Riffath & Shabeen Lawyers LLP

Ibrahim Riffath

MANAGING PARTNER

LL.B. (hons.), oxf brookes, ll.m (int. commercial law), westmin

Ibrahim Riffath is a distinguished lawyer with over two decades of experience navigating government, business, and policy. As Attorney General of the Maldives (2018–2023), he drafted 161 bills—including the Civil Procedure Code—and ratified five major international conventions. He holds an LL.B. (Hons) from Oxford Brookes University (2004) and an LL.M. (Merit) in International Commercial Law from the University of Westminster (2006). His tenure modernized the AG's office, cleared UN reporting backlogs, and launched the digital law library.

His notable work includes consulting for GMR in arbitration against the Maldives and representing former President Nasheed in terrorism proceedings and before the UNWGAD. He played a pivotal role in the 2008 Constitutional review and acted as Agent for the Maldives at ITLOS regarding maritime boundaries. He previously served as Solicitor General and on the Judicial Service Commission.

ATTORNEY GENERAL OF MALDIVES

11/2018-11/2023

Drafted and submitted 161 bills to the President's Office over a 5-year period, including significant legislation such as the Civil Procedure Code, Evidence Act, Legal Profession Act, and Climate Emergency Act.
Successfully facilitated the ratification of 120 bills.
Provided 4,613 legal opinions to various government institutions on a wide range of issues including ratification opinions for the President, convention obligations, public contracts, and interpretation of laws and regulations.
Ratified 5 major international conventions such as the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and removal of some reservations from CEDAW.
Cleared the backlog of reports due to UN organs on the implementation of recommendations, ensuring compliance and up-to-date reporting.
Overhauled archaic structures in the office and implemented a new research and development division, optimizing workflow and efficiency.
Conducted 33 internal training programs and facilitated the participation of 169 staff in external trainings, fostering growth and development.
Increased productivity of attorneys through systematic allocation of work and hierarchical structures, enhancing overall performance.
Developed internal standard operating procedures, including code of conduct and conflict of interest declarations, promoting ethical and transparent practices.
Introduced a comprehensive enterprise resource planning system, digitizing key areas such as case management, legal opinion, and document management.
Redesigned and launched the digital law library of the Maldives with enhanced accessibility, improving legal research resources.
Reinstituted the Maldives Arbitration Centre, assisting in its operation and ratification of key conventions such as the New York Convention and Singapore Mediation Convention.

ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION

ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE

Two arbitration initiated by Noomadi Resorts and Residences AG (Liechtenstein) against the Government of Maldives at the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
Ad-hoc arbitration initiated by Tuff Offshore Engineering Services Pte Ltd (Singapore) against the Government of Maldives.
Arbitration initiated by Prime Capital Maldives Ltd (British Virgin Islands) against the Government of Maldives at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre.
Arbitration initiated by M/S Lucky-Triveni JV (New Delhi) against the Government of Maldives under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules.
Arbitration initiated by the Government of Maldives against Executors General Trading (United Arab Emirates), under the Rules of Arbitration of the Maldives International Arbitration Centre.
Legal Consultant in the trade negotiations and vetting the Concession Agreements to be entered into by and between Dubai World and the Government of the Maldives in relation to the Hulhumalé Development Phase II.

NOTABLE LOCAL COURT CASES

PRIVATE PRACTICE

Member of the Legal Team representing the Maldives Democratic Party as Joinder in the constitutional petition filed by the Progressive Party of the Maldives in Supreme Court of Maldives seeking to overturn the election result of the Presidential Election in 2018.
Representing 12 Parliamentarians who have been controversially unseated by the Election Commission (2018)
Member of the Legal Team representing President Mohamed Nasheed in his terrorism case. Reported judgement.
Acting as Legal Counsel for the former Auditor General of Maldives on a constitutional petition at High Court of Maldives in respect of the Government of Maldives vacating his position unlawfully. Reported judgement.
Representing 40 employees of Maldives Airports Company Limited in the novel class action in respect of discrimination on working conditions, equal pay and other related employment issues.
Representing the State at the Supreme Court in a constitutional petition examining whether the Parliament could add more qualifications for ministers and the constitutional implications of Parliament's approval of ministers. Reported judgement.

