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Emmen Prepares to Host Emmen Dives
Maldives Promotion House – Maldives is home to a beautiful underwater world and has rapidly gained popularity among diving enthusiasts from all over the world. “Emmen” is a newly formed organization that has taken initiative to promote diving in Maldives.
Emmen recently announced the launch of its first event “EMMEN DIVES” underscoring its commitment to providing a platform to develop talents. In partnership with Intoscuba, an aspiring new PADI dive centre, EMMEN DIVES will start on 24th June 2011 at S. Hithadhoo for the Addu and Fuvahmulah region and will end on 16th July 2011.
The project, EMMEN DIVES, aims at creating opportunities for everyone in diving and related fields. According to Emmen, they recognize the need to create experts in the related fields and seek to provide the platform for such individuals to build their careers.
The residents of South region are invited to benefit from a free dive and experience the thrill of diving first hand with Intoscuba’s instructors on their open day at the swimming track northeast of Hithadhoo. The opening ceremony will start at 08:00 AM. It will be followed by information sessions, entertainment, food and music.
Open Water and Advance Open Water Diver courses will commence the following day and will continue up to a maximum of three weeks, depending on the number of enrollments. EMMEN DIVES will conclude with an eventful closing ceremony.
The event dives will commence with free Test Dives at the Open Day. The free dives for children between 8 and 10 years of age will be known as Bubble Making. Open Water Diver courses and Advance Open Water Diver courses are planned to start the following day.
The Open Water Diver course, for ages 15 and above, is the stepping stone to deep water diving. This course is offered to children aged 10 to 15 years as the Junior Open Water Diver course. The Advance Open Water Diver courses are offered to those who are seeking to enhance their skills and are already certified. The Junior Advanced Open Water Diver course is available for ages 12 and above.
To maximize the number of applicants, the PADI certified courses are conducted at a price considerably lower than in Malé. As a dedication to the affordability of course rates, they plan on apportioning a percentage of their sponsorship directly to the cost of course fees. The course fees could be lowered by MRF1,000 depending on the sponsors. The starting price for the Open Water Diver and Advance Open Water Diver courses are MRF3,900 and MRF3,300 respectively.
According to Emmen the project EMMEN DIVES will also travel to the north regions of Maldives later this year with the same great benefits.
The organizers of EMMEN DIVES which was endorsed by both “Ministry Of Human Resources, Youth and Sports” and “Ministry Of Tourism Arts And Culture” said that every individual is just as important to build a community.
“Emmen is based on the belief that the needs of each individual are important when it comes to building a better community in the country. Emmen works with the talent of the future and sets them on the journey of embracing lifelong learning and development based on their skills and interest. Emmen will partner with individuals and companies who provide trainings in different fields and take them across the provinces of Maldives. Emmen staff are actively engaged in research for areas of interest across the Maldives in order to be better able to meet the requirements of residents living outside of the Malé region,” Emmen said
Excursions
Discover Raa Atoll: Ifuru Island Maldives adds new dive packages for 2026
Ifuru Island Maldives has introduced a new collection of curated dive packages, inviting guests to explore the exceptional underwater world of the Maldives through programmes designed for beginners, aspiring divers and certified enthusiasts alike.
Located in the pristine waters of Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island Maldives provides access to vibrant house reefs, calm lagoon conditions and several of the region’s most celebrated dive sites, including the renowned Ifuru Thila. The newly launched dive packages are crafted to combine professional training, guided exploration and the convenience of a premium island stay.
The collection begins with an introductory diving experience tailored for first-time divers seeking to discover the underwater world in a safe and relaxed setting. Guests undergo lagoon-based training before progressing to the house reef, offering an ideal entry point into scuba diving with no prior experience required.
For guests ready to advance further, the resort offers a globally recognised scuba certification course. Designed for confident swimmers and snorkellers, the programme includes professional instruction, open water dives and an internationally valid certification, opening access to dive destinations worldwide.
