Ahmed Shafeegu was born on 15 May 1928 in Male’, Maldives, and is regarded as one of the foremost living writers of the country. His meticulous research is complimented with his prolific output - 22 books altogether with several other essays contributed to various magazines over a life time of intense curiosity about the geography of the country, the cultural features, history and political thought of its people and the many traditions and customs of Maldivians. Shafeegu is particularly fond of recalling his two early mentors; the prominent Maldivian scholar Hussain Salahuddin, who encouraged him to pursue his education, and the first president of the country and one of the brightest literary talents among Maldivian writers, Mohamed Amin Didi. Mohamed Amin also later taught Ahmed Shafeegu the subjects Dhivehi language, geography and history for two years. Shafeegu cites Mohamed Amin as a major inspiration to him as a writer.

‘Maldivian Crafts’ was first published in Dhivehi in 1998. And to date it is unrivalled in the detail and accuracy of its documentation of the many crafts of the country, some of which wholly indigenous to Maldivians. Ahmed Shafeegu began a career in the civil service as a clerk at the Home Ministry at the age of 18, the same year in which he also got married. He went to serve as atoll chief for numerous atolls both in the north and the south, which enabled him to pursue his research into Maldivian life.

Shafeeegu still continues to write and lives in Male’ with his family. He has 9 children.