ATTORNEY GENERAL OF MALDIVES

11/2018-11/2023

Drafted and submitted 161 bills to the President's Office over a 5-year period, including significant legislation such as the Civil Procedure Code, Evidence Act, Legal Profession Act, and Climate Emergency Act.
Successfully facilitated the ratification of 120 bills.
Provided 4,613 legal opinions to various government institutions on a wide range of issues including ratification opinions for the President, convention obligations, public contracts, and interpretation of laws and regulations.
Ratified 5 major international conventions such as the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and removal of some reservations from CEDAW.
Cleared the backlog of reports due to UN organs on the implementation of recommendations, ensuring compliance and up-to-date reporting.
Overhauled archaic structures in the office and implemented a new research and development division, optimizing workflow and efficiency.
Conducted 33 internal training programs and facilitated the participation of 169 staff in external trainings, fostering growth and development.
Increased productivity of attorneys through systematic allocation of work and hierarchical structures, enhancing overall performance.
Developed internal standard operating procedures, including code of conduct and conflict of interest declarations, promoting ethical and transparent practices.
Introduced a comprehensive enterprise resource planning system, digitizing key areas such as case management, legal opinion, and document management.
Redesigned and launched the digital law library of the Maldives with enhanced accessibility, improving legal research resources.
Reinstituted the Maldives Arbitration Centre, assisting in its operation and ratification of key conventions such as the New York Convention and Singapore Mediation Convention.

ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION

ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE

Two arbitration initiated by Noomadi Resorts and Residences AG (Liechtenstein) against the Government of Maldives at the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
Ad-hoc arbitration initiated by Tuff Offshore Engineering Services Pte Ltd (Singapore) against the Government of Maldives.
Arbitration initiated by Prime Capital Maldives Ltd (British Virgin Islands) against the Government of Maldives at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre.
Arbitration initiated by M/S Lucky-Triveni JV (New Delhi) against the Government of Maldives under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules.
Arbitration initiated by the Government of Maldives against Executors General Trading (United Arab Emirates), under the Rules of Arbitration of the Maldives International Arbitration Centre.
Legal Consultant in the trade negotiations and vetting the Concession Agreements to be entered into by and between Dubai World and the Government of the Maldives in relation to the Hulhumalé Development Phase II.

NOTABLE LOCAL COURT CASES

PRIVATE PRACTICE

Member of the Legal Team representing the Maldives Democratic Party as Joinder in the constitutional petition filed by the Progressive Party of the Maldives in Supreme Court of Maldives seeking to overturn the election result of the Presidential Election in 2018.
Representing 12 Parliamentarians who have been controversially unseated by the Election Commission (2018)
Member of the Legal Team representing President Mohamed Nasheed in his terrorism case. Reported judgement.
Acting as Legal Counsel for the former Auditor General of Maldives on a constitutional petition at High Court of Maldives in respect of the Government of Maldives vacating his position unlawfully. Reported judgement.
Representing 40 employees of Maldives Airports Company Limited in the novel class action in respect of discrimination on working conditions, equal pay and other related employment issues.
Representing the State at the Supreme Court in a constitutional petition examining whether the Parliament could add more qualifications for ministers and the constitutional implications of Parliament's approval of ministers. Reported judgement.

ATTORNEY GENERAL OF MALDIVES

11/2018-11/2023

Drafted and submitted 161 bills to the President's Office over a 5-year period, including significant legislation such as the Civil Procedure Code, Evidence Act, Legal Profession Act, and Climate Emergency Act.
Successfully facilitated the ratification of 120 bills.
Provided 4,613 legal opinions to various government institutions on a wide range of issues including ratification opinions for the President, convention obligations, public contracts, and interpretation of laws and regulations.
Ratified 5 major international conventions such as the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and removal of some reservations from CEDAW.
Cleared the backlog of reports due to UN organs on the implementation of recommendations, ensuring compliance and up-to-date reporting.
Overhauled archaic structures in the office and implemented a new research and development division, optimizing workflow and efficiency.
Conducted 33 internal training programs and facilitated the participation of 169 staff in external trainings, fostering growth and development.
Increased productivity of attorneys through systematic allocation of work and hierarchical structures, enhancing overall performance.
Developed internal standard operating procedures, including code of conduct and conflict of interest declarations, promoting ethical and transparent practices.
Introduced a comprehensive enterprise resource planning system, digitizing key areas such as case management, legal opinion, and document management.
Redesigned and launched the digital law library of the Maldives with enhanced accessibility, improving legal research resources.
Reinstituted the Maldives Arbitration Centre, assisting in its operation and ratification of key conventions such as the New York Convention and Singapore Mediation Convention.

ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION

ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE

Two arbitration initiated by Noomadi Resorts and Residences AG (Liechtenstein) against the Government of Maldives at the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
Ad-hoc arbitration initiated by Tuff Offshore Engineering Services Pte Ltd (Singapore) against the Government of Maldives.
Arbitration initiated by Prime Capital Maldives Ltd (British Virgin Islands) against the Government of Maldives at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre.
Arbitration initiated by M/S Lucky-Triveni JV (New Delhi) against the Government of Maldives under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules.
Arbitration initiated by the Government of Maldives against Executors General Trading (United Arab Emirates), under the Rules of Arbitration of the Maldives International Arbitration Centre.
Legal Consultant in the trade negotiations and vetting the Concession Agreements to be entered into by and between Dubai World and the Government of the Maldives in relation to the Hulhumalé Development Phase II.

NOTABLE LOCAL COURT CASES

PRIVATE PRACTICE

Member of the Legal Team representing the Maldives Democratic Party as Joinder in the constitutional petition filed by the Progressive Party of the Maldives in Supreme Court of Maldives seeking to overturn the election result of the Presidential Election in 2018.
Representing 12 Parliamentarians who have been controversially unseated by the Election Commission (2018)
Member of the Legal Team representing President Mohamed Nasheed in his terrorism case. Reported judgement.
Acting as Legal Counsel for the former Auditor General of Maldives on a constitutional petition at High Court of Maldives in respect of the Government of Maldives vacating his position unlawfully. Reported judgement.
Representing 40 employees of Maldives Airports Company Limited in the novel class action in respect of discrimination on working conditions, equal pay and other related employment issues.
Representing the State at the Supreme Court in a constitutional petition examining whether the Parliament could add more qualifications for ministers and the constitutional implications of Parliament's approval of ministers. Reported judgement.

NOTABLE INTERNATIONAL CASES

ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE / PRIVATE PRACTICE

Dispute concerning delimitation of the maritime boundary between Mauritius and Maldives in the Indian Ocean, at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea - Agent for the Republic of Maldives.
Declaration of Intervention of the Republic of Maldives pursuant to Article 63 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, in the case of the Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (The Gambia v Myanmar), at the International Court of Justice - Agent for the Republic of Maldives.
Written Statement of the Republic of Maldives to the International Court of Justice in the Request for an Advisory Opinion on the Legal Consequences Arising from The Policies and Practices of Israel in The Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem - Agent for the Republic of Maldives.
Legal Consultant in the Petition filed by President Nasheed against the Government at United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
Government Legal Counsel in the high level talks between the Maldives and United Kingdom on Chagos, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, London, United Kingdom.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Pupilage Program Supervisor, Bar Council of Maldives, 08/2024-Present
Public Notary of the Republic of Maldives under Public Notary No.: PN-2024-02, 01/2024-Present
Member, Judicial Academy Board, 02/2020-11/2023
Co-Chair and Board Member, UNDP Integrated Governance Programme Phase III, 07/2020-11/2023
Member, Investment Board of Ministry of Economic Development, 01/2009-03/2009
Member, Tender Evaluation Board of Ministry of Economic Development, 01/2005-09/2005
Secretariat, Law Commission of Maldives, 1998-2001

