Muliaage (Palace)

While exploring Male, I passed by Muliaage, the Presidential Palace. I didn’t go inside, but the building looked elegant and well-kept from the outside. It has a charming colonial-style design and is surrounded by neatly maintained gardens. Located right in the city centre, it’s easy to spot and accessible during a city walk. Though visitors aren’t allowed inside, it’s still a nice place to see and take a quick photo. A calm and dignified landmark that adds to the charm of Male.

A wonderful residence of The Hon'ble President of Maldives in the heart of Male.

The Palace that stand today was built during the period 1914 to 1919. The site was the ancestral home of former Sultans and royalty. However, Muleeaage never served as a Sultan’s Palace. Muleeaage was built by Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen III for his son Prince Hassan Izzuddeen in preparation for his arrival in the Maldives after completing his education in Ceylon. The Prince occupied the Palace from 1920 to 1934. The Prince was arrested, and the building was in disuse until World War II. Since then except for brief periods the building was used for various government administrative purposes or as a residence for visiting heads of states and other dignitaries. During the First Republic between 1952 and 1953, President Mohamed Ameen Didi made Muleeaage the official Presidential Palace. However, since the end of the First Republic Muleeaage once again, was used for various administrative purposes. The first President of the Second Republic, President Ibrahim Nasir once again declared Muleeaage the Presidential Palace in 1968.

Today Muleeaage is the official palace of the President and is a must-see in any Male’ tour. Muleeaage marked its hundredth anniversary in 2019. The Palace that stand today was built during the per.. Today Muleeaage is the official palace of the President and is a must-see in any Male’ tour. Muleeaage marked its hundredth anniversary in 2019. The Palace that stand today was built during the period 1914 to 1919. The site was the ancestral home of former Sultans and royalty. However, Muleeaage never served as a Sultan’s Palace. Muleeaage was built by Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen III for his son Prince Hassan Izzuddeen in preparation for his arrival in the Maldives after completing his education in Ceylon. The Prince occupied the Palace from 1920 to 1934. The Prince was arrested, and the building was in disuse until World War II. Since then except for brief periods the building was used for various government administrative purposes or as a residence for visiting heads of states and other dignitaries. During the First Republic between 1952 and 1953, President Mohamed Ameen Didi made Muleeaage the official Presidential Palace. However, since the end of the First Republic Muleeaage once again, was used for various administrative purposes. The first President of the Second Republic, President Ibrahim Nasir once again declared Muleeaage the Presidential Palace in 1968. However, he resided there only for a brief period. Since then Presidents have made Muleeaage their official residence for varying periods of time. The current President, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has resided in Muleeaage since he took office in November 2018.

The construction of Mulee’aage, was initiated in the year 1914 and completed in 1919. It was commissioned by Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddeen III for his son and heir Prince Hassan Izzuddin. It was built on the style of bungalows in vogue during the colonial era in Ceylon and completed in preparation for the return of Prince Hassan Izzuddin to Male’ in 1920 after completing his education at the Royal College of Colombo.

Sultan Shamsuddin III built the former Presidential Palace, Muleeaage, for his son just before the First World War. However the Sultan was deposed and his son never took office. In 1953, with the declaration of the First Republic, the building was designated as the Presidential Palace and remained so until the new Presidential Palace at Theemuge was built. Now Hilaaleege is the official residence of the president and Theemuge is the Supreme Court.

Very beautiful. The president does not current reside here unless he is welcome diplomats but it’s very beautiful from the outside.

Exquisite presidential palace. Be sure to take pictures at the colorful front gate