishing, and increased foreign investment, which helped the country weather regional economic challenges.<ref name="DOS" />

The Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, however, caused a sharp contraction in the economy, with the GDP loss of approximately 62%;{{sfn|Töpfer|2005|p=8}} the Maldivian economy demonstrated resilience, rebounding strongly with a 13% growth rate in 2006. The recovery was driven by a revival in tourism and infrastructure development efforts, supported by international aid and investments.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Maldives two years after the tsunami |url=https://maldivesindependent.com/files/2015/03/Maldives-Two-Years-After-the-Tsunami.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321173504/https://maldivesindependent.com/files/2015/03/Maldives-Two-Years-After-the-Tsunami.pdf |archive-date=21 March 2017 |access-date=10 October 2024 |website=Maldives Independent}}</ref> Under Gayoom's administration, the Maldives managed to maintain steady economic growth, regardless of external shocks, while fostering a more open and diversified economy.<ref>{{cite web |title=Why Maldives |url=https://investmaldives.gov.mv/why-maldives/ |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=Invest Maldives}}</ref>

==== Environmental policies ==== [[File:Ibrahim Shihab award 1979.jpg|thumb|Gayoom awards Ibrahim Shihab in 1979]]

During his presidency, Gayoom was a strong advocate for environmental protection and climate diplomacy, both nationally and internationally. His administration became one of the first to bring international attention to the potential consequences of climate change for low-lying nations.<ref name=":6">{{cite web |date=30 November 2015 |title=President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's message for the opening day of the 21st session of Conference of the Parties (COP) |url=https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/16136 |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=The President's Office |quote=It was then that the former President of the Maldives, His Excellency Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, brought this issue to the attention of the international community at the Commonwealth Summit for Heads of State and Governments in Vancouver and the United Nations in 1987.}}</ref> In 1987, following severe flooding that inundated much of the capital, Malé, Gayoom recognised the looming threat posed by rising sea levels and environmental degradation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Speech by His Excellency Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President of the Republic of Maldives, on "Climate Change and Sea-level Rise: The Maldives' Experience" at the Opening Session of EU Development Days 2007 |url=https://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/Press/Article/32305 |website=The President's Office |date=7 November 2007 |quote=Exactly twenty years ago, I brought the testimony of ordinary people threatened by climate change before world leaders for the very first time. In my address to the UN General Assembly in 1987, I spoke of how global warming, if left unchecked, would lead to the death of the Maldives and many countries like us.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=19 October 1987 |title=Address by His Excellency Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President of the Republic of Maldives, before the Forty-Second Session of the United Nations General Assembly on the Special Debate on Environment and Development, 19 October 1987 |url=http://maldivesmission.com/statements/address_by_his_excellency_mr_maumoon_abdul_gayoom_president_of_the_republic_of_maldives_before_the_forty_second_session_of_the_united_nations_general_assembly_on_the_special_debate_on_environment_and_development_19_october_1987 |access-date=9 October 2024 |website=Permanent Mission of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations}}</ref> He became the first-ever world leader to address the United Nations General Assembly on the dangers of climate change, urging urgent global action on what was, at the time, still a relatively unknown issue.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Gay |first1=Jean-Christophe |title=Global warming and the exploitation of small island states |journal=L'Espace géographique |date=2014 |volume=43 |issue=JSTOR |page=82 |jstor=26213711 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/26213711}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Shahid |first1=Abdulla |last2=Ginnetti |first2=Justin |title=The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy |date=2008 |volume=32 |page=15 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/45289441 |journal=The Fletcher Forum of World Affairs |jstor=45289441 |author1-link=Abdulla Shahid}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Fletcher Forum of World Affairs |url=https://www.stjornarradid.is/media/utanrikisraduneyti-media/media/haskolafund/Speech_by_Ms._Dunya_Maumoon,_Maldives.doc |date=16 June 2008 |quote=Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President of the Republic of Maldives, became the first world leader to address the United Nations General Assembly on the issue of climate change. |format=doc}}</ref>

Gayoom's landmark "Death of a Nation" speech at the UNGA is often credited as one of the earliest and most influential calls for global cooperation in combating climate change.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pachauri |first=R. K. |author-link=Rajendra K. Pachauri |date=June 2019 |title=Small Island Developing States and Climate Change Towards Addressing Loss and Damage |url=https://worldsdf.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Analytical_Brief_June_2.pdf |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=World Sustainable Development Forum}}</ref> His warnings about the vulnerability of small island nations like the Maldives highlighted the risks posed by global warming and sea level rise, issues that were not widely recognised at the time. This intervention marked the beginning of the Maldives' active participation in global climate diplomacy, reinforcing the nation's commitment to advocating for the protection of environmentally fragile states on the international stage.<ref>{{cite news |date=23 September 2022 |title=Advancing the National Adaptation Plan of the Maldives |url=https://open.unep.org/docs/gcf/Maldives%20UNEP_full%20proposal.pdf |access-date=9 October 2024 |work=UN Environment Programme}}</ref>

In addition to his efforts within the Maldives, Gayoom also spearheaded regional environmental cooperation.<ref name="env" >{{cite web |title=Special Concerns - Environment |url=http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/v3/pages/body.phtml?ID=4&Table=Head4&PTID=4 |website=The President's Office |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040925231120/http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/v3/pages/body.phtml?ID=4&Table=Head4&PTID=4 |archive-date=25 September 2004 |date=2004}}</ref> Under his leadership, the Maldives played an important role in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Study on causes and consequences of natural disasters and the Protection and Preservation of the Environment.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Kumar |first1=Anand |title=Multi-party Democracy in the Maldives |url=https://idsa.in/system/files/book/book_democracy-maldives-ior.pdf |access-date=18 February 2016 |date=2016 |publisher=Pentagon Press |isbn=978-81-8274-895-8}}</ref><ref name="env" /> It helped build regional awareness of environmental risks, particularly in relation to natural disasters and the long-term impacts of environmental degradation.<ref name="env" /> Gayoom's focus on regional cooperation helped to enhance the Maldives' preparedness for climate-related challenges.<ref name="env" /> In 1989, the Maldives hosted the first Small States Conference on Sea Level Rise,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Lilian |first1=Yamamoto |last2=Esteban |first2=Miguel |title=Atoll Island States and International Law: Climate Change Displacement and Sovereignty |date=2013 |isbn=978-3642381867 |page=111 |publisher=Springer |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5Ui4AQAAQBAJ}}</ref> signing the "Malé Declaration on Global Warming and Sea Level Rise",<ref>{{cite book |author1=United Nations |title=Yearbook of the United Nations, Volume 43 (1989) |date=2023 |isbn=978-9004636750 |page=441|publisher=Martinus Nijhoff Publishers }}</ref> a treaty urging nations to recognise sea level rise as a global security threat and take urgent action to mitigate its impacts. In 2007, representatives of Small Island Developing States signed the "Malé Declaration on the Human Dimension of Global Climate Change", a treaty signed by representatives of Small Island Developing States to highlight the critical links between climate change and human rights.<ref>{{cite web |title=Malé Declaration on the Human Dimension of Global Climate Change |url=https://www.ciel.org/Publications/Male_Declaration_Nov07.pdf |website=Center for International Environmental Law |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526050621/http://www.ciel.org/Publications/Male_Declaration_Nov07.pdf |archive-date=26 May 2011}}</ref>

Furthermore, Gayoom's government initiated the SAARC Study on the Greenhouse effect and its impact on the region.<ref name="env" /> In 1989, Gayoom initiated the Commonwealth Study on Climate Change, which focused on the effects of global warming on Commonwealth nations, particularly small island states.<ref name="env" /> The study, reviewed in 1991, highlighted the pressing need for international cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by rising sea levels and other environmental threats.<ref name="env" /> Gayoom's proactive approach in commissioning and participating of climate-change and environmental topics helped establish the Maldives as a global leader in climate diplomacy and advocacy for small island states.<ref>{{cite news |title=From a small nation to a respected global voice |url=https://www.psmnews.mv/en/144369 |access-date=21 September 2023 |work=PSM News |date=21 September 2023}}</ref>