EX-OFICIO APPOINTMENTS

Judicial Service Commission Member, 11/2018-11/2023
Clemency Board Chairman, 11/2018-11/2023
National Security Council Chairman for the Subcommittee on Counter-terrorism, 11/2018-11/2023
National Security Council Chairman for the Subcommittee on Intelligence, 11/2018-11/2023
National Security Council Member for the Subcommittee on Critical Infrastructure, 11/2018-11/2023
National Gang Violence Prevention Task Force Member, 2019-2023
National Drug Prevention Task Force Member, 2019-2023
National Task Force on Migrant Workers Member, 2019-2023
Intelligence Audit Committee Chairman, 2021
Judicial Administration Committee Member, 11/2018-11/2023
Ad-hoc Ministerial Steering Committees, 2018-2023
Chairman of Special Committee on Constitution for the Drafting Stage and Post Legislative Scrutiny Phase, 12/2007-09/2008

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Master of Laws (International Commercial Law), University of Westminster, 2005-2006
Bachelor of Laws with Honors, Oxford Brookes University, 2001-2004
Diploma in Law, KDU College, 2001

PUBLICATIONS

Legal Review on Freedom of Expression, Transparency Maldives, 2016, Ibrahim Riffath, Aryj Hussain, Al-ha Ali Rasheed
Legal Review on Freedom of Assembly, Transparency Maldives, 2017, Ibrahim Riffath, Aryj Hussain, Al-ha Ali Rasheed
Assessment on Community-based Paralegals Programme in Maldives, UNDP, 2017, Ibrahim Riffath, et al.
The Cost of Politics in Maldives, Westminster Foundation for Democracy, UK, 2025, Ali Zayaan Shaafiu (Lead Author), Ibrahim Riffath, Khadeeja Shabeen, Al-ha Ali Rasheed (Co-authors)

NOTABLE INTERNATIONAL CASES

ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE / PRIVATE PRACTICE

Dispute concerning delimitation of the maritime boundary between Mauritius and Maldives in the Indian Ocean, at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea - Agent for the Republic of Maldives.
Declaration of Intervention of the Republic of Maldives pursuant to Article 63 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, in the case of the Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (The Gambia v Myanmar), at the International Court of Justice - Agent for the Republic of Maldives.
Written Statement of the Republic of Maldives to the International Court of Justice in the Request for an Advisory Opinion on the Legal Consequences Arising from The Policies and Practices of Israel in The Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem - Agent for the Republic of Maldives.
Legal Consultant in the Petition filed by President Nasheed against the Government at United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
Government Legal Counsel in the high level talks between the Maldives and United Kingdom on Chagos, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, London, United Kingdom.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Pupilage Program Supervisor, Bar Council of Maldives, 08/2024-Present
Public Notary of the Republic of Maldives under Public Notary No.: PN-2024-02, 01/2024-Present
Member, Judicial Academy Board, 02/2020-11/2023
Co-Chair and Board Member, UNDP Integrated Governance Programme Phase III, 07/2020-11/2023
Member, Investment Board of Ministry of Economic Development, 01/2009-03/2009
Member, Tender Evaluation Board of Ministry of Economic Development, 01/2005-09/2005
Secretariat, Law Commission of Maldives, 1998-2001

EX-OFICIO APPOINTMENTS

Judicial Service Commission Member, 11/2018-11/2023
Clemency Board Chairman, 11/2018-11/2023
National Security Council Chairman for the Subcommittee on Counter-terrorism, 11/2018-11/2023
National Security Council Chairman for the Subcommittee on Intelligence, 11/2018-11/2023
National Security Council Member for the Subcommittee on Critical Infrastructure, 11/2018-11/2023
National Gang Violence Prevention Task Force Member, 2019-2023
National Drug Prevention Task Force Member, 2019-2023
National Task Force on Migrant Workers Member, 2019-2023
Intelligence Audit Committee Chairman, 2021
Judicial Administration Committee Member, 11/2018-11/2023
Ad-hoc Ministerial Steering Committees, 2018-2023
Chairman of Special Committee on Constitution for the Drafting Stage and Post Legislative Scrutiny Phase, 12/2007-09/2008

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Master of Laws (International Commercial Law), University of Westminster, 2005-2006
Bachelor of Laws with Honors, Oxford Brookes University, 2001-2004
Diploma in Law, KDU College, 2001

