Business
Universal Aviation Maldives to begin operations in November 2018

US-based Universal Aviation has announced that its newest location, Universal Aviation Maldives will begin operations by the end of November 2018.
Universal Aviation Maldives is headquartered at the Maldives main Velana International Airport, and is a joint venture with Inner Maldives Holidays, a multi-award winning travel company providing tourism and travel services to the booming tourism industry in the Maldives since 1998.
“The Maldives area popular but potentially challenging destination for our clients, so it was important for us to identify a partner in Inner Maldives that will not only reduce our customers’ risk and stress on the ground but provide them with an unforgettable experience through pro-active trip management, versus relying solely on third-parties,” Greg Evans, Chairman at Universal, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
Universal Aviation Maldives’ main operation is located at the main airport island of Hulhule, but the company also provides supervisory services at all airports throughout the Maldives, including Gan International Airport in the southernmost Addu atoll, Villa International Airport in South Ari Atoll, and Hanimaadhoo International Airport in the northern Haa Dhaal atoll.
“Tourism is a major reason for much of the corporate jet aviation traffic to the Maldives,” Abdulla Ghiyas, Managing Director at Universal Aviation Maldives, said.
“Our team members are trained to Universal Aviation’s ground support standards, but are also experts in local tourism and can help arrange discounts for crews on local hotels, air transport, and tours.”
Upon opening, Universal Aviation Maldives will become Universal Aviation’s eighth location in the Asia-Pacific region.
“Universal Aviation Maldives will support local business aviation traffic but just as importantly will be a local advocate for the industry in the Maldives,” Charlie Mularski, Senior Vice President for International Operations at Universal, said.
“Our team will work closely with the Maldives government to identify opportunities to drive traffic, and improve infrastructure and access while also benefiting the local economy.”
Universal Aviation, the ground support division of Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc., has more than 40 locations in 20 countries, including 19 in the Asia-Pacific region with the addition of Universal Aviation Maldives. The Texas-headquartered company offers products and services including international flight planning and scheduling, weather briefings, fuelling programmes, aircraft ground handling and aviation security.
Inner Maldives Holidays is one of the pioneers in launching outbound packages and holidays in the Maldives offering exciting and discounted holidays to Sri Lanka, Dubai, Thailand, Malaysia, Turkey, Jordan, India, Indonesia, Bali, Krabi, Singapore, Hong Kong, Seychelles and many more.
The company, which currently has business operations in Dubai, Seychelles, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, has also won multiple international awards, and has been recognised as a leading wholesaler for inbound tourists into Maldives and leading FBO at the airport for private jets. It is also affiliated to its sister companies, including Ace Aviation Services Maldives, Ace Travels Maldives and Aitken Spence Maldives, representing major airlines and brands in the Maldives.
Velana International Airport serves as the main gateway to the Maldives, renowned world over for its unique natural beauty and luxury tourist resorts. More than 30 international airlines, including major players such as British Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Emirates and Etihad Airways, operate scheduled flights to the airport, carrying over a million tourists per annum from across the world to the island paradise.
Business
Dubai Chocolate Brownies in Maldives: BBM, Dreidoppel conclude pastry tour

BBM’s exclusive Dreidoppel Demo Tour, led by Master Pâtissier Frankie Robin, concluded successfully on Apr 30th, after a 10-day pastry training series across 15 leading Maldivian resorts that requested the training. Two city bakeries were also trained on the 30th. The initiative brought together global expertise and a strong commitment to raising pastry standards in the local hospitality industry.
This year’s sessions focused on practical pastry solutions using Dreidoppel’s premium ingredient range to create Panettone, Dubai chocolate brownies, Mousses, Crème Brûlée, Fill & Gloss applications, and Caramel Chocolate Snacks.

A standout feature of the tour was the passion shown by young chefs across the islands.
Chef Frankie Robin remarked, “What truly impressed me was how prepared and passionate the young chefs were. Their eagerness to learn, experiment, and take their skills to world-class standards made every session an absolute joy.”

