Nine receive Riveli Award as people with disabilities recognized for their achievements

The government presented the Riveli Award 2026 to nine recipients on Sunday night, recognizing the achievements of persons with disabilities and the valuable contributions of various individuals and organizations towards their welfare and empowerment.

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed presented the awards during a special ceremony held at Barceló Nasandhura.

The Riveli Award is a major national initiative aimed at safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities under relevant legislation and at implementing the government's Caring Society policy, which seeks to expand their economic and social opportunities.

This year's awards were presented across six categories:

• Category for Persons with Disabilities
• Category for Individuals achieving notable success and prestige in various fields
• Category for providing education to children and persons with disabilities
• Category for non-governmental organisations providing services to persons with disabilities
• Category for providing technical and individual assistance
• Category for contributing to the economic empowerment of persons with disabilities

Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare stated that a total of 25 nominations were received across the categories. The recipients of this year's Riveli Award are:

• Ali Sameem, HDh. Kurinbi / Rihiveli (Category for Persons with Disabilities)
• Mohamed Nahil Salaam, S. Maradhoo / Asrumaage (Category for Persons with Disabilities)
• Aishath Shafeeq, H. Shafeeqge (Category for Persons with Disabilities)
• Abdul Razzaq Abdulla Samad, Sh. Bilehfahi / Haveereenaaz (Category for Persons with Disabilities achieving success and prestige for the Maldives)
• Aminiya School (Category for providing education to persons and children with disabilities)
• Fathimath Mohamed, HDh. Kulhudhuffushi / Alpha (Category for providing technical and individual assistance)
• Housing Development Corporation Limited (Category for companies contributing to the economic empowerment of persons with disabilities)
• Conrad Maldives Rangali Island (Category for companies contributing to the economic empowerment of persons with disabilities)

In a historic first for the Maldives, the Ministry also presented a special commemorative plaque to Ismail Rahil of Sh. Komandoo, recognizing his achievement as the first person with a hearing impairment to graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology from the Maldives National University.

The Ministry stated that national-level awards of this nature not only encourage persons with disabilities but also serve as a catalyst for community empowerment and the creation of equal opportunities.

The Ministry further emphasized that the government's long-term objective through these awards is to amplify the voices of persons with disabilities and their advocates, expand their contributions and participation in society, and foster an inclusive and caring environment for all.