PUBLICATIONS

Legal Review on Freedom of Expression, Transparency Maldives, 2016, Ibrahim Riffath, Aryj Hussain, Al-ha Ali Rasheed
Legal Review on Freedom of Assembly, Transparency Maldives, 2017, Ibrahim Riffath, Aryj Hussain, Al-ha Ali Rasheed
Assessment on Community-based Paralegals Programme in Maldives, UNDP, 2017, Ibrahim Riffath, et al.
The Cost of Politics in Maldives, Westminster Foundation for Democracy, UK, 2025, Ali Zayaan Shaafiu (Lead Author), Ibrahim Riffath, Khadeeja Shabeen, Al-ha Ali Rasheed (Co-authors)

NOTABLE INTERNATIONAL CASES

ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE / PRIVATE PRACTICE

Dispute concerning delimitation of the maritime boundary between Mauritius and Maldives in the Indian Ocean, at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea - Agent for the Republic of Maldives.
Declaration of Intervention of the Republic of Maldives pursuant to Article 63 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, in the case of the Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (The Gambia v Myanmar), at the International Court of Justice - Agent for the Republic of Maldives.
Written Statement of the Republic of Maldives to the International Court of Justice in the Request for an Advisory Opinion on the Legal Consequences Arising from The Policies and Practices of Israel in The Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem - Agent for the Republic of Maldives.
Legal Consultant in the Petition filed by President Nasheed against the Government at United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
Government Legal Counsel in the high level talks between the Maldives and United Kingdom on Chagos, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, London, United Kingdom.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Pupilage Program Supervisor, Bar Council of Maldives, 08/2024-Present
Public Notary of the Republic of Maldives under Public Notary No.: PN-2024-02, 01/2024-Present
Member, Judicial Academy Board, 02/2020-11/2023
Co-Chair and Board Member, UNDP Integrated Governance Programme Phase III, 07/2020-11/2023
Member, Investment Board of Ministry of Economic Development, 01/2009-03/2009
Member, Tender Evaluation Board of Ministry of Economic Development, 01/2005-09/2005
Secretariat, Law Commission of Maldives, 1998-2001

EX-OFICIO APPOINTMENTS

Judicial Service Commission Member, 11/2018-11/2023
Clemency Board Chairman, 11/2018-11/2023
National Security Council Chairman for the Subcommittee on Counter-terrorism, 11/2018-11/2023
National Security Council Chairman for the Subcommittee on Intelligence, 11/2018-11/2023
National Security Council Member for the Subcommittee on Critical Infrastructure, 11/2018-11/2023
National Gang Violence Prevention Task Force Member, 2019-2023
National Drug Prevention Task Force Member, 2019-2023
National Task Force on Migrant Workers Member, 2019-2023
Intelligence Audit Committee Chairman, 2021
Judicial Administration Committee Member, 11/2018-11/2023
Ad-hoc Ministerial Steering Committees, 2018-2023
Chairman of Special Committee on Constitution for the Drafting Stage and Post Legislative Scrutiny Phase, 12/2007-09/2008

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Master of Laws (International Commercial Law), University of Westminster, 2005-2006
Bachelor of Laws with Honors, Oxford Brookes University, 2001-2004
Diploma in Law, KDU College, 2001

PUBLICATIONS

Legal Review on Freedom of Expression, Transparency Maldives, 2016, Ibrahim Riffath, Aryj Hussain, Al-ha Ali Rasheed
Legal Review on Freedom of Assembly, Transparency Maldives, 2017, Ibrahim Riffath, Aryj Hussain, Al-ha Ali Rasheed
Assessment on Community-based Paralegals Programme in Maldives, UNDP, 2017, Ibrahim Riffath, et al.
The Cost of Politics in Maldives, Westminster Foundation for Democracy, UK, 2025, Ali Zayaan Shaafiu (Lead Author), Ibrahim Riffath, Khadeeja Shabeen, Al-ha Ali Rasheed (Co-authors)

Riffath & Shabeen Lawyers LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership registered under the Partnership Act of the Maldives with registration number P01242025. It is a registered law firm at the Bar Council of the Maldives.

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