Hassan Sobir

Hassan Sobir (; 5 August 1951 – 28 July 2025) was a Maldivian politician and diplomat who served as the Ambassador of the Maldives to Japan from 2023 until his death in 2025. He also served as the Minister of Tourism, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, and other positions.

Education Sobir had a General Certificate of Education from Majeediyya School, Bachelors of Commerce in India, and a Diploma in Statistics and Surveys from the International Statistics Programme Center in Washington, D.C.

Career Sobir started his public service on 7 February 1973 within the National Planning Agency, later shifting to the Ministry of Planning and Development. He also brought the first computer in the Maldives. In 1993, he was appointed the Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture in the administration of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. During his time as Minister of Tourism, he coined the famous motto 'The Sunny Side of Life'.

From 2004 to 2007, he served as the High Commissioner of the Maldives to the United Kingdom.

In 2006, he was appointed the Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations at Geneva.

From 2005 to 2007, he was the non-resident Ambassador of the Maldives to the European Union (EU).

In 2019, he was appointed by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih as the Ambassador of the Maldives to Belgium and the European Union. He presented his letter of credence to King Philippe of Belgium on 11 June and to EU council president Donald Tusk on 22 May.

On 30 May 2022, he was appointed by President Solih as the Ambassador of the Maldives to Japan and he presented his letter of credence to Japanese emperor Naruhito on 8 September. He served as the Ambassador to Japan until his death.

Personal life and death Sobir was married to Aminath Nasheeda and had two children, a son and daughter. President Mohamed Muizzu expressed condolences and ordered the flag to be lowered to half-mast for three days. A state funeral was held on Monday evening after Asr prayer at the Islamic Centre and he was laid to rest at Galolhu cemetery in Galolhu, Malé.