==== Political reforms ==== thumb|State visit to India, 2008

A month after Gayoom assumed presidency, the Citizen's Majlis passed the bill to amend the constitution. By 1980, Gayoom declared to form a special constitutional assembly, consisting of cabinet members and parliamentarians, to amend the constitution.<ref>{{cite news |title=A short constitutional history of the Maldives |url=https://minivannewsarchive.com/politics/a-short-constitutional-history-of-the-maldives-73902 |access-date=1 December 2024 |work=Minivan News |date=22 December 2013}}</ref> After an 18-year process, the amended constitution was finalised, and by November 1997, Gayoom ratified the constitution. In 1998, the new constitution came info effect—declaring the Maldives a democratic republic (though it did not fully follow democratic principles).<ref>{{cite web |title=ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާގެ ޤާނޫނުއަސާސީ 1998 |trans-title=Constitution of the Republic of Maldives 1998 |url=https://mvlaw.gov.mv/dv/legislations/241/consolidations/741 |access-date=1 December 2024 |website=mvlaw.gov.mv}}</ref> In June 2004, Gayoom launched the "democratic reform agenda" in response to growing calls for political liberalisation and greater civil liberties.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Didi |first1=Aminath |title=The Maldives in Transition: Human Rights and Voices of Dissent |url=https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/195631263.pdf |publisher=Centre for Human Rights Education Faculty of Humanities |date=February 2012}}</ref> Over the following years, notable progress was made — a National Human Rights Commission adhering to international standards was established, political parties were introduced for the first time in 2005, media freedom was granted, and the criminal justice system was modernised.<ref>{{cite web |title=Freedom in the World 2006 - Maldives |url=https://www.refworld.org/reference/annualreport/freehou/2005/en/51785 |website=United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees |date=19 December 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jordan |first1=Will |title=Maldives: A timeline to corruption |url=https://aljazeera.com/news/2016/9/7/maldives-a-timeline-to-corruption |access-date=11 October 2024 |work=Al Jazeera |date=7 September 2016}}</ref>

In 2007, after several rounds of negotiations with opposition parties, particularly the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), an agreement was reached. The MDP pledged not to engage in violence, while the government committed to releasing political detainees and accelerating the reform process. Concerns over the pace of reforms remained, with some doubting the government's full commitment to change.<ref>{{cite web |title=Directorate-General for External Policies of the Union, Directorate B – Policy Department |url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2004_2009/documents/fd/200/200605/2006052_maldivesen.pdf |website=European Parliament |date=24 May 2006}}</ref>

By 2008, Gayoom emphasised the progress achieved through his reform agenda.<ref name="speech">{{cite web |date=7 February 2008 |title=Statement by His Excellency Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President of the Republic of Maldives, at the Reception to meet with Ambassadors/High Commissioners resident in New Delhi who are accredited to the Maldives, former High Commissioners of India to the Maldives, Honorary Consuls/Consul Generals of the Maldives in India and the Maldives Consul in Thiruvananthapuram |url=https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/21442 |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=The President's Office}}</ref> The drafting of a new constitution was nearing completion, aimed at facilitating the transition to a fully liberal democracy.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Judith |last2=Lang |first2=Olivia |title=Maldives' New Constitution Ratified |url=https://www.minivannews.com/news/news.php?id=4806 |work=Minivan News |date=7 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080808103758/http://www.minivannews.com/news/news.php?id=4806 |archive-date=8 August 2008}}</ref> The new constitution introduced a clearer separation of powers, stronger human rights protections, and established independent institutions, including an autonomous Elections Commission and a Supreme Court.<ref>{{cite web |title=Maldives Rule of Law assessment |url=https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00WRSJ.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228110805/https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00WRSJ.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 December 2024 |website=U.S. Agency for International Development |access-date=25 June 2019 |date=25 June 2019}}</ref>

This constitution, finalised later 2008, marked a turning point in Maldivian political history.<ref>{{cite web |title=Beyond the promise of democracy: Reviewing the Maldives' 2008 Constitution |url=https://www.idea.int/news/beyond-promise-democracy-reviewing-maldives-2008-constitution |website=International Idea |access-date=8 August 2024 |date=8 August 2024}}</ref> It introduced a multi-party system, limited the presidency to two five-year terms, and created the framework for greater transparency and accountability.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 2020 |title=Review of the electoral legal framework of the Maldives |url=https://transparency.mv/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Review-of-Electoral-Legal-Framework_Final-29.12.20-1-1.pdf |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=Transparency Maldives}}</ref> Gayoom's administration also prepared for the country's first multi-party presidential election, proposing legislative reforms to guarantee the elections met international standards.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sirilal |first1=Ranga |last2=Pearce |first2=Tim |title=Maldives to hold multi-party polls before October |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/economy/maldives-to-hold-multi-party-polls-before-october-idUSCOL147891/ |work=Reuters |date=20 April 2008}}</ref>

== Post-presidency (2008–present) == thumb|200px|Gayoom's Award winner portrait, 2013

Following the inauguration of Mohamed Nasheed on 11 November 2008, Gayoom moved to his private residence in Malé.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lubna |first1=Hawwa |date=20 October 2011 |title=އެންދެރިމާގެއަށް ގެއްލުންދިނީ އެމްޑީޕީ ނަމުގައި އޮވެ، ސަރުކާރުން: މައުމޫން |trans-title=Endherimaage was damaged in the name of MDP, by the government: Maumoon |url=https://sun.mv/11892 |access-date=17 October 2024 |work=Sun |language=dv}}</ref> Gayoom made regular appearances at various events throughout the Malé city, until his imprisonment in 2018, and remained low public profile ever since.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rasheed |first1=Rushdha |date=31 January 2017 |title=Can Maumoon afford to remain silent? |url=https://raajje.mv/4060 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005131726/https://raajje.mv/4060 |archive-date=5 October 2024 |access-date=5 October 2024 |work=Raajje TV}}</ref>

In 2010, Gayoom established his non-profit organisation, "the Maumoon Foundation", to support initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of the Maldivian people, utilising his resources, contacts, and experience.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Abdulla |first1=Shaina |date=10 May 2017 |title=Gayoom's foundation opens 80 scholarships |url=https://avas.mv/en/33435 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005133117/https://avas.mv/en/33435 |archive-date=5 October 2024 |access-date=10 May 2017 |work=Avas |quote=The Maumoon Foundation (TMF) is a non-profit charitable institution set up on 26 January 2010 by the former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, to fulfil his desire to utilise his resources, contacts and experience in improving the livelihoods of the Maldivian people.}}</ref>

In January 2010, Gayoom announced he would be retiring from Maldivian politics.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Robinson |first=JJ |date=17 February 2010 |title=Thasmeen endorsed as DRP leader and presidential candidate |url=https://minivannewsarchive.com/politics/thasmeen-endorsed-as-drp-leader-and-presidential-candidate-3504 |access-date=11 October 2024 |work=Minivan News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=14 January 2011 |title=Gayoom seeking a comeback in Maldives? |url=https://www.orfonline.org/research/gayoom-seeking-a-comeback-in-maldives |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=Observer Research Foundation}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=Robinson |first=JJ |date=25 January 2010 |title=Gayoom bows out of politics ahead of DRP congress |url=https://minivannewsarchive.com/politics/gayoom-bows-out-of-politics-ahead-of-drp-congress-2782 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=Minivan News}}</ref> Gayoom returned to politics in 2011 after resigning from the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party, which he had established.<ref name="drp">{{cite news |last1=Lubna |first1=Hawwa |date=4 September 2011 |title=ސިޔާސީ ގޮތުން ޑީއާރުޕީއަކު ދަތެއް ނެތް: މައުމޫން |trans-title=Politically, DRP has no teeth: Maumoon |url=https://sun.mv/10540 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=Sun |language=dv}}</ref> He cited corruption within the party's leadership as his primary reason for leaving, following disputes with the then party leader, Ahmed Thasmeen Ali.<ref name="drp" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Nazeer |first1=Ahmed |last2=Naish |first2=Ahmed |title=Gayoom, Z-faction MPs quit DRP to form new party |url=https://minivannewsarchive.com/politics/gayoom-z-faction-mps-quit-drp-to-form-new-party-25020 |work=Minivan News |date=4 September 2011}}</ref><ref name="PPM" /> In early 2011, Gayoom formed a political faction within the DRP known as the Z-DRP, reflecting growing dissent over the party's direction. On 4 September 2011, Gayoom officially announced his resignation from the DRP,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lubna |first1=Hawwa |date=4 September 2011 |title=މައުމޫން ޒައީމުކަމުން އިސްތިއުފާދެއްވައި ޑީއާރުޕީން ވަކިވެވަޑައިގެންފި |trans-title=Maumoon resigns as leader and leaves DRP |url=https://sun.mv/10527 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=Sun}}</ref> declaring that the Z-DRP would evolve into a new party that prioritised integrity and was independent of the DRP's influences.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nazeer |first1=Ahmed |date=28 April 2011 |title=Z-DRP faction officially commences work, denies backing presidential candidate |url=https://minivannewsarchive.com/politics/z-drp-faction-officially-commences-work-and-denies-backing-presidential-candidate-19505 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=Minivan News}}</ref> In September 2011, plans were revealed by Gayoom, for the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).<ref name="PPM">{{cite news |last1=Naish |first1=Ahmed |date=5 September 2011 |title=Gayoom's new party to be called Progressive Party of Maldives |url=https://minivannewsarchive.com/politics/gayooms-new-party-to-be-called-progressive-party-of-maldives-25076 |access-date=17 October 2024 |work=Minivan News}}</ref> The PPM received formal approval from the Elections Commission in October 2011.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mohamed |first1=Jamshath |date=27 October 2011 |title=ސިޔާސީ ޕާޓީ، ޕީޕީއެމް ރަޖިސްޓްރީކޮށްދީފި |trans-title=Political party, PPM registered |url=https://sun.mv/12116 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=Sun |language=dv}}</ref>

