Ali Abdulla, prominent Maldivian businessman and father of the First Lady Laila Ali, died on Friday November 19 aged 69.
Abdulla passed away while being treated for an illness at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital. The First Lady was unable to attend the funeral as she was away on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, the Dhivehi Observer (DO) reported.
Abdulla entered into business following his banishment for dissent, DO reported, going on to create the Alia business empire which dealt in trade and tourism, opening one of the first modern hotels in Male’.
Late Ali Abdulla was awarded the National Award of Recognition in 1980 acknowledging his contribution to develop the trade of carpentry and wood works in the country.
The funeral was held in the Islamic Centre after the Friday prayer and was attended by President Mohamed Nasheed, who flew home early from a state visit to Sri Lanka.
