Siyam receives award for highest income tax contribution by an individual

Ahmed Siyam Mohamed attends the RanLaari Award ceremony on July 6, 2026. (Photo/MIRA)

Business magnate and parliamentarian Ahmed Siyam Mohamed has been conferred the RanLaari Award by the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA), for making the highest income tax contribution by an individual.

The RanLaari Award was presented to Siyam in a ceremony held on Thursday to mark MIRA’s 16th anniversary.

A spokesperson from MIRA told Sun that Siyam received the award for making the highest income tax contribution by an individual last year.

According to MIRA, the RanLaari Award was relaunched in 2025, after getting suspended after 2019 for various reasons. The award is presented to individuals and businesses who make the highest tax contributions, in recognition of their vital contribution to nation-building.

This year’s award marks the first time for MIRA to look at income tax, introduced in 2020, instead of business profit tax.

According to MIRA, the award seeks to boost tax compliance and provide recognition to those who faithfully fulfil their tax obligations.

Finance Minister Hassan Zareer (L) presents Ahmed Siyam Mohamed (R) with the RanLaari Award on July 6, 2026. (Photo/MIRA)

An additional 18 individuals and businesses across multiple categories were also presented with the award on Thursday.

Siyam is the chairman and managing director of Sun Siyam Group, a diverse collection of companies based in the Maldives. This includes the Sun Siyam Resorts, a prominent resort chain that he founded in 1990.

Hailing from a humble background, his dedication and passion for the tourism industry led to him being renowned as one of the most energetic and visionary business leaders in the country.

He has collected a multitude of awards during his career, including the national award in recognition of his work towards the sustainable development of tourism in the Maldives.

His company, the Sun Siyam Group has also received awards from MIRA for making regular tax contributions.

In addition to being a businessman Siyam is also a veteran politician, serving as the president of the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), and as the longtime parliamentary representative for the Dh. Meedhoo constituency.