Grounded in real kitchen challenges—speed, flavour, and efficiency—Chef Frankie’s demos showcased how smart ingredient choices can drive both creativity and performance.
A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM, added, “At BBM, we believe in more than just supplying ingredients—we are committed to the professional growth of the industry. Collaborations like this empower culinary teams with global techniques and greater confidence.”
The tour reflects BBM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Maldivian foodservice industry through knowledge-sharing and access to world-class products.
Business
BBM brings Vaseline, Hellmann’s, BRU Coffee to Maldives market

Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) extended their strong and decades old partnership with Unilever International, by adding to their brand portfolio – Vaseline, Hellmann’s, and BRU Coffee for the Maldivian market.
The collaboration was announced at a Business gathering held at the Manhattan Business Hotel, attended by over 300 trade partners from across Maldives.

With this partnership, BBM strengthens its retail offerings across the Maldives archipelago. Vaseline, a trusted name in skincare, and Hellmann’s, known globally for quality food products, will now be available through BBM’s distribution network.
“Vaseline is a name that generations trust for skin care. And Hellmann’s is a global icon in flavours. We’re proud to bring both to shelves across the Maldives and enrich everyday living for our customers,” said Muksith Hussain, Business Head – Retail.
In the hospitality sector, BBM introduces Bru Coffee as an addition to its HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, Café) offerings. BRU Coffee provides a quality beverage option for hotels, resorts, and restaurants across the Maldives.

“BRU is one of the most loved coffee brands in the region. With this launch, we’re giving our hospitality partners a versatile product that delivers on both taste and reliability that can be consumed as a beverage and for the purpose of dessert preparation, something they can serve with confidence,” said Hisham Girsy, Business Head – HORECA.
The gathering served as a platform for BBM to engage with its valued trade partners and introduce these new brands to the market.
A.V.S Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM, remarked: “BBM is built on relationships. This event reflects our commitment to not just introduce great products but to support, connect, and elevate our trade partners. We’re in this together, and the journey ahead is promising.”

As BBM continues to grow its portfolio and global partnerships, the focus remains clear delivering excellence, building trust, and shaping the future of trade in the Maldives.
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) is a leading distribution company in the Maldives, connecting international brands with local businesses across retail and hospitality sectors. With a customer-focused approach and extensive distribution network, BBM continues to be a trusted partner in the Maldivian market.
Business
Redefining corporate retreats at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

MICE travel is undergoing a sea change—quite literally. No longer limited to traditional conference rooms and structured schedules, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) are now about creating moments that inspire, rejuvenate, and bring teams closer together. At Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, the boundaries between business and leisure blur, offering a setting that transforms work into a pleasure.

Just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is the ideal destination for teams looking to escape the expected. Here, brainstorming sessions take place on powder-soft beaches, where the rhythmic waves set the pace for new ideas. Mornings might begin with yoga by the ocean, followed by strategy meetings in open-air pavilions. Afternoons invite collaborative workshops under swaying palms or team-building activities that include snorkelling, paddleboarding, or even a friendly beach volleyball match.

Dining at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives elevates every corporate event with fresh, sea-to-table cuisine, designed to fuel both body and mind. From curated group dinners under star-streaked skies to themed private banquets, every meal becomes an experience in itself. For those looking to celebrate milestones or reward top performers, the resort’s scenic locations offer the perfect backdrop for gala evenings or intimate cocktail gatherings.

Accommodation blends comfort with elegance, offering ocean-view suites and beachside retreats that allow participants to rest, recharge, and return with a fresh perspective. Despite the remote charm, connectivity is never an issue—seamless Wi-Fi and business-friendly amenities ensure that productivity doesn’t pause, even in paradise.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives turns corporate travel into something memorable. Whether it’s a leadership retreat, a high-level conference, or an incentive escape, the resort offers a canvas for events that leave lasting impressions. Here, business goals are pursued in harmony with nature, creativity flows effortlessly, and the line between work and well-being fades.
Let your next MICE experience be more than a meeting—make it a journey worth sharing.
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