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When the Night Falls in Malé City
Rock music artist Alexa Pol, performing at Maldives Breakout Festival 2009. Live music has also begun to integrate itself into the Malé lifestyle.
As the sun kisses the horizon on the western side of the capital Malé City of Maldives, as usual people of all ages go out on the streets to enjoy another evening. The sun slowly disappears over the western ocean and young couples can be seen riding around the city. Some of them dressed in their best, their faces made up in anticipation of the approaching night, enthusiasm clearly visible on their smiles.
As the sky darkens the streets are bathed by the headlights of motorcycles and cars, the elderly slip away into teahouses for their fair share of fun. The youth slowly disappears into their favorite coffee houses or cafés, as they welcome and embrace their nightlife.
It is an almost daily routine. Since the introduction of 24 hour open cafés and restaurants, the coffee culture of Malé has grown exponentially, and for the youth it has become part of their life. Teahouses have existed for quiet sometime. While women seldom visit the noisy teahouses, cafés are usually packed full of young men and women.
Perhaps it is the crude nature of the teahouses that cause women to shy away from them. However the teahouse is one of our cultural motifs that has lingered on through the swift development of the small island of Malé. It brings out a strong manly and local attitude. It could be called the equivalent of the western bar.
The caffeine was a quiet recent introduction. It can be said that the birth of our coffee culture came along with the establishment of 24 hour cafés. After sundown such cafés fill up with youth that just want to spend a good time. While some of those cafés provide weekly live music, others provide a quiet environment where people can just share their ideas with their friends.
Unlike the western civilization where the nightlife consists of a mixture of night clubs and alcohol, the Malé nightlife is in a way unique and unlike any other. Perhaps the only aspect of the Malé night which is similar to foreign countries is going to the cinema. Malé City has one major cinema where Maldivian movies are screened. A new movie is released about once a month or so, and the cinema is usually packed full of people of all ages.
Live music has also begun to integrate itself into the Malé lifestyle. While bands often play in resorts, live performances by Maldivian bands are sometimes held in Malé. In different occasions foreign bands have also performed. Such a band would be “Arch Enemy”. Some remarkable music festivals have also been held in the Malé, including the “Breakout Festival”. One of the cafés in which Maldivian bands perform live would be Seahouse Café.
Nights without music are usually spent on discussions and arguments about hot topics that touch incredibly vast areas of the human life. Such topics include politics science and business. Most importantly it is the time spent with friends and colleagues that they all value and treasure. It is a very different intellectual community of Maldivians, one that has adapted to the new age.
The crowd thins out towards the dawn, and as the sun rises and the streets are owned by joggers and exercisers. The night crowd slips away under the safety of their blankets. The sun rises over the eastern horizon and there is nothing quite like it. The solace of the night air left behind, the calm quietness of a new day dawns upon a sleeping city.
Tennis enthusiasts of all levels are encouraged to participate in an engaging five-day tennis camp hosted by former British tennis star Naomi Cavaday, as part of JA Manafaru’s ‘Naturally Better Festive Programme.’
From January 1st to 5th, 2025, Naomi Cavaday will provide expert coaching to both adults and children at the resort’s tennis court from 4 to 5 pm daily. With a career that includes competing at Wimbledon and in all four Grand Slam tournaments, Naomi offers players a unique opportunity to receive personalised guidance from a former WTA professional. Whether participants are beginners or advanced players aiming to refine their skills, her competitive spirit and passion for coaching promise to elevate their performance.
The tennis camp aims to deliver an inspiring and dynamic experience for all participants, offering a chance to learn from Naomi’s extensive expertise. Guests will benefit from high-quality coaching and gain valuable insights into the sport, all within a supportive and enjoyable environment.
Jason Kruse, General Manager at JA Manafaru, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Naomi Cavaday to host our tennis camp as part of our ‘Naturally Better Festive Programme.’ Her vast experience and genuine love for the game will undoubtedly inspire guests of all ages, helping them improve their skills and enjoy a memorable tennis experience during their stay.”
Naomi Cavaday, a former British tennis player, turned professional in 2006 and competed in WTA events and all four Grand Slam tournaments. She represented Great Britain as the number one player in the Billie Jean King Cup and has achieved significant victories, including matches against top players such as Venus Williams and Martina Hingis. Beyond her playing career, Naomi is a respected commentator for Sky, Eurosport, and the BBC, where she shares her expertise with global audiences. As a coach, she is dedicated to mentoring and developing new generations of tennis players.
