Muhththalib: Maldivian Engineers Are Highly Skilled Professionals Respected by International Partners

Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr. Abdulla Muhththalib has praised the expertise of Maldivian engineers, stressing their critical role in developing infrastructure capable of withstanding the country’s unique environmental challenges.

Speaking at the Engineers Award 2026, Muhththalib said engineering in the Maldives is particularly challenging due to the country’s geography, with infrastructure constructed on low-lying coral islands exposed to saltwater, waves and the impacts of a changing climate.

He highlighted harbors, airports, causeways, water and sewerage systems and reclaimed land as examples of infrastructure that require solutions specifically designed to address the Maldives’ environmental conditions.

Muhththalib rejected claims that major infrastructure achievements in the Maldives are solely the result of foreign expertise, emphasizing that Maldivian engineers possess a high level of professional competence.

“Maldivian engineers are highly skilled professionals who command the respect and admiration of every international partner that visits our shores,” he said, adding that their capabilities are evident through their work alongside international partners on major projects.

The minister also highlighted efforts by the government to increase students’ exposure to engineering and technical fields through National Engineers Day activities.

He said last year’s celebrations began with a modest programme that allowed school students to visit engineering sites and gain firsthand exposure to the profession. The response from schools, he said, demonstrated a strong demand for greater awareness of technical fields among students.

According to Muhththalib, the initiative was significantly expanded this year, with higher secondary and university students visiting the Thila-Malé Bridge project site to observe construction progress and receive technical briefings.

Students in various islands have also been given guided tours of powerhouses, desalination plants and other ongoing development projects, while the ministry has worked with institutions to increase public awareness of the contribution engineers make to national development and essential services.

Describing engineers as the “proud heroes” behind the country’s infrastructure and daily life, Muhththalib said National Engineers Day is intended to recognize and encourage the demanding work carried out by engineers in service of the nation.

“The purpose of celebrating this day is to recognize and encourage the demanding national service you perform behind the scenes,” he said.