President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has conferred the Order of the Dignified Rule of the Dhiyamigili Dynasty (ODRDD) on Uz 'Kashima' Ahmed Shakir. The honour was presented during the official National Day ceremony held in HA. Utheemu today.

Uz Ahmed Shakir commenced his public service on 30 July 1969. Over an uninterrupted career of more than 41 years in State service, he held several senior positions, including Legal Counsel and Shipping Master at the Ministry of Transport and Shipping, and Director of Administration, Director General, and Executive Director at the National Centre for Linguistic and Historical Research (NCLHR). Following his retirement, he taught at Villa College for over 12 years, also serving as a Senior Curriculum Developer. He served as a Member of Parliament for the Malé Atoll constituency in both the People's Majlis and the People's Special Majlis.

Entering the field of Dhivehi literature through his early service at the Government printing press, Uz Ahmed Shakir went on to achieve widespread acclaim in the performing arts and stage drama. His work spanned the Majeediyya School Golden Jubilee productions to performances with the Olympians, and he founded the Cultural and Dramatic Society (CDS), producing shows for over a decade.

As a Programme Producer at Television Maldives (TVM), he wrote screenplays for and trained cast members across numerous celebrated teledramas and films, including Ghaazee Bandaarain, Dhon Hiyala aai Alifulhu, and Tharaaganduge Kashigandu.

Uz Ahmed Shakir has also made significant contributions to historical research and authorship in the Maldives. His extensive bibliography includes the 640-page Vihivana Qarunuge Thereygai Dhivehiraajje (Maldives in the 20th Century) and five further volumes in the series, Islam Dheenuge Alikan Dhivehiraajjeah Fethuremun Aigoiy (How the Light of Islam Spread to the Maldives), Dhivehiraajjeyge Sharuee Nizaamu (The Judicial System of the Maldives), and Dhivehiraajjeyge Faisaage Thaareekhu (The History of Maldivian Currency), as well as institutional histories of State bodies and biographies of eminent national figures.

Uz Ahmed Shakir earned a Master of Shariah degree at the age of 69. He has previously been recognised with the National Award of Recognition in the fields of performing arts and public speaking, the Silver Pen for the Service of Journalism, the National Award of Honour in the field of historical writing, and the Dhivehi Language Academy's prestigious Hassan Thaajuddeen Award. In 2025, he received an honorary award at the Sharjah International Narrator Forum.

Uz Ahmed Shakir remains active in public service as a member of the Dhivehi Gaumiyyathuge Isvaru in the field of history, established by President Dr Muizzu, and as Chairperson of the National Awards Committee.