Former President of the Harari People's National Regional State
Born: May 19, 1971
Place of Birth: Harar, Ethiopia

Education: BSc in Geology (Addis Ababa University); MBA (Open University, UK)
Key Achievement: Longest-serving President of the Harari Region (13 years)
Legacy: 2006 UNESCO World Heritage Recognition for Harar Jugol

Early Life and Lineage

Murad Abdulhadi Sherif was born into a family of Harari farmers on May 19, 1971, in the Argobari district of the ancient walled city of Harar. As the fourth child in his family, Murad’s upbringing was deeply rooted in the region's rich history and spiritual heritage.

His lineage is distinguished by both scholarship and nobility. His mother, Hududa Mohammed Kabir, descends from a line of renowned Harari Muslim scholars and Sheikh Abadir, the renowned "founder of Harar". His father, Abdulhadi Sharif, held the title of Sharif, tracing his ancestry to Husayn ibn Ali and the revered saint Abdul Qadir Gilani.

Education and Academic Background

Murad began his formal education at Harar Senior Secondary School. Driven by a keen interest in the natural sciences, he moved to Addis Ababa to pursue higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Addis Ababa University in 1993. Committed to lifelong learning and executive leadership, he later obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Open University in the United Kingdom.

Career and Public Service

Murad’s professional journey began in service to his home region at the Harari People's National Regional State (HPNRS) Mining and Energy Office, where he eventually rose to become Head of Department. His dedication to public service led him to the role of Head of the Harari Culture and Sports Bureau, where he became a champion for the preservation of the region's unique identity.

From 2000 to 2005, Murad served as the General Secretary of the HPNRS. In 2005, he reached the pinnacle of regional leadership when he was appointed President of the Harari People's National Regional State.

Presidential Tenure and Legacy (2005–2018)

Murad Abdulhadi’s presidency was defined by the international elevation of Harar. In 2006, just one year into his tenure, the historic fortified town of Harar Jugol was officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Under his leadership, Harar earned the UNESCO motto "City of Peace and Tolerance," a testament to his diplomatic initiatives.

Cultural and Infrastructure Revitalization
From 2007 onward, Murad launched an ambitious series of projects to modernize the region while honoring its past:

Heritage Preservation: He oversaw the renovation of the Jugol walls and gates, established the Harari Cultural Center (Ada Gar), and built the Harari Palace (Guest House).

Language & Scholarship: He implemented Harari as a working language, funded historical research, and supported the founding of the Sharif Museum.

Intangible Culture: He established the Ina Abida Training Institute to teach indigenous sewing methods and initiated the application for Shewalid to be recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Infrastructure: His administration resolved chronic water shortages through new well production, installed modern sewage systems, and began construction of the Aw Abadir Stadium.

Healthcare: With federal assistance, he established a cancer center and a major referral hospital.

International Diplomacy and Diaspora Engagement

Murad was a prolific fundraiser and diplomat. During a 2010 visit to Australia, he successfully mobilized millions of Ethiopian Birr from the diaspora for the rebuilding of Harar. In 2016, he strengthened international ties by visiting Harar’s sister city, Charleville-Mézières, France.

He launched the "Diaspora Gey" initiative, which encouraged Hararis living abroad to return and invest in their homeland. He also established "Harari Day," a global homecoming event. On a regional level, he worked to enhance relations with groups sharing historical links to the Harari people, including the Silt'e, Argobba, Somali, and Oromo communities.

Conclusion and Personal Life

Murad stepped down in 2018 amid widespread political shifts in Ethiopia. He concluded a remarkable 13-year tenure, leaving office as the longest-serving regional leader in the country at that time. He was succeeded by Ordin Bedri.

Today, Murad Abdulhadi remains a dedicated family man; he is married and the father of five children.