This festive season, the idyllic island of JA Manafaru has announced a unique experience for young football enthusiasts, as former England goalkeeper Robert Paul Green hosts an exciting football camp for children. The camp, which commenced on Friday, will be held daily from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM at the JA Manafaru Football Pitch, running until 30th December 2024.
Robert Green, widely regarded as one of England’s top goalkeepers during his career, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the pitch. Known for his impressive 20-year footballing journey, Green played at the highest levels, including the Premier League, Football League, and for the England national team. This exclusive opportunity to learn from a football legend will inspire children to develop their skills and confidence both on and off the field.
Career highlights of Robert Green:
- Premier League & Football League Career: Robert Green enjoyed a distinguished career as a goalkeeper in both the Premier League and Football League. He made over 500 professional appearances for clubs including West Ham United, Norwich City, and Queens Park Rangers.
- England National Team: Green earned 12 caps for the England senior national team, representing his country in major international tournaments, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
- West Ham United: A standout in Green’s career was his time at West Ham United (2006–2009), where he established himself as one of the Premier League’s top goalkeepers, earning the club’s Player of the Season award in 2007-08.
- Notable Performances: Green’s performances in key matches, including vital saves in high-stakes Premier League encounters, were pivotal to his clubs’ successes. His time with QPR and Norwich City further solidified his reputation as a reliable and skilled goalkeeper.
As part of the festive celebrations at JA Manafaru, this football camp is designed for children of all skill levels, from beginners to more experienced players. The sessions will focus on technique, teamwork, and developing a love for the beautiful game, all while ensuring a fun, safe, and supportive environment.
Each participant in the camp will receive a full set of jersey uniforms as a token, allowing the young players to feel like true athletes while they engage in this unforgettable football experience.
“We’re delighted to welcome Robert Green to JA Manafaru this holiday season. His wealth of experience and dedication to the sport will undoubtedly inspire young players from both near and far. The football camp is a fantastic addition to our “A Naturally Better Festive” programme, and it aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing unique, enriching experiences for families. We look forward to seeing the joy and growth that these sessions will bring to the children, as well as how sports programmes like this will bring the entire resort together, creating a sense of community like a village of good friends,” says Jason Kruse, General Manager.
“As part of our vision to provide guests with both active and wellness-focused activities, we are thrilled to offer this football camp under Robert Green’s expert guidance. Our guests, particularly children, will benefit immensely from the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship that Robert brings to the pitch. It’s an exciting way for families to celebrate the festive season while fostering a love for the game in a beautiful, tropical setting,” remarks Rita Gupta, Director of Spa & Recreation.
The camp is exclusively available to children staying at the resort, ensuring a special and enriching opportunity for young guests to participate in this exciting initiative.
JA Manafaru, renowned for its exceptional service and award-winning CoolZone, which has earned the Worldwide Kids accreditation for two consecutive years, offers the ideal environment for young children and teens to enjoy a fun and safe experience.
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has introduced an exciting new activity for ocean enthusiasts: Conservation Snorkelling. Led by the resort’s resident marine biologist, Mohamed Shah, this immersive experience allows participants to contribute to marine conservation efforts while exploring the vibrant underwater ecosystem of the Maldives. Combining education, exploration, and action, the initiative offers an enriching opportunity for visitors of all ages.
Participants engage in collecting critical data on coral health and fish populations using underwater fish guides, coral health charts, and writing slates, while learning to identify various fish species. They assess reef conditions and contribute to the protection of the local marine environment. The findings are then discussed with Mohamed Shah, providing deeper insights into the marine life of the Iru Fushi lagoon and house reef.
This activity is a key component of Sun Siyam Cares, the resort’s initiative focused on environmental protection and community support. Families, young couples, and other guests can participate in global conservation efforts through the Coral Watch citizen science project. The activity is open to strong swimmers aged eight and above who feel comfortable snorkelling.
“At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, we strive to protect the stunning natural environment around us,” said Abdullah Atham, Resort Manager. “Through activities like Conservation Snorkelling, we encourage guests to explore and actively contribute to ocean conservation.”
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