Ali Shareef was born on August 12th 1931. He started writing poems as a result of his fascination with poetry as a creative art form. He first published his poems during 1997. Ever since he has continued writing poetry on different themes and published 4 poetry books.

Most of his poems describe the Maldives, revealing the natural beauty of the small islands and also about their rapid progress. Other poems reflect his thoughts, feelings and desire.

Ali Shareef has worked in government sector for several years and was the Director General of the National Library when he retired in 2008. He was awarded the silver pen for journalism by the government of the Maldives. And was awarded a plaque for the long time civil service.

On his first publication in 1997 he writes; "if you get satisfaction or hear an echo of what's in your conscience from these verses, that will be my reward".

Photo: Ali Shareef with Ex-Indian Prime Minister VP Singh