CORPORATE HISTORY

Nalahiya Trading was established in 1985 by Ibrahim Waheed

Ibrahim Waheed Ali is the founder and current Chairman of Nalahiya Trading, which was established in 1985. Ibrahim Waheed was born on the 20th of January 1951, on the small island of Vilufushi. He grew up in a large family, and moved to Male’, Maldives at the age of 13 after the passing of his parents. At the age of eighteen he set out on his first merchant navy ship. Through enormous hardship he was able to obtain his captains license over the twelve years he spent in the merchant navy. Being a disciplined man, he was able to gather enough capital to start his own business in Maldives.

Nalahiya Trading was built from the ground up. In the early days, Waheed himself packed and delivered the cement to customers. In the late 80s, Mohamed Naseem joined Nalahiya, and together they started directly importing products. This allowed them to expand exponentially. As the business grew, a tragedy occurred and Mr. Naseem passed away after an accident on-board their second vessel. After this tragic loss, Waheed took it upon himself to handle the business by himself. Whether it be managing deliveries and sales or dealing with international agents Waheed managed all aspects of the business.

Throughout his life, he has held onto his deep seeded religious beliefs and determination in hard work. His beliefs and values form the very foundation of Nalahiya, his Legacy.

Company Inception and Early History

1985 – 1990

  • Nalahiya Trading Pvt Ltd was established by Ibrahim Waheed
  • The first outlet Alif Atoll FIhaara was rented out stock with only 1000 bags of cement
  • Nalahiya sold general goods such as rice and flour in addition to building material
  • Mohamed Naseem joined in late 1985
  • An additional outlet, Nevada Irumathibai was rented out
  • Nalahiya started importing materials directly
  • The first 12 expatriates were hired (many of whom remain in the company to this day)
  • In late 1989 Nalahiya Trading specialized into building material import and retail
  • Major expansions lead to establishment of a Head Office, Operations center, and CB Radio communication and coordination system

Product Focus and Innovation

1991 – 1995

  • Tiles, Gypsum board, and other products were added
  • Nalahiya pioneers in providing free delivery to customers in Male’
  • Nalahiya expands into Glass products and services
  • In 1994 Nalahiya purchased our first vessel MV Nalafiya Traders (GRT 3500)
  • Nevada Shipping Pvt Ltd was established
  • With larger expansions a third outlet is opened

Expansion and Development of Thilafushi Facility

1996 – 2000

  • Nalahiya’s Thilafushi site was rented out and the Thilafushi Development begins
  • A fourth outlet was opened
  • The second vessel MV Nevada Merchant (GRT 6500) was purchased
  • Mohamed Naseem passes away after an injury suffered on the second ship’s maiden voyage
  • MV Nevada Merchant was sold off
  • A fifth outlet was opened, specializing in Glass and Glass Services
  • A large fleet of trucks and industrial vehicles and vessels are purchased
  • Nalahiya Thilafushi Port Facility reclamation and construction is initiated

Direct import and Expansion

2000 – 2005

  • Aggregate and Sand direct import was scaled up
  • MV Nalafiya Traders was sold
  • MV Hiya Builder (GRT 9984) was purchased, this at the time was the largest privately owned merchant vessel in the Maldives
  • Vast expansion leads to more people joining the Nalahiya Team

New projects and growth

2006 – 2010

  • Mosque Project initiated after the 2006 Tsunami devastation in Vilufushi
  • A sixth outlet was opened
  • Multiple Dhoni’s or Vessels were built and purchased to cater to the growing demand
  • The Nalahiya Showroom was launched
  • Ismail Jumayyil Waheed takes over as Managing Director at Nalahiya Trading

Rapid Diversification

2011 – 2015

  • Nalahiya Aluminium was launched
  • Nalahiya Rentals was launched
  • Multiple investments were made into Heavy Vehicles, thereby expanding the fleet
  • Nalahiya Vehicle Workshop was expanded
  • Nalahiya Lathe Workshop is setup
  • Nalahiya Thilafushi Port Facility is completed and opened as an ISPS standard International Port Facility, the largest private port in Maldives
  • MV Hiya Builder was sold
  • MV Nala Commander (GRT 12,500) was purchased, currently the largest Maldivian owned bulk carrier
  • SCG SmarBoard and other SCG Products are introduced
  • Nalahiya Construction and Development Pvt Ltd was established

Planning for the Future

2016 – 2020

  • Condecor is opened as a Showroom specializing in SCG Products and Tiles
  • Nalahiya Glass and Aluminium Showroom and Workshop is opened
  • Nalahiya Residence is introduced as the first ever Serviced Apartment Building in Maldives
  • Rebranded and Improved SCG Cement is introduced
  • Nalahiya Holding Pvt Ltd was established
  • Nalahiya Henveyru is opened
  • Vilufushi Mosque is Donated to Islamic Ministry
  • Nalahiya International Pte Ltd was established
  • Nalahiya Logistics Pvt Ltd was established
  • Nalahiya Baazaaru is opened