Early Life and Education

Abdulla Jihad was born in the Maldives and spent his early years building a strong academic foundation. He pursued higher education abroad and focused on economics and management, subjects that later shaped his public career. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Management from the University of the South Pacific in Fiji. Later, he completed a Master of Management Studies in Economics from the University of Waikato in New Zealand. These qualifications gave him deep knowledge of financial systems, public policy, and economic administration. His educational background became one of the key reasons he emerged as a respected figure in the Maldivian government.

Career in Government Service

Abdulla Jihad began his public service career in 1980 when he joined the Audit Office as temporary audit staff. From that early stage, he actively built a long and successful career in government institutions. He held several important positions in the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, the Department of Inland Revenue, and other national agencies. He also served as Vice Governor and later Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority, which highlighted his expertise in banking and financial regulation. His work in these roles strengthened his image as a capable administrator who could handle national economic responsibilities with professionalism and discipline.

Role as Finance Minister

Before becoming Vice President, Abdulla Jihad served as Minister of Finance and Treasury in different administrations. He took charge of this important ministry under President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President Mohamed Waheed Hassan, and later President Abdulla Yameen. In these positions, he actively managed national budgets, fiscal reforms, and economic planning. He helped guide the country’s financial policies during periods of political transition and economic challenge. His repeated appointments to the finance portfolio showed that national leaders trusted his economic knowledge and administrative skills.

Vice Presidency of the Maldives

On 22 June 2016, President Abdulla Yameen appointed Abdulla Jihad as Vice President of the Maldives. He took the oath of office at the President’s Office and officially became one of the highest-ranking leaders in the country. During his tenure, he supported the administration in governance, development planning, and public representation. He also met citizens, attended official functions, and represented the government in both domestic and international matters. His vice presidency reflected continuity, stability, and administrative experience at a time when the office had seen several changes.

Legacy and Public Image

Abdulla Jihad remains known as a skilled economist and a disciplined public servant in Maldivian political history. People remember him more for his administrative competence than for dramatic political speeches. His career demonstrates how technical knowledge and long-term service can lead to high office. Even after serving as Vice President, he continued to remain connected to national public life, including his later appointment in 2024 as Chairperson of the Maldives International Finance Service Authority. His legacy reflects experience, economic leadership, and commitment to state service.