In 2016, a leadership dispute emerged between Abdulla Yameen and Gayoom, leading to rapid changes within the Progressive Party of Maldives.<ref>{{cite news |date=20 October 2016 |title=High court to hear appeal over PPM leadership dispute |url=https://maldivesindependent.com/politics/high-court-to-hear-appeal-over-ppm-leadership-dispute-127310 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=Maldives Independent}}</ref> Tensions escalated when Gayoom faced challenges to his authority within the party.<ref>{{cite news |date=2 February 2019 |title=Formation of Reform party would not affect PPM, claims ex-pres |url=https://avas.mv/en/59785 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=Avas}}</ref> In 2017, PPM members voted to remove Gayoom as the party leader.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shahunaaz |first1=Fathimath |date=27 March 2017 |title=PPM council unanimously votes to oust Maumoon, with "no legal standing" |url=https://edition.mv/ppm_council/2749 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=The Edition}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=26 March 2017 |title=Maldives ruling party votes to ax Gayoom |url=https://avas.mv/en/31343 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=Avas}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Shaany |first1=Aishath |date=25 March 2017 |title=PPM to remove ex-President Maumoon from party leadership |url=https://raajje.mv/7139 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=Raajje TV}}</ref> Legal actions were initiated by two Members of Parliament, Ahmed Shiyam and Mohamed Shahid, who filed a case in the Civil Court to formally oust Gayoom from his leadership position.<ref>{{cite news |date=15 October 2016 |title=Case filed to remove Maumoon as PPM President |url=https://avas.mv/en/24104 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=Avas}}</ref>

In 2019, Gayoom announced his intention to establish a new political party, the Maldives Reform Movement.<ref>{{cite news |date=31 January 2019 |title=Maumoon to form new political party |url=https://psmnews.mv/en/45104 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=PSM News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Zalif |first1=Zunana |date=10 February 2019 |title=Gayoom seeks to make Maldives Reform Movement official |url=https://raajje.mv/50104 |work=Raajje TV}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Shaahunaz |first1=Fathimath |title=Ex-pres Gayoom looks to establish MRM as a political party |url=https://edition.mv/maldives_reform_movement_mrm/9019 |work=The Edition |date=31 January 2019}}</ref> Following its establishment, he was appointed the interim president.<ref>{{cite news |title=Maumoon appointed as MRM Interim President |url=https://psmnews.mv/en/59707 |work=PSM News |date=8 November 2019}}</ref> Gayoom's son, Ahmed Faris Maumoon was later elected as the president and leader of the Maldives Reform Movement.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 September 2021 |title=Ex-President Maumoon and Ex-MP Faris secure top two leadership positions of MRM |url=https://psmnews.mv/en/92505 |access-date=7 August 2024 |work=PSM News}}</ref> During the 2021 MRM primaries, Gayoom ran for the party's leader position.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ex-President Maumoon submits candidature for position of MRM Leader |url=https://www.psmnews.mv/en/92103 |work=PSM News |date=15 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Nazim |first1=Mohamed Muzayyim |date=15 September 2021 |title=އަމިއްލަފުޅު ޕާޓީގެ ޒައީމުކަމަށް މައުމޫން ކުރިމަތިލައްވައިފި |trans-title=Maumoon runs for own party's leader |url=https://dhauru.com/post/news/358 |access-date=28 November 2024 |work=Dhauru}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Shiura |first1=Aishath |date=18 September 2021 |title=އެމްއާރުއެމްގެ ޒައީމުގެ މަގާމަށް މައުމޫން ކުރިމަތިލައްވައިފި |trans-title=Maumoon runs for MRM leader |url=https://raajje.mv/index.php/106635 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=Raajje TV}}</ref> He was elected by acclamation as the leader of the party.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Naseem |first1=Simaha |date=24 September 2021 |title=Maumoon for MRM leader, Faris for president without a vote |url=https://raajje.mv/106964 |work=Raajje TV}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ameen |first1=Hussain |title=Maumoon as Zaeem of MRM, Faris as president |url=https://psmnews.mv/92475 |work=PSM News |date=24 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=12 May 2022 |title=Maumoon: I'm a member of MRM alone, I don't support any other party |url=https://en.sun.mv/74699 |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=Sun}}</ref>

=== Views on later presidents and diplomacy ===

Gayoom made a number of visits to countries as a special envoy of the president of the Maldives. After his half-brother Abdulla Yameen won the 2013 election, they had a good relationship at the time, where Yameen sent Gayoom to represent him in different meetings and conferences. One month after Yameen assumed presidency, Gayoom presented a letter from Yameen to the then-former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad.<ref>{{cite web |date=27 December 2013 |title=Former President Maumoon Presents letter from President Yameen to Former Malaysian Prime Minister |url=https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/13759 |access-date=31 March 2025 |website=The President's Office}}</ref> In 2014, Gayoom undertook an official visit to Samoa as a special envoy of the president at the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States.<ref>{{cite web |title=Former President Maumoon departs to Samoa, to attend the 3rd International Conference on Small Island Developing States |url=https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/14737 |website=The President's Office |date=28 August 2014}}</ref>

During the Chinese Communist Party leader and Chinese president Xi Jinping's state visit to the Maldives in 2014, Gayoom held a meeting with him.<ref>{{cite web |date=15 September 2014 |title=Former President Maumoon meets with the Chinese President |url=https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/14811 |access-date=31 March 2025 |website=The President's Office}}</ref> Gayoom also sent condolences to former Singaporean prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, representing Yameen in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |date=25 March 2015 |title=Special Envoy of the President pays last respect to the first Prime Minister of Singapore |url=https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/15419 |access-date=31 March 2025 |website=The President's Office}}</ref> In July that year, he undertook an official visit to Oman as special envoy of the president and met with officials to discuss on improving bilateral relations between Oman and the Maldives.<ref>{{cite web |title=Former President Maumoon departs to Oman, as special envoy of the President |url=https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/15634 |website=The President's Office |date=13 July 2015}}</ref>

==== Views on presidents ==== [[File:Mohamed Muizzu meets Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (4).jpg|thumb|Gayoom meets president Mohamed Muizzu in December 2023]]

Gayoom was a vocal critic of the Mohamed Nasheed administration, often opposing its policies and governance style. He and his supporters accused Nasheed's government of economic mismanagement.<ref>{{cite news |date=4 May 2011 |title=Fresh protest rocks troubled Maldives |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2011/5/4/fresh-protest-rocks-troubled-maldives |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Al Jazeera}}</ref> Gayoom also raised concerns about Nasheed's approach to religion and democracy, arguing that it risked undermining traditional values. During 2011–12, Gayoom and supporters protested,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sangwon |first1=Yoon |date=1 May 2011 |title=Maldives police break up opposition protest |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2011/5/1/maldives-police-break-up-opposition-protest |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Al Jazeera}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Achin |first1=Kurt |date=5 May 2011 |title=Maldives Braces for More Anti-Government Protests |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/maldives-braces-for-more-anti-government-protests-121321604/167416.html |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Voice of America}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Radhakrishnan |first=R. K. |date=4 May 2011 |title=Protests continue in Maldives |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/protests-continue-in-maldives/article1990932.ece |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> which president Nasheed and the government described as "violent" and a "coup".<ref>{{cite web |title=Government Condemns Violent Protest Led by Supporters of Former President Gayoom |url=https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/4892 |website=The President's Office |date=3 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Maldives president quits after 'coup' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2012/2/8/maldives-president-quits-after-coup |agency=Al Jazeera |date=7 February 2012}}</ref> Later the protests became an unrest, leading to the resignation of president Mohamed Nasheed.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Yardley |first1=Jim |title=Clashes Continue in Maldives as the Former President Takes Part in a March |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/09/world/asia/violent-clashes-continue-in-maldives.html |date=8 February 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Maldives ex-president Mohamed Nasheed was 'forced out' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-16945764 |agency=BBC News |date=8 February 2012}}</ref>