Certified divers can choose a three-day dive escape that highlights the best sites in Raa Atoll. Featuring guided morning dives across renowned locations, the experience showcases the atoll’s rich marine biodiversity, striking reef structures and clear waters.
“Diving is an essential part of the Maldivian experience, and we wanted to create a collection that feels both accessible and exceptional,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “Whether it marks a guest’s first dive or their next significant underwater journey, these packages are crafted to offer confidence, comfort and memorable experiences beneath the surface.”
All dive packages may be booked alongside the resort’s premium accommodation offerings, including the Exclusively Yours Premium All-Inclusive meal plan, daily resort touches, complimentary non-motorised water sports, snorkelling equipment and return domestic flight transfers for qualifying stays.
The dive packages are available for booking and travel throughout 2026 and must be confirmed ahead of arrival. Package rates apply in addition to accommodation and are subject to availability.
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Niyama Private Islands enhances surf lifestyle with stylish new surf venue
Niyama Private Islands Maldives now offers what is considered the most luxurious surf experience in the Maldives, enhanced by the introduction of its new Surf Shack — a stylish beachfront hangout serving gourmet bites, drinks, sunset views and lively parties.
Known as Nature’s Playground, the resort has long attracted surf professionals from around the globe. Located in the southern Maldives, where swells are at their strongest, it is a preferred base during peak surf season. Waves break directly on shore, with additional surf spots accessible within minutes by speedboat.
Niyama’s signature waves roll in at Vodi Point, situated on the westernmost tip of its twin islands. It is here that the resort has unveiled the new Surf Shack, designed to make time off the waves equally appealing. The thatched-roof venue encourages a barefoot, relaxed atmosphere, offering an upper deck for sunset viewing and picnic-style seating below. Reflecting Niyama’s sustainability ethos, Area Chief of Engineering Michael Patrick Slevin notes that 75 per cent of construction materials were repurposed, blending beach casual with environmentally conscious design.
Guests can enjoy gourmet dishes served from service windows, with a menu inspired by iconic surf destinations worldwide: Australian fish and chips, Indonesian satay, Mexican nachos and Japanese takoyaki. The drinks list pays tribute to rum, featuring an extensive collection and signature cocktails inspired by renowned surf breaks.
While the Surf Shack maintains a laidback feel during the day, the beachfront transforms at dusk as the tides shift and the DJ elevates the atmosphere. The resort’s rum and reggae Sundays have already become a celebrated weekly event.
Surfers at Niyama can design their days as they wish — chasing waves or relaxing ashore. The Surf Centre offers equipment and guidance, while Drift by Niyama provides recovery treatments to soothe muscles, repair sun-exposed skin and restore energy. Resident professional surfers remain available to advise on technique and wave conditions.
“The new Surf Shack forms part of the renewed Niyama experience, which includes significant refurbishments across the resort, inventive culinary additions and a greater emphasis on active living and wellness,” said Hafidh Al Busaidy, General Manager of Niyama Private Islands Maldives. “With more developments on the way, we look forward to sharing what comes next.”
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Reethi Faru Resort hosts Magda Linette ahead of new tennis season
Reethi Faru Resort recently welcomed Magda Linette, a Top 20 professional tennis player, who selected the island resort as her training retreat while preparing for the Australian Open and the forthcoming tennis season. Away from the competitive spotlight, Linette utilised the resort’s private and tranquil setting, where expansive beaches, clear lagoon waters, and discreet luxury provided an environment conducive to both focused preparation and recovery.
Throughout her stay, Linette combined intensive training sessions with periods of rest, making use of the resort’s calm surroundings and seclusion. The natural setting of the Maldives offered an effective backdrop for physical conditioning and mental focus, supporting her preparations ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam tournament.
Known for its emphasis on privacy, understated luxury, and an authentic island atmosphere, Reethi Faru Resort continues to attract elite athletes seeking a destination that supports peak performance while delivering a refined island experience. The resort extended its best wishes to Linette as she progresses through the upcoming tennis season.
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