Mohamed Umar Maniku (MU Maniku) of Kolige, one of the pioneers of Maldivian tourism and a shareholder of Universal Enterprises, has passed away.

He passed away at 6:30 this morning at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore, while receiving treatment for his deteriorating health condition.

MU Maniku had served the Maldivian state for about twenty years.

MU Maniku was one of the main pillars of Maldivian tourism. Starting tourism from a thatched house, MU Maniku played a crucial role in developing tourism to make the Maldives one of the world's top markets as we see it today.