Though he praised President Yameen in the early part of his tenure, after 2015, relations between Gayoom and his half-brother Abdulla Yameen began to deteriorate, with the two ceasing communication following political disagreements and a leadership dispute within Gayoom's Progressive Party of Maldives.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Khandekar |first1=Omkar |date=11 February 2011 |title=Why has Abdulla Yameen turned against the half-brother who helped him become Maldives president? |url=https://scroll.in/article/868161/why-has-abdulla-yameen-turned-against-the-half-brother-who-helped-him-become-maldives-president |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Scroll.in}}</ref> In 2017, Gayoom apologised for supporting Abdulla Yameen in the 2013 presidential election, expressing regret for his role in Yameen's rise to power.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rasheed |first1=Rushdha |date=24 July 2017 |title=Pres. Maumoon apologizes for his role in electing half-brother to power |url=https://raajje.mv/14479 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Raajje TV}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=24 July 2017 |title=Gayoom apologizes for supporting pres Yameen |url=https://avas.mv/en/36430 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Avas}}</ref>

During the Ibrahim Mohamed Solih administration, Gayoom did not majorly critique the administration but commented on specific issues, expressing dissatisfaction with certain aspects.<ref>{{cite news |date=10 April 2019 |title=Gayyoom criticizes pres as promise to return PPM remains unfulfilled |url=https://avas.mv/en/62763 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Avas}}</ref>

=== Presidential politics ===

After Gayoom lost the 2008 presidential election and the inauguration of Mohamed Nasheed, Gayoom did not majorly react to Nasheed administration in the first years. In the 2013 presidential election, many Maldivian citizens gave the opinion for Gayoom to run in the elections,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Naish |first1=Ahmed |title=Gayoom may contest 2013 presidential election |url=https://minivannewsarchive.com/politics/gayoom-may-contest-2013-presidential-election-48735 |work=Minivan News |date=12 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=Radhakrishnan |first=R.K. |date=11 December 2012 |title=Gayoom could run for President |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/gayoom-could-run-for-president/article4186377.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214000314/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/gayoom-could-run-for-president/article4186377.ece |archive-date=14 December 2012 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> however he declared in February 2013 that he would not run any further presidential elections.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Powell |first=Luke |date=25 February 2013 |title=Gayoom opts out of PPM presidential primary |url=http://minivannews.com/politics/gayoom-opts-out-of-ppm-presidential-primary-53639 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109124644/http://minivannews.com/politics/gayoom-opts-out-of-ppm-presidential-primary-53639 |archive-date=9 November 2013 |access-date=6 September 2013 |work=Minivan News}}</ref> Later then Progressive Party of Maldives held its primary elections and was won by Gayoom's half-brother Abdulla Yameen, in which he endorsed Yameen.<ref>{{cite news |title=Maldives election: Abdulla Yameen wins run-off vote |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-24974019 |publisher=BBC News |date=16 November 2013}}</ref>

In the 2018 presidential elections, Gayoom endorsed Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, while Yameen was running; the decision was made following the imprisonment of Gayoom by Yameen in 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shaany |first1=Aishath |date=2 October 2018 |title=No deals to make with Yameen: Solih |url=https://raajje.mv/41723 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Raajje TV}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Rehan |first1=Mohamed |date=24 July 2018 |title=Who is winning at presidential election campaign? |url=https://avas.mv/en/51913 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405040902/https://avas.mv/en/51913 |archive-date=5 April 2019 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Avas}}</ref>

During the 2023 presidential election, Gayoom's elder son Ahmed Faris Maumoon was running as an independent candidate after Elections Commission rejected his candidacy as a Maldives Reform Movement candidate due to lack of members in the party.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Malika |first=Shahid |date=24 May 2023 |title=MRM to be dissolved after party membership falls short |url=https://edition.mv/news/27964 |access-date=7 August 2024 |work=The Edition}}</ref> Gayoom endorsed Faris and his running mate Abdul Sattar Yoosuf in the elections.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Shihab |first=Ibrahim H. |date=2023 |title=Gayoom Endorses Son Faris, Dissuades Nepotism Claims |url=https://mvrepublic.com/news/gayoom-endorses-son-faris-dissuades-nepotism-claims/ |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Maldives Republic}}</ref>

=== Arrest and imprisonment ===

{{main|2018 Maldives political crisis}} [[File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the other leaders, during the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect, Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, in Maldives on November 17, 2018.JPG|thumb|210x210px|Gayoom with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi in November 2018]]

On 5 February 2018, Gayoom was arrested for planning to overthrow his half-brother Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's government, along with his son-in-law, Mohamed Nadheem.<ref>{{cite news |title=Maldives police arrest former president Gayoom: spokesman |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/maldives-police-arrest-former-president-gayoom-spokesman-idUSKBN1FP2IZ/ |work=Reuters |date=6 February 2018}}</ref> His arrest occurred amid an emergency martial law declared by then-President Abdulla Yameen, who justified the actions by alleging a conspiracy and coup attempt.<ref>{{cite web |date=5 February 2018 |title=President declares State of Emergency |url=https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/18752 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614105426/https://www.presidency.mv/Press/Article/18752 |archive-date=14 June 2024 |access-date=31 March 2025 |website=The President's Office}}</ref> International and nationwide reactions came quickly; Maldivians started protesting the following day as the government declared state emergency.<ref name="tg2">{{cite news |last1=Harding |first1=Luke |date=5 February 2018 |title=Maldives crisis deepens as government declares state of emergency |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/05/maldives-in-chaos-as-government-accuses-supreme-court-of-trying-to-impeach-president |access-date=5 February 2018 |work=The Guardian}}</ref>

Shortly before his arrest, Gayoom posted a video message on Twitter, stating, "I have not done anything to be arrested. I urge you to remain steadfast in your resolve too. We will not give up on the reform work we are doing".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rasheed |first1=Zaheena |title=Maldives president declares emergency, arrests judges |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/2/6/maldives-president-declares-emergency-arrests-judges |agency=Al Jazeera |date=6 February 2018}}</ref><ref name="tg2" /> Media reported that Gayoom and his son Faris were being tortured by not being allowed medical treatment.<ref>{{cite news |author=Rasheed |first=Rushdha |date=9 February 2018 |title=Pres. Maumoon transferred to Maafushi jail |url=https://raajje.mv/26691 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111042855/https://raajje.mv/26691 |archive-date=11 November 2023 |access-date=11 November 2023 |work=Raajje TV}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Ali |first=Humaam |date=14 February 2018 |title=Ex-President Gayoom and sons being tortured: MDN |url=https://raajje.mv/26968 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111043114/https://raajje.mv/26968 |archive-date=11 November 2023 |access-date=11 November 2023 |work=Raajje TV}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Shaany |first=Aishath |date=27 January 2018 |title=MP Faris Maumoon arrested, this time for 'conspiring to overthrow government' |url=https://raajje.mv/25879 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111043321/https://raajje.mv/25879 |archive-date=11 November 2023 |access-date=11 November 2023 |work=Raajje TV}}</ref>

On 13 June 2018, Gayoom was sentenced to 19 months in prison for "obstructing justice" after refusing to cooperate with the Maldives police and the judiciary following his arrest.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 June 2018 |title=Former Maldives President Sentenced For Obstruction Of Justice |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/former-maldives-president-sentenced-for-obstruction-of-justice-1867231 |access-date=14 June 2024 |work=NDTV}}</ref> In September 2018, he was placed under house arrest due to health concerns.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Malsa |first=Mariyam |date=27 September 2018 |title=Complaint against MCS commissioner over barring ex-pres shift to house arrest |url=https://edition.mv/nasreena_ibrahim/7336 |access-date=14 June 2024 |work=The Edition}}</ref> Gayoom was released on bail on 30 September 2018 and was acquitted on 18 October 2018.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 September 2018 |title=Maumoon Abdul Gayoom: Former Maldives president released on bail |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-45700948 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111043452/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-45700948 |archive-date=11 November 2023 |access-date=25 December 2022 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=30 September 2018 |title=Maldives high court frees Gayoom on bail |url=https://avas.mv/en/54824 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Avas}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=30 September 2018 |title=Maldives High Court frees Gayoom, Faris on bail |url=https://maldivesindependent.com/crime-2/maldives-high-court-frees-gayoom-faris-on-bail-141626 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Maldives Independent}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=18 October 2018 |title=Maldives High Court overturns conviction to free Gayoom |url=https://avas.mv/en/55544 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Avas}}</ref>

