Maldives Inflight Catering Pvt Ltd (MIC) has announced the appointment of Ali Shakir as the Group General Manager. With over 27 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ali Shakir will now oversee operations for the Maldives Inflight Kitchen, Hulhule Island Hotel, and Madifushi Private Island Maldives.

Ali Shakir, who most recently served as General Manager at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, played a pivotal role in the resort’s redevelopment and reopening. Prior to that, he joined Atmosphere Core in 2019 as Resort Manager at VARU By Atmosphere, where he was instrumental in the pre-opening of several properties, including OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, and VARU By Atmosphere. His wealth of experience also includes key positions at prestigious resorts such as Angsana Velavaru, Hulhule Island Hotel, and Paradise Island Resort and Spa.

Ali is no stranger to MIC, having spent more than 15 years at Hulhule Island Hotel, where he rose through the ranks to become Executive Assistant Manager before departing in 2019.

Commenting on his new role, Ali Shakir expressed his enthusiasm:
“I am honored to rejoin MIC and lead the operations of these iconic properties. This company has always held a special place in my career, and I am excited to work with the talented team to drive further success and innovation.”

Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, Managing Director of MIC, welcomed Ali to the leadership team, praising his extensive experience and strategic vision:
“We are delighted to have Ali back at MIC. His proven track record in the hospitality sector, combined with his in-depth knowledge of Hulhule Island Hotel and his previous achievements, makes him the ideal leader to take us forward. I have no doubt that under his leadership, MIC will continue to set benchmarks for excellence.”

Ali Shakir holds a General Managers Program certificate from Cornell University, USA, and a General Hotel Service certification from the Institute of Hotel and Catering Service, Maldives.

MIC is a joint venture between Maldives Airports Company Limited and SATS Ltd, renowned for its inflight catering services to airlines and private jets. Beyond the Maldives Inflight Kitchen, MIC also manages Hulhule Island Hotel, the only airport hotel at Velana International Airport, and the luxurious Madifushi Private Island Maldives in Meemu Atoll.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo, idyllic island escapes nestled in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, has announced the appointment of Mr. Riaan Drever as their new Cluster General Manager, effective July 1, 2024.

Mr. Drever brings over two decades of global hospitality expertise to his role, including an impressive 11-year tenure within the Maldives itself. Driven by a deep passion for exceeding guest expectations, he has carved a successful career overseeing luxurious resorts and spearheading innovative hospitality projects.

A true visionary leader, Mr. Drever is renowned for his commitment to excellence and dedication to blending luxurious experiences with authentic Maldivian culture. “I’m excited to continue contributing to the Maldives’ hospitality sector alongside the local team and Accor,” shared Mr. Drever, “ensuring every guest achieves their dream vacation.”

As the Maldives continues to be a top travel destination, Mr. Drever’s leadership promises to further solidify its reputation for exceptional hospitality.

Island Hopping for Every Traveler

Perfectly situated in the southern Maldivian atolls, both Pullman and Mercure cater to diverse traveler preferences. Marine enthusiasts will be captivated by the chance to encounter up to 13 different shark species!

• Pullman Maldives Maamutaa: This five-star, all-inclusive haven boasts 18 hectares of lush greenery surrounding a natural lake. From gourmet dining to romantic cocktails and thrilling water sports, Pullman offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
• Mercure Maldives Kooddoo: This adults-only retreat offers a more intimate experience. Nestled on Kooddoo Island, it’s just a 50-minute domestic flight from Malé. Unwind and explore the island’s hidden gems at your own pace, indulging in delectable local flavors.

Memories Made to Last

Under Mr. Drever’s visionary leadership, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo promise an unforgettable Maldivian escape. Discover endless possibilities and create memories that will last a lifetime. Book your stay today and experience paradise!

CROSSROADS Maldives has announced the appointment of Ibrahim Farhad as the new Director of Retail at the Maldives’ premier integrated multi-island leisure destination. Farhad, known for his extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, brings a wealth of expertise in sustainable tourism management to his new role. He will oversee the retail operations at The Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives, enhancing the leisure, dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences for visitors from around the world.

Farhad’s impressive background includes significant contributions to policy formulation and stakeholder engagement during his tenure as the Senior Policy Director at the Maldives Ministry of Tourism. In this role, he was pivotal in developing and implementing policies that promoted sustainable tourism. He collaborated closely with government agencies and international organizations to ensure regulatory compliance, and his expertise in research, analysis, quality assurance, and capacity building has been instrumental in shaping the tourism sector in the Maldives.

In his new role at CROSSROADS Maldives, Farhad will oversee the strategic development of retail spaces, ensuring they offer a diverse and high-quality visitor experience. He will collaborate with local and international partners to bring unique products to The Marina, aligning with the destination’s commitment to sustainability and cultural authenticity.

“As a native Maldivian coupled with his extensive experience and deep-rooted community connections, Farhad is a great addition to our team at CROSSROADS Maldives. I am excited to see the fresh perspectives and innovative strategies he will introduce at The Marina, which will further strengthen CROSSROADS Maldives’ position as the premier integrated multi-island leisure destination,” said Alexander Traeger, General Manager of CROSSROADS Marina and SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton.

CROSSROADS Maldives looks forward to the innovative and sustainable approaches Farhad will bring to the retail operations, enhancing the overall experience for all visitors.