Abdulla Jihad (Dhivehi: އަބްދުﷲ ޖިހާދެވެ; born 3 January 1963) is a Maldivian politician who served as vice president of the Maldives from 22 June 2016 to 17 November 2018. Prior to his appointment on 22 June 2016, he served as the minister of finance.^[1]

Jihad was born on 3 January 1963. He graduated from the University of Waikato, New Zealand, with a masters of management studies degree in economics. He also holds a bachelor of arts degree majoring in economics/management from the University of South Pacific, Fiji.^[2]

Jihad first joined government services in 1980 as a temporary audit staff at the audit office. He later went on to fill a number of prestigious managerial posts in the government. On 22 June 2016, he was appointed vice president of the republic of the Maldives by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.^[2]

Prior to assuming the post of vice president, Jihad served as the minister of finance and treasury in President Yameen's Administration.^[3] He had also served as the minister of finance and treasury in President Mohamed Waheed Hassan's Administration from 5 March 2012 to 17 November 2013, and in President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's Administration from 15 July 2008 to 11 November 2008. Other notable posts he filled were governor of Maldives Monetary Authority (2007–2008),^[4] and member of the Civil Service Commission.

Jihad has attended many international conferences, seminars, workshops and training programmes and has visited numerous countries in the discharge of government responsibilities.

Jihad is married to Asima Hussein. They have 3 children.^[2]

Early career and family life

Abdulla Jihad was born and raised in Thinadhoo of South Huvadhoo Atoll.

References