[8] Shahid joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1984, then he had his bachelor's degree in political science at the Canberra College of Advanced Education in 1987.

In the meantime, he took a master's degree in international relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University in 1991.

[12] Prior to his role as an MP, Shahid served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1984, eventually becoming director in 1993.

[14] Shahid served as minister of foreign affairs from 23 August 2007 to 11 November 2008,[10] in the presidency of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

[16][9] On 7 June 2021, Shahid was elected as the 76th President of the United Nations General Assembly with an overwhelming 75 percent majority, with 143 in favour, 48 against, and no abstentions or invalid votes.