==== Reactions ====

International organisations, including the United Nations, expressed concern over the political situation, condemning the arrest as part of a broader "attack on democracy" in the Maldives.<ref name="ohchr">{{cite web |date=7 February 2018 |title=Maldives state of emergency "all-out assault on democracy" – Zeid |url=https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2018/02/maldives-state-emergency-all-out-assault-democracy-zeid |website=Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights}}</ref> The UN urged the Maldivian government to respect judicial independence and fundamental freedoms, criticising the suppression of dissent and the crackdown on political opponents.<ref name= "ohchr" /> Human rights groups also voiced their opposition to Gayoom's detention, calling for his immediate release and for the government to uphold democratic norms.<ref>{{cite news |date=6 February 2018 |title=The Latest: Opposition leader Gayoom arrested in the Maldives |url=https://apnews.com/general-news-f663182e4a514aebb2a60f38896bac95 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Associated Press News}}</ref>

Domestically, Gayoom's arrest deepened the political divide in the country.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shaany |first1=Aishath |date=6 August 2018 |title=Will do everything to free 'unjustly' jailed former leader, says successor |url=https://raajje.mv/38194 |work=Raajje TV}}</ref> Opposition leaders, including former President Mohamed Nasheed, condemned the arrest and called for international intervention.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rasheed |first1=Zaheena |date=6 February 2018 |title=Nasheed urges India to intervene to end Maldives crisis |url=https://aljazeera.com/news/2018/2/6/nasheed-urges-india-to-intervene-to-end-maldives-crisis |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Al Jazeera}}</ref> Nasheed appealed to India and the United States to step in, asserting that Yameen's actions threatened the rule of law and democratic governance in the Maldives.<ref>{{cite news |title=Maldives ex-President Nasheed seeks help from India and US |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-42958179 |access-date=5 October 2024 |agency=BBC News |date=6 February 2018}}</ref> It is widely believed that the crisis resulted to Yameen's defeat in the 2018 presidential election.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rasheed |first1=Zaheena |date=24 September 2018 |title=Abdulla Yameen concedes defeat in Maldives presidential election |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/9/24/abdulla-yameen-concedes-defeat-in-maldives-presidential-election |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124061917/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/9/24/abdulla-yameen-concedes-defeat-in-maldives-presidential-election |archive-date=24 January 2021 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Al Jazeera}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=7 June 2018 |title=President 'cannot win election' with Gayoom behind bars |url=https://maldivesindependent.com/politics/president-cannot-win-election-with-gayoom-behind-bars-138703 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612134200/https://maldivesindependent.com/politics/president-cannot-win-election-with-gayoom-behind-bars-138703 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Maldives Independent}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Bagchi |first1=Indrani |title=Yameen's loss puts India back in the strategic game in Maldives |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-welcomes-maldives-presidential-election-result/articleshow/65937820.cms |work=The Times of India |date=25 September 2018}}</ref>

== Public image == thumb|Gayoom speaking in a podium in 2015

Gayoom is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Maldivian history.{{sfn|Shafeeu|2021|p=35}} At {{age|1937|12|29}} years old, he is the oldest living former president and is the earliest-serving living former president since the death of Ibrahim Nasir in 2008. Gayoom's leadership has left an important mark on the country's political landscape.<ref name="Srimal">{{cite news |last1=Fernando |first1=Srimal |date=15 November 2018 |title=The Making of Modern Maldives: A Look at Maumoon Gayoom |url=https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2018/11/15/the-making-of-modern-maldives-a-look-at-maumoon-gayoom/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115220348/https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2018/11/15/the-making-of-modern-maldives-a-look-at-maumoon-gayoom/ |archive-date=15 November 2018 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Modern Diplomacy}}</ref>

Gayoom was seen as a moderniser and a stabilising force in the Maldives.<ref name="Srimal" /> His leadership brought remarkable advancements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, earning him substantial support among Maldivians.<ref name="Srimal" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Shifleen |first1=Aishath |date=8 September 2019 |title="ވަޑައިގަންނަވާށޭ ކިލާހަށް އަސާސީ" އަކީ ބޮޑު ހިއްސާއެއް: މައުމޫން |trans-title="Come to the Basic Class" is a big contribution: Maumoon |url=https://mihaaru.com/news/60968 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Mihaaru |language=dv}}</ref> Many viewed him as a visionary leader who played a crucial role in bringing the Maldives into the modern era and fostering economic growth.<ref name="Seena" /> His tenure is often credited with elevating the country's global standing and improving the quality of life for its citizens.<ref name="Seena">{{cite news |last1=Zahir |first1=Ahmed |author-link=Ahmed Zahir |date=11 November 2018 |title=ރައީސް މައުމޫންގެ 30 އަހަރު |trans-title=President Maumoon's 30 Years |url=https://mihaaru.com/report/44996 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921122342/https://mihaaru.com/report/44996 |archive-date=21 September 2020 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Mihaaru |language=dv}}</ref> His presidency is also often referred to as "Golden 30 years".<ref>{{cite news |date=1 April 2017 |title=މަންޒަރުން މައުމޫން ގެެއްލުވާލެވޭނެ ބާ؟ |trans-title=Can Maumoon be removed from the scene? |url=https://raajje.mv/7619 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124115509/https://raajje.mv/7619 |archive-date=24 November 2024 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Raajje TV |language=dv}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hassan |first1=Hussain |date=22 April 2010 |title=ތިރީސް އަހަރު ރާއްޖެއަށް ގެނައި ތަރައްޤީގެ ރަން މެޑަލް ޖަހާކަށް ބޭނުމެއް ނުވޭ: ރައީސް މައުމޫން |trans-title=Don't want a gold medal related to 30 years of development brought to the Maldives: President Maumoon |url=https://sun.mv/659 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Sun |language=dv}}</ref>

However, Gayoom's long rule also attracted considerable criticism, particularly regarding his administration's handling of political dissent and human rights.<ref>{{cite web |title="An All-Out Assault on Democracy" |url=https://www.hrw.org/report/2018/08/16/all-out-assault-democracy/crushing-dissent-maldives |website=Human Rights Watch |date=16 August 2018}}</ref> Critics accused his government of authoritarian practices, including suppressing opposition voices and restricting freedoms of expression.{{sfn|Shafeeu|2021|p=51}} Allegations contributed to a divided view of his leadership, with some seeing him as a benevolent ruler who maintained stability, while others viewed him as an autocratic leader resistant to democratic reforms.{{sfn|Shafeeu|2021|p=53}}

Although facing accusations of authoritarianism, Gayoom hinted that he was not an authoritarian, stating: {{blockquote|I am not someone who wants to remain in power in the Maldives through force, nor am I someone who wants to hold any position through force. Therefore, I am here as someone who did not come to the position of president through force, and I am also not someone who wants to remain in this position using brute force. I am always ready to do things as the people wish. Even today, if the people say they want me to give up this position, I will give it up immediately. However, I will fight against anyone who tries to remove me from this position illegally, using weapons, or by force. |author=Gayoom's address to the nation following coup attempt, 5 November 1988 |source={{sfn|Shiraz|2014|p=14}} }}

