Damas Company stands today as one of the most respected and diversified business groups in the Maldives. Founded in 1978 and incorporated as Damas Company Pvt. Ltd. in 2000, the company has grown from a family-led trading enterprise into a multi-sector leader serving the nation’s resorts, infrastructure, public institutions, and households.
Under the steady leadership of Mr. Abdulla Salih, Managing Director, Damas has continuously evolved—balancing its deep-rooted Maldivian identity with a forward-looking approach to innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable business growth.
Corporate Maldives met with Mr. Abdulla Salih to explore how he continues to guide Damas toward new horizons while upholding the values that have defined the company for over 45 years.
My professional journey began in the public sector, where I spent 25 years developing a foundation in administration, governance, and business management. Those years were invaluable - they shaped my understanding of accountability, service, and people management.
After retiring from public service, I decided to dedicate my energy to our family business, Damas Company. Over the past decade, that decision has allowed me to combine experience with passion, building on the company’s heritage and steering it toward sustainable modernization.
Success, for me, is measured by trust—trust earned from our clients, our employees, and the communities we serve.
Over the years, Damas has expanded its reach across multiple sectors, including trading, construction, logistics, and property development, while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality and reliability. We have strengthened partnerships with leading local and international brands and embraced digital transformation to streamline operations and enhance customer service.
Every era brings its own challenges. In recent years, global disruptions such as the pandemic and supply-chain volatility tested every business’s resilience. For us, these moments reinforced the importance of adaptability and long-term vision.
Our strategy has been to invest in technology, strengthen local supply networks, and diversify our portfolio to reduce risk. Another ongoing challenge is attracting and retaining skilled, motivated talent in a rapidly changing world. We’ve addressed this by fostering a culture that values learning, inclusivity, and personal growth.
At Damas, we don’t pursue difference for the sake of being different - we pursue excellence through consistency and efficiency.
Our philosophy is built on empowerment and collaboration. Every member of our team understands their role in delivering seamless operations, from logistics and procurement to client service and project execution. By leveraging technology and data insights, we make informed decisions that drive productivity and customer satisfaction.
Moreover, we remain deeply committed to sustainability - minimizing our environmental footprint and ensuring that our growth contributes positively to the Maldivian community.
My advice is simple: be passionate about what you do, stay grounded in your values, and never stop learning. Dedicate time each day to reflect, plan, and adapt—because leadership is a continuous journey, not a destination.
For the future, I envision a Maldives where innovation and sustainability go hand-in-hand. We hope to see more young entrepreneurs and professionals stepping into leadership roles, bringing fresh ideas to strengthen our economy. Damas Company will continue to support this vision by creating opportunities for local talent and fostering a workplace where integrity, teamwork, and ambition thrive.
From its humble beginnings to becoming one of the Maldives’ most trusted business names, Damas Company’s story is one of perseverance, family values, and forward-thinking leadership. Under Mr. Abdulla Salih’s guidance, the company continues to uphold its founding principles while embracing the challenges and opportunities of a new era-remaining a symbol of reliability and innovation across the Maldivian business landscape.