In 2018, Gayoom was arrested on charges of conspiring to overthrow the government as a part of the 2018 political crisis, and was sentenced to 19 months in prison for obstructing justice after refusing to cooperate with the police and judiciary.

[26] Gayoom worked on expanding the aviation sector by increasing flights between the Maldives and international destinations, supporting the growth of the tourism industry and improving travel options for Maldivians.

Gayoom addressed this issue at the 1987 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, proposing the formation of a group of experts to study the impacts of climate change on small island states and low-lying nations.

[79] Gayoom's presidency faced weighty opposition, with key figures like Luthufi determined to remove him from power due to dissatisfaction with the political landscape and the perceived lack of opportunities for dissent.

[95] In response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, President Gayoom addressed the nation on the evening of the disaster, stating that citizens should work together with the government to recover from the losses.

[101] Following the first bomb explosion in Malé on 29 September 2007, which targeted foreign tourists, the government, under the presidency of Gayoom, expressed serious concern over the rising threat of Islamic extremism.

[109] Following the incident, Gayoom stated, "By the grace of Almighty Allah, I am well and safe, but severe injuries have been inflicted on this brave young man from this island, Mohamed Jaisham.

[119] Due to the airline's failure, Gayoom's administration continued efforts to support Palestine through other means, such as organising nationwide fundraising campaigns, with donation boxes set up throughout the Maldives.

[120] During Gayoom's presidency, his foreign policy towards South and East Asia was centered on strengthening ties with key regional players, particularly India, China, and Japan.

[124] China's growing presence was evident in infrastructure projects such as airports and bridges, but the administration was careful to avoid granting military footholds to Beijing, which would have alarmed India.

[114] His vocal opposition to apartheid strengthened the Maldives' standing in international forums, where he consistently called for the end of racial oppression and supported liberation movements in Africa.

[134][135] This aid was directed towards rebuilding harbours, sewage systems, and electrical generation facilities, while also helping the Ministry of Finance improve its capacity to manage and absorb international assistance.

[137] European nations, particularly the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy, played a crucial role in promoting Maldivian tourism,[138] contributing to the growth of the hospitality industry and infrastructure development.

[148] Gayoom's administration introduced many healthcare reforms in the late 1970s, when the Maldives had limited medical facilities, including just one small hospital and basic health services.

[152] International human rights organisations and foreign governments have accused his administration of employing tactics against dissidents, including arbitrary arrest and detention, torture, forced confessions, and politically motivated killings.

[159] The tourism industry's rapid development underpinned the Maldives' economic success, and this expansion provided a steady source of income and foreign currency, which helped to stabilise the economy during Gayoom's rule.

[134] The sustained growth during this period was largely driven by a combination of tourism, fishing, and increased foreign investment, which helped the country weather regional economic challenges.

[168] In 1987, following severe flooding that inundated much of the capital, Malé, Gayoom recognised the looming threat posed by rising sea levels and environmental degradation.

[169][170] He became the first–ever world leader to address the United Nations General Assembly on the dangers of climate change, urging urgent global action on what was, at the time, still a relatively unknown issue.

[174] His warnings about the vulnerability of small island nations like the Maldives highlighted the risks posed by global warming and sea level rise, issues that were not widely recognised at the time.

This intervention marked the beginning of the Maldives' active participation in global climate diplomacy, reinforcing the nation's commitment to advocating for the protection of environmentally fragile states on the international stage.

[176] Under his leadership, the Maldives played an important role in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Study on causes and consequences of natural disasters and the Protection and Preservation of the Environment.

[176] Gayoom's proactive approach in commissioning and participating of climate-change and environmental topics helped establish the Maldives as a global leader in climate diplomacy and advocacy for small island states.

[184] Over the following years, notable progress was made — a National Human Rights Commission adhering to international standards was established, political parties were introduced for the first time in 2005, media freedom was granted, and the criminal justice system was modernised.

[189] The new constitution introduced a clearer separation of powers, stronger human rights protections, and established independent institutions, including an autonomous Elections Commission and a Supreme Court.

[196] In 2010, Gayoom established his non-profit organisation, "the Maumoon Foundation", to support initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of the Maldivian people, utilising his resources, contacts, and experience.

[209][210][211] Legal actions were initiated by two Members of Parliament, Ahmed Shiyam and Mohamed Shahid, who filed a case in the Civil Court to formally oust Gayoom from his leadership position.

[249] His arrest occurred amid an emergency martial law declared by then-President Abdulla Yameen, who justified the actions by alleging a conspiracy and coup attempt.

[258][259][260][261] International organisations, including the United Nations, expressed concern over the political situation, condemning the arrest as part of a broader "attack on democracy" in the Maldives.

[321][322][323] In 2015, Gayoom was awarded the Golden Jubilee Shield of Honour by the State for his exceptional national service in safeguarding, defending, and strengthening the full independence of the Maldives over the preceding 50 years.