A 2024 poll by the organisation Maahdhaa4 ranks him as a top-performing president.<ref>{{cite web |date=22 November 2024 |title=What kind of a president is President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom? |url=https://maahdhaa4.com/polls/cm3ss3lxb02263l73tzwbgd9m |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241129121335/https://maahdhaa4.com/polls/cm3ss3lxb02263l73tzwbgd9m |archive-date=29 November 2024 |access-date=31 March 2025 |website=Maahdhaa4}}</ref> In the years following his presidency, Gayoom's role in politics has continued to shape his public perception. He is often regarded as a senior statesman, maintaining remarkable influence in the political sphere.{{sfn|Shafeeu|2021|p=100}} While his supporters continue to view him as the "father of the modern Maldives",{{sfn|Shafeeu|2021|p=99}} Gayoom has been described by journalists, politicians, and organisations as a dictator,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jordan |first1=Will |date=7 September 2016 |title=Maldives: 'The system has failed' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/9/7/maldives-the-system-has-failed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122012100/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/9/7/maldives-the-system-has-failed |archive-date=22 January 2021 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Al Jazeera}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=28 October 2008 |title=Maldives gears up for first democratic election |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna27073594 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201080946/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna27073594 |archive-date=1 December 2020 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=NBC News |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Zahir |first1=Azim |date=23 September 2018 |title=The Maldives: The rise and fall of a Muslim democracy |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2018/9/23/the-maldives-the-rise-and-fall-of-a-muslim-democracy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020083816/https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2018/9/23/the-maldives-the-rise-and-fall-of-a-muslim-democracy |archive-date=20 October 2020 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Al Jazeera}}</ref> autocrat,<ref name="crisis">{{cite news |last1=Roychowdhury |first1=Adrija |title=From 'near autocracy' to democracy: A brief history of crisis in Maldives |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/research/abdulla-yameen-maldives-crisis-president-supreme-court-impeachment-5052533/ |access-date=24 November 2024 |work=The Indian Express |date=5 February 2018}}</ref> an authoritarian,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nasheed |first1=Mohamed |author-link=Mohamed Nasheed |date=8 February 2012 |title=The Dregs of Dictatorship |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/08/opinion/in-the-maldives-strangled-democracy.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209000208/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/08/opinion/in-the-maldives-strangled-democracy.html |archive-date=9 February 2012 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> and a strongman.<ref>{{cite news |title=Maldives' First Democratic Leader, Ex-Strongman Sign Pact |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/maldives-opposition-coalition/3781573.html |work=Voice of America |date=25 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Maldives' ex-strongman withdraws support for govt |url=https://avas.mv/en/24829 |access-date=24 November 2024 |work=Avas |date=28 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=13 June 2018 |title=Maldives ex-strongman sentenced to 19 months in jail |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2018/Jun/13/maldives-ex-strongman-sentenced-to-19-months-in-jail-1827697.html |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Maldives Elects Ex-Strongman's Brother as President |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/maldives-elects-exstrongmans-brother-as-president/1791684.html |access-date=24 November 2024 |work=Voice of America |date=16 November 2013}}</ref> During his presidency, the opposition referred to him as "Golhaaboa"<ref>{{cite news |date=21 March 2018 |title=An unjustly jailed dictator |url=https://maldivesindependent.com/feature-comment/an-unjustly-jailed-dictator-136613 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321065318/https://maldivesindependent.com/feature-comment/an-unjustly-jailed-dictator-136613 |archive-date=21 March 2018 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Maldives Independent}}</ref>{{sfn|Shiraz|2014|p=18}} to criticise his leadership, while his supporters called him "Zaeem", meaning "leader".{{sfn|Shiraz|2014|p=18}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Is this the formation of a Z-PPM? |url=https://avas.mv/en/19455 |work=Avas |date=2 July 2016}}</ref>

=== Health === thumb|200px|Gayoom in 2019

Gayoom's health has been a concern in recent years, particularly during his time in jail.<ref name="ENT">{{cite news |date=3 May 2018 |title=Fears grow over Gayoom's health |url=https://maldivesindependent.com/politics/fears-grow-over-gayooms-health-137898 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503215004/https://maldivesindependent.com/politics/fears-grow-over-gayooms-health-137898 |archive-date=3 May 2018 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Maldives Independent}}</ref> He had been diagnosed with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ali |first1=Humaam |date=7 May 2018 |title=Police have not given Maumoon's medical report: Nadira |url=https://raajje.mv/31998 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Raajje TV}}</ref> On 13 September 2018, his health deteriorated while he was incarcerated, leading to a visit to the doctor at Maafushi Jail for treatment.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ahmed |first=Fazeena |date=13 September 2018 |title=މައުމޫން، އައިޖީއެމްއެޗަށް ގެނެސްފި |trans-title=Maumoon brought to IGMH |url=https://mihaaru.com/news/42236 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Mihaaru |language=dv}}</ref> The attending physician recommended that Gayoom be placed under house arrest due to difficulties in performing essential activities.<ref>{{cite news |date=17 May 2018 |title=Gayoom's family appeals for Ramadan release |url=https://maldivesindependent.com/politics/gayooms-family-appeals-for-ramadan-release-138183 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Maldives Independent}}</ref> An ENT doctor advised him to avoid moving his head to prevent further complications due to BPPV.<ref name="ENT" /> Medical professionals indicated that his health could worsen at any moment, underscoring the seriousness of his condition during his imprisonment.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ali |first1=Humaam |date=5 May 2018 |title=Maumoon's condition could worsen at any minute, says family |url=https://raajje.mv/31866 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Raajje TV}}</ref> In August 2020, Gayoom tested positive for COVID-19.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Junayd |first1=Mohamed |title=Maldives former president Gayoom tests positive for COVID-19 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/maldives-former-president-gayoom-tests-positive-for-covid-19-idUSKBN25M0LA/ |access-date=12 October 2024 |work=Reuters |date=26 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Shaany |first1=Aishath |date=25 August 2020 |title=Maldives ex-president tests positive for Covid-19 |url=https://raajje.mv/84887 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Raajje TV}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Aiham |first1=Ahmed |title=Former president Maumoon tests positive for COVID-19 |url=https://edition.mv/local_council_election_2020/18716 |work=The Edition |date=26 August 2020}}</ref> He has remained in good health thereafter.<ref>{{cite news |title=Maumoon released from hospital |url=https://edition.mv/history/26816 |work=The Edition |date=14 January 2023}}</ref>

=== Other activities === An avid reader, Gayoom is known for his deep engagement with literature, particularly in the areas of religion, science, and history during his post-presidency.<ref name="ast">{{cite news |last1=Ali |first1=Ahmed Saail |date=9 May 2023 |title=ރައީސް މައުމޫން: ހަނދު ސާބިތު ކުރުން ނޫން ހުރިހާ ބާރެއް ގެއްލި ނިމެނީ؟! |trans-title=President Maumoon: Losing all power except astronomic career?! |url=https://sun.mv/177182 |access-date=11 October 2024 |work=Sun Online}}</ref> His fascination with astronomy has been a notable aspect of his personal interests, and he has spent remarkable time studying the moon and celestial bodies.<ref name="ast" /> His passion for photography and calligraphy also stands out, with Gayoom being a skilled calligrapher known for his work in Arabic script.<ref name="Int">{{cite web |date=2015 |title=His Excellency Maumoon Abdul Gayoom Former President of the Republic of Maldives |url=https://wsds.teriin.org/2015/pdf/speaker/HIS_EXCELLENCY_MAUMOON_ABDUL_GAYOOM.pdf |access-date=11 March 2025 |website=World Sustainable Development Summit}}</ref> His calligraphic works has been displayed at the Islamic Centre since 1984.<ref>{{cite news |title=Islamic Center: 40 Years as the symbol of Maldivian Islamic civilisation |url=https://psmnews.mv/147183 |access-date=16 November 2024 |work=PSM News |date=11 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Latheef |first=Moosa |date=11 November 2024 |title=އިސްލާމީ މަރުކަޒަށް 40 އަހަރު: ތާރީހީ ފޮޓޯތަކުން މާޒީގެ މަންޒަރެއް |trans-title=40 Years of the Islamic Center: A View of the Past from Historical Photographs |url=https://dhauru.com/post/photo-story/32433 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Dhauru |language=dv}}</ref> Gayoom is also a poet<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Gayoom |first1=Maumoon Abdul |url=https://saruna.mnu.edu.mv/server/api/core/bitstreams/5ccceb25-be04-4f53-8ce1-b7f1fb8f2e35/content |title=ޢިއްޒަތްތެރި ރައީސުލްޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާ އަލްއުސްތާޛު މައުމޫނު ޢަބްދުލްޤައްޔޫމުގެ ޅެންވެރިކަން |last2=Manik |first2=Abdul Hakeem Hussain |date=1 October 2001 |publisher=National Centre for Linguistic and Historical Research |pages=1–3 |language=dv |trans-title=The poetry of honorable president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom |via=Saruna}}</ref> and writer.<ref name="hoba" />

