Few stories in the Maldivian business landscape shine as brightly as that of Mr. Mohamed Salih, the visionary Chairman of Damas Company. His journey, which began on the small island of Gan and grew into one of the most respected business empires in the Maldives, is not merely about success - it’s about resilience, integrity, and purpose.
From Humble Beginnings to Bold Horizons
When the British withdrew from Gan, many faced uncertainty. But for a young Mohamed Salih, it was a moment of decision — a turning point that would change his life forever. With his wife and children, he moved to Malé in search of new opportunities, carrying nothing more than courage, determination, and an unshakable belief in hard work.
His first ventures were simple but visionary — transporting goods, constructing homes, and creating jobs where none existed. Soon, his reputation for honesty, discipline, and innovation grew. By the late 1970s, Mr. Salih co-founded Altaf Enterprises, paving the way for his lifelong passion: building businesses that build communities.
The Birth of Damas: Built on Integrity
Damas Company began as a small trading venture, born from the initials of Mohamed Salih and Ibrahim Mohamed Didi. From the very start, the values were clear - transparency, trust, and service. Even in times of adversity, when challenges arose, Mr. Salih’s leadership shone through with calm conviction and unwavering ethics.
Under his guidance, Damas grew beyond trading. It became a brand synonymous with quality, reliability, and innovation, extending its footprint across real estate, logistics, retail, and tourism. For more than four decades, Damas has stood as a pillar of excellence — a reflection of its founder’s principles.
A Leader Who Served Beyond Business
Mr. Salih’s leadership transcended boardrooms. His role as President of the Maldives Chamber of Commerce and later as Vice President of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce marked a defining era for Maldivian entrepreneurship.
He championed causes that empowered small businesses, strengthened regional partnerships, and promoted women’s participation in enterprise.
During the 2004 tsunami, when the nation faced unimaginable tragedy, Mr. Salih once again stepped forward — not as a businessman, but as a servant of the nation. His tireless efforts in coordination with global leaders, including U.S. Presidents and the United Nations, earned him national and international acclaim, including the National Award of Honour and recognition from the King of Thailand.
Family: The Heart of His Legacy
Behind every success stands a family - and for Mr. Salih, family has always been his foundation. Together with his wife Hawa Koh, their children Maryam, Ahmed, and Abdulla, and their grandchildren, he has nurtured not only a business empire but a legacy of love and togetherness.
In his own words:
“What I am most proud of is being part of something that goes beyond myself. The Maldives has been my life — but so has my family. They are my strength, my joy, and my greatest achievement.”
Family photos through the years - from early construction days to moments with grandchildren — tell a story of warmth, humility, and generational continuity. Today, his children and grandchildren carry forward his principles with the same integrity that built Damas from the ground up.