Gayoom is an enthusiastic sportsman, with a particular interest in badminton and cricket.<ref name="ast" /><ref name="Int" /> He actively played both sports during his presidency and beyond, maintaining a strong connection to physical activity. His role as an Islamic scholar further complements his diverse range of interests, as he often engages in discussions and lectures on religious matters during his free time.<ref name="Int" />

Gayoom's interest in astronomy began during his time teaching in Nigeria in 1969.{{sfn|Shafeeu|2021|p=86}} The clear night skies allowed him to notice that the moon's setting direction shifted over the course of the month, contrary to his assumption that it followed a constant path.{{sfn|Shareef|2025}} This observation led him to consult small astronomy books, which provided a basic understanding but left him aware of the limitations of the information available.{{sfn|Shareef|2025}}

=== Religion === {{Quote box|align=left| width=25em| I speak today as a Muslim, and as the leader of a Muslim country, I am deeply concerned, as I am sure all of you are, over the state of world affairs and the increasing polarisation between Islam and the West. A growing number of people in the West believe, quite wrongly, that Islam is inherently a religion of violence, misogyny and tyranny, and that Muslims are out to subvert their way of life. Equally, a rising number of Muslims believe, also quite wrongly, that Islam justifies violence, misogyny and tyranny, and that the West is out to destroy the very religion of Islam. Both groups view each other with deep suspicion and fear, and with contempt and hatred as well. But, one thing is common to all caught up in this vicious cycle: ignorance of each other. And that, I think, is the biggest tragedy.|salign=right |source=—&thinsp; Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, 2007<ref>{{cite web |title=Lecture by His Excellency Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President of the Republic of Maldives, on "ISLAM: A Religion of Peace and Tolerance" at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies |url=https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/21934?term=5 |website=The President's Office |access-date=10 January 2025 |date=16 July 2007}}</ref>}}

Gayoom is a Sunni Muslim. The constitution of the Maldives states all Maldivian citizens shall be Sunni Muslim. Many people accuse Gayoom of not being a Sunni Muslim, but rather a Shia Muslim, or of not being a Muslim by faith.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Inaah |first1=Ahmed |date=7 September 2023 |title=ސިޔާސީ ޝައިޚުންނާއި ދީނީ ކާޑު؛ ނުރައްކާތެރި މަޅިއެއް |trans-title=Political sheikhs and the religious card; A dangerous trap |url=https://www.sun.mv/181742 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Sun |language=dv}}</ref>

During the 2008 Maldivian presidential election, the Adhaalath Party challenged Gayoom in the Supreme Court as a constitutional matter,<ref name="infidel">{{cite news |last=Azeer |first=Guftag |date=19 June 2021 |title=ދިވެއްސަކަށް ކާފެރެކޭ ގޮވިދާނެތަ؟ |trans-title=Can a Maldivian be called an infidel? |url=https://cnm.mv/news/35331 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Channel News Maldives |language=dv}}</ref> citing his past statements that could suggest he was not a Sunni Muslim,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Judith |last2=Shauna |first2=Aminath |title=President's Religion On Trial In Supreme Court |url=https://www.minivannews.com/news_detail.php?id=5043 |work=Minivan News |date=27 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007144212/http://www.minivannews.com/news_detail.php?id=5043 |archive-date=7 October 2008}}</ref> which would disqualify him from running for president under the constitutional requirement that the president must be a Sunni Muslim.<ref name="infidel" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Judith |title=Religious Scholars Mount Bid Against Gayoom Candidacy |url=https://www.minivannews.com/news_detail.php?id=5037 |access-date=10 January 2025 |work=Minivan News |date=25 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201194333/http://www.minivannews.com/news_detail.php?id=5037 |archive-date=1 December 2008}}</ref> The Supreme Court, upon dismissing the case, stated that the Adhaalath Party had failed to provide sufficient evidence to determine that Gayoom was not a Sunni Muslim.<ref name="infidel" />

== Awards and honours == {{further|List of awards and honours received by Maumoon Abdul Gayoom}} [[File:Order of the Rule of Ghazi on President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, 2013.jpg|thumb|Gayoom receiving the Order of the Rule of Ghazi from Mohamed Waheed Hassan, 2013]]

Gayoom received several notable awards and honours throughout his career. In 1988, he was included in the Global 500 Roll of Honour by the United Nations Environment Programme.<ref name="wsds">{{cite web |date=2009 |title=HE Mr Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Former President of the Republic of Maldives |url=https://wsds.teriin.org/2009/bio/M_Gayoom.pdf |access-date=31 March 2025 |website=World Sustainable Development Forum}}</ref> He was presented with the Man of the Sea Award for 1990 by the Lega Navale Italiana in 1991 and the International Environment Award by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit in 1998.<ref name="wsds" /> Gayoom also received The Energy and Resources Institute's Sustainable Development Leadership Award in 2008.<ref name="wsds" />

In recognition of his contributions to international relations, Gayoom was awarded the Grand Order of Mugunghwa by South Korean president Chun Doo-hwan in 1984,<ref>{{cite web |title=Grand Order of Mugunghwa |url=https://koreanmedals.com/grand-order-of-mugunghwa/ |access-date=31 March 2025 |website=KoreanMedals.com}}</ref> and in 1997, Queen Elizabeth II conferred upon him the title of Knight Grand Cross of St Michael and St George.<ref>{{cite web |year=2009 |title=Honorary Knighthoods Awarded 1997-2006 |url=http://data.parliament.uk/DepositedPapers/Files/DEP2009-2154/DEP2009-2154.doc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007095010/http://data.parliament.uk/DepositedPapers/Files/DEP2009-2154/DEP2009-2154.doc |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |access-date=8 June 2021 |website=parliament.uk}}</ref> His efforts in public health were acknowledged with the WHO Health-for-All Gold Medal in 1998.

Other notable accolades include the Shield of Al-Azhar University in 2002, the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana in 2008,<ref>{{cite news |author1=Azad |date=14 February 2008 |title=Gayoom's Shopping Tour & "Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana" Award |url=http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2008/02/gayooms-shopping-tour-sri-lanka-mitra.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091222080945/http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2008/02/gayooms-shopping-tour-sri-lanka-mitra.html |archive-date=22 December 2009 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Srilankaguardian.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Rehan |first1=Mohamed |date=29 January 2023 |title=Former President Maumoon meets Sri Lankan President |url=https://edition.mv/mmprc/26970 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006104803/https://edition.mv/mmprc/26970 |archive-date=6 October 2024 |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=The Edition}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=3 January 2014 |title=Two Palestinian Heads of State awarded Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana National Honour |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/news/42772.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103065936/http://www.sundaytimes.lk/news/42772.html |archive-date=3 January 2014 |access-date=10 January 2014 |work=Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)}}</ref> and the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Ghazi, the highest state honour awarded by the Maldives, awarded to him in 2013.<ref>{{cite news |date=27 July 2013 |title=Order of 'Nishan Ghaazee' conferred on former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom |url=https://english.sun.mv/14610 |access-date=31 March 2025 |website=Sun}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 July 2013 |title=The Most Honourable National Award conferred to President Gayoom |url=https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/13069 |access-date=31 March 2025 |website=The President's Office}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Order of 'Nishan Ghaazee', the highest honour given by the Maldivian State, conferred on Maumoon Abdul Gayoom; US reiterates its support to the Maldives on the issue of economic development and climate change |url=https://idsa.in/TWIR/7_4_2013_Maldives |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129141510/https://idsa.in/TWIR/7_4_2013_Maldives |archive-date=29 January 2022 |access-date=27 July 2013 |website=Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses}}</ref> In 2015, Gayoom was awarded the Golden Jubilee Shield of Honour by the State for his exceptional national service in safeguarding, defending, and strengthening the full independence of the Maldives over the preceding 50 years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 July 2015 |title=Golden Jubilee Shield of Honour conferred to Late Former President Nasir and Former President Maumoon |url=https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/15683 |access-date=31 March 2025 |website=The President's Office}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Former presidents, Nasir and Gayoom, to be honored on Independence Day |url=https://maldivesindependent.com/politics/former-presidents-nasir-and-gayoom-to-be-honored-on-independence-day-101017 |access-date=16 July 2015 |work=Maldives Independent |date=16 July 2015}}</ref> In 2022, Gayoom was awarded the President's Tourism Gold Award.<ref>{{cite news |title=President's Tourism Gold Award conferred to 77 recipients |url=https://psmnews.mv/en/109820 |work=PSM News |date=4 October 2022}}</ref> He received lifetime achievement the same year.<ref>{{cite web |title=The President confers the most prestigious awards of the Maldives Sports Awards 2022 |url=https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/26400 |website=The President's Office |date=17 March 2022}}</ref> In 2025, Gayoom received a special commemorative shield in recognition of his "commendable work" to prevent the 1988 attack to overthrow his government, which was acknowledged at the national level.<ref>{{cite web |date=2 November 2025 |title=President to present special commemorative shield to Former President Uz Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and commemorative shields to families of Victory Day martyrs |url=https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/35554 |access-date=3 November 2025 |website=The President's Office}}</ref>

== See also == *Mohamed Amin Didi *Fathulla Jameel *List of presidents of the Maldives *Vice President of the Maldives *Cabinet of the Maldives

== Notes == {{notelist}}

== References == {{reflist}}

== Works cited == {{Refbegin|30em}} * {{cite book |last1=Ellis |first1=Royston |title=A Man for All Islands – President Gayoom of the Maldives |date=1998 |publisher=Times Editions |isbn=9812048529 |pages=256}} * {{cite web |last1=Riyaz |first1=Ibrahim |title=Ancestor Report – Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom |url=https://feydhooroots.com/report_ancestor.php?database=humo1_&id=I6390 |url-status=dead |website=Feydhoo Roots |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241126194800/https://feydhooroots.com/report_ancestor.php?database=humo1_&id=I6390 |archive-date=26 November 2024 |access-date=29 September 2024 |date=2018}} *{{cite book |last1=Murithi |first1=Tim |title=Handbook of Africa's International Relations |date=2013 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=9781136636967 |pages=512 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3WVtAAAAQBAJ}} *{{cite journal |last1=Pence |first1=Romney |date=2020 |title=Presidential Electoral history of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom |url=https://archive.org/details/presidential-electoral-history-of-Maumoon-abdul-gayoom-2020-12-12 |journal=Maldives Archives}} *{{cite book |last1=Shafeeu |first1=Ali |title=The Rise and Fall of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the most famous person in history of the Maldives |date=2021 |pages=101}} *{{cite web |author1=A. Mihdha |title=The political economy of development: The case of the tourism industry in the Maldives |url=https://maldivesresearch.org/Papers/A-Midha-2008.pdf |website=maldivesresearch.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223133029/https://maldivesresearch.org/Papers/A-Midha-2008.pdf |archive-date=23 December 2015 |date=2008 |url-status=live}} *{{cite magazine |last=Shiraz |first=Ahmed |date=May 2014 |title=Protests, crises & coups against Maumoon A. Gayoom |url=https://archive.org/details/gayoom-crises-coups-protests201405 |magazine=Maldives Archives}} *{{cite book |last1=Töpfer |first1=Klaus |title=Maldives Post-Tsunami Environmental Assessment |date=2005 |publisher=United Nations Environment Programme |isbn=9280725793 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bxk700hfePwC}} *{{cite web |last1=Ibrahim |first1=Shihad |date=2014 |title=Invaluable Servant of the Century: Maumoon Abdul Gayoom |url=https://www.shihadibrahim.com/2014/07/blog-post.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422161202/https://www.shihadibrahim.com/2014/07/blog-post.html |archive-date=22 April 2017 |access-date=17 October 2024 |website=shihadibrahim.com |language=dv}} *{{cite news |last1=Adam |first1=Ibrahim |date=30 March 2020 |title=Do you know President Maumoon's real name? |url=https://dhiyares.com/4901 |access-date=17 October 2024 |work=Dhiyares |language=dv}} *{{cite news |last1=Shareef |first1=Shaniha |title=Maumoon explains why the planets lined up after hundreds of years |url=https://sun.mv/201769 |access-date=25 January 2025 |work=Sun.mv |date=24 January 2025}} *{{cite interview |last=Abdul Gayoom |first=Maumoon |date=16 November 2000 |title=Interview with the president|url= |work=Adduvas Magazine}} {{Refend}}

== External links == *[https://presidency.gov.mv/PO/FormerPresident/5 Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom] at the president's office website *[https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Articles/12?term=5 Speeches by Maumoon Abdul Gayoom] at the president's office website *[https://entities.oclc.org/worldcat/entity/E39PBJcBXVPx7BVRhmgmQXHwG3.html Maumoon Abdul Gayoom] in libraries (WorldCat catalog) *[https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7658672.stm Maumoon Abdul Gayoom] at BBC News website *{{Twitter|id=maumoonagayoom|name=Maumoon Abdul Gayoom}} *[https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/maumoon-abdul-gayoom Maumoon Abdul Gayoom] on the Independent {{Clear}} {{Hidden begin|title=Posts and offices held|titlestyle=text-align: center|border=#aaa 1px solid}} {{S-start}} {{S-off}} {{S-bef|before=Ibrahim Nasir}} {{S-ttl|title=President of the Maldives|years=1978–2008}} {{S-aft|after=Mohamed Nasheed}} |- {{S-bef|before=Hassan Zareer}} {{S-ttl|title=Minister of Transport|years=1977–1979}} {{S-aft|after=Hassan Zareer}} |- {{S-bef|before=Hassan Zareer}} {{S-ttl|title=Deputy Minister of Transport|years=1976}} {{S-aft|after=Hassan Zareer}} |- {{S-bef|before=Mohamed Nooraddin}} {{S-ttl|title=Minister of Finance|years=1989–1993}} {{S-aft|after=Himself<br/>{{Nobold|<small>as minister of finance and treasury</small>}}}} |- {{S-bef|before=''Himself''}} {{S-ttl|title=Minister of Finance and Treasury|years=1993–2004}} {{S-aft|after=Arif Hilmy}} |- {{S-bef|before=''Office established''}} {{S-ttl|title=Minister of Defence|years=1993–2004}} {{S-aft|after=Ismail Shaffeeu}} |- {{S-bef|before=''Office established''}} {{S-ttl|title=Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority|years=1981–2004}} {{S-aft|after=Mohamed Jaleel}} |- {{s-dip}} {{s-bef|before=}} {{s-ttl|title=Deputy Ambassador of the Maldives to Sri Lanka|years=1975–1976}} {{s-aft|after=}} |- {{s-bef|before=Abdul Sattar Moosa Didi}} {{s-ttl|title=Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations|years=1976–1977}} {{s-aft|after=Fathulla Jameel}} |- {{s-bef|before=Benazir Bhutto}} {{s-ttl|title=Chairperson of SAARC|years=1990}} {{s-aft|after=Ranasinghe Premadasa}} |- {{s-bef|before=P V Narasimha Rao}} {{s-ttl|title=Chairperson of SAARC|years=1997}} {{s-aft|after=Chandrika Kumaratunga}} {{S-end}} {{Hidden end}}

{{Maumoon Abdul Gayoom}} {{Navboxes |list1 = {{Presidents of the Maldives}} {{Permanent Representatives of the Maldives to the United Nations}} }} {{Subject bar|Maldives|Asia|Politics |commons = Yes |commons-search = Category:Maumoon Abdul Gayoom |n = no |n-search = |q = Yes |q-search = Maumoon Abdul Gayoom |s = no |s-search = |d = Yes |d-search = Q297957}} {{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gayoom, Maumoon Abdul}} Category:Maumoon Abdul Gayoom Category:1937 births Category:Living people Category:20th-century presidents of the Maldives Category:21st-century presidents of the Maldives Maumoon Category:Politicians from Malé Category:Maldivian Muslims Category:Permanent representatives of the Maldives to the United Nations Category:High commissioners of the Maldives to Sri Lanka Category:Transport ministers of the Maldives Category:Governors of the Maldives Monetary Authority Category:Finance ministers of the Maldives Category:Defence ministers of the Maldives Category:Al-Azhar University alumni Category:Alumni of Royal College, Colombo Category:American University in Cairo alumni Category:Ahmadu Bello University alumni Category:Academic staff of Ahmadu Bello University Category:Maldivian expatriates in Nigeria Category:People acquitted of treason Category:Candidates for President of the Maldives Category:Heads of state and government who were later imprisoned Category:Maldivian cricketers Category:Maldivian badminton players Category:Astronomers Category:Recipients of the Order of Ghazi Category:Honorary Knights Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George Category:Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana Category:Recipients of the Grand Order of Mugunghwa Category:Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party politicians Category:Progressive Party of Maldives politicians Category:Leaders of the Progressive Party of Maldives Category:Gayoom family Category:Maldives Reform Movement politicians