Business
MAHRP partners with Ooredoo to host Maldives’ first National HR Convention & Expo

Maldives Association of Human Resource Professionals (MAHRP) has partnered with Ooredoo Maldives to host the first ever National HR Convention & Expo in Maldives.
Ooredoo signed up as the title sponsor of the two-day event, which is set to take place on from March 4-5, at a ceremony held at the telecom giant’s headquarters in capital Male Sunday afternoon. MAHRP President Hussain Afeef and Ooredoo’s Director of Human Resources Mohamed Shahid signed the partnership agreement, in the presence of MAHRP Executive Secretary Ali Adam and Ooredoo’s Director of Sales and Brand Hussain Niyaz.
“The role of human resources as a strategic partner of the business is more important than ever. Forums such as the National HR Convention & Expo is imperative in setting new bench marks in excellence for the Human Resources professional network in the Maldives. We are honoured to be part of this excellent platform and hope it will provide an enriching experience for participating HR professionals,” Najib Khan, CEO of Ooredoo Maldives, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
MAHRP President Afeef thanked Ooredoo for partnering with his organisation in hosting the landmark convention.
“We chose Ooredoo Maldives as they have set new heights and benchmarks in the area of HR best practices, making the company one of the best employers in the country. We believe this partnership will add value to MAHRP and its members,” Afeef, who also serves as the Regional Director of Training, Development and Quality Assurance at LUX* Resorts, said.
Endorsed by the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) of Sri Lanka and World HRD Congress of India, the largest gathering of HR professionals in the Maldives will take place from March 4-5, 2019 at the main convention centre of Dharubaaruge in capital Male.
Aimed to provide transformational experiences for all speakers and participations, the National HR Convention and Expo 2019 is set to be the ultimate platform to feature the latest HR innovations, strategies, insights, and domestic and international best practices by the most influential and respected HR leaders, speakers and practitioners from the Maldives and the region. The expo will feature various services and solutions for managing day-to-day HR practices and functions within organisations.
The theme for the inaugural edition of the convention is, “Future of HR and Work”. Keynote speakers and other presenters will share best practices and highlights covering four main areas: Talent Development and Culture, Employee Wellness and Engagement, Innovation and Digitalisation in HR Practices, and HR as a Business Partner and Future of Work.
Amongst the six keynote addresses, Avi Liran, Chief Delighting Officer at Delivering Delights, will speak on the topic of ‘Creating Delightful HR Experiences’, whilst Jerome Joseph, Chief Delighting Officer and CEO at Brand Theater, will touch upon the concept of ‘Internal Branding and Employee Experience’. Founder and Chairman of World HRD Congress Dr RL Bhatia, Head of Research and Thought Leadership at CIPD Edward Houghton, President of Asia Professional Speakers Association Fredrik Haren, and author and speaker Su Patel will also deliver keynote addresses on the topic of ‘Further of HR and Work’.
Twenty presentations and speeches will be delivered on a range of topics, including ‘HR Innovation and Digitalisation’, ‘Talent Development and Culture’, ‘Future of Work and HR in Hospitality World’, and ‘Future of Work and Data’. Confirmed speakers and presenters include some of the most well-known names in the local HR professionals network:
- Ibrahim Inaz, Resort Manager at S Resorts & Hotels
- Adam Naseer, Director Technical Services at Auditor General’s Office
- Ali Adam, Manager Human Resources at Universal Enterprises
- Dr Ahmed Shahid, Dean of Faculty of Research at Villa College
- Hassan Saeed, Resort Manager at Dhigali Maldives
During the two-day convention, two panel discussions will take place on the topics of ‘HR as a Business Partner’ and ‘Employee Wellness and Engagement’. Panelists include Head of HR Business Partner at Bank of Maldives Ahmed Ibrahim, Cluster Director of HR at S Hotels & Resorts Aminath Shaly, Director of Human Resources at Villa Shipping & Trading Ibrahim Moosa, and Speaker and Trainer at Empowering All Masood Ali.
MAHRP is the first professional association registered in the Maldives, dedicated to human resources and people development.
Registration is now open for National HR Convention and EXPO 2019. Individual participants can register through the link https://form.jotform.me/
Business
2025 sees Maldives reach 1 million tourist mark in record time

Maldives has welcomed its 1 millionth tourist of 2025 on 7th June 2025, the fastest that the country has achieved a million tourists in our nation’s history.
Kajal Singh, an Indian national, arrived in the Maldives today on IndiGo flight 6E 1131 at 12:55. She is visiting for her honeymoon at Bandos Maldives. This is her first trip to the Maldives.

Visit Maldives, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), hosted a special celebratory event at Velana International Airport to commemorate this remarkable achievement.
“This milestone fills us with immense pride, reflecting the successful culmination of our destination marketing initiatives that showcase the true essence of the Maldivian experience,” stated Minister for Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim. “Welcoming one million tourists with such unprecedented speed is a powerful indicator of our global appeal, and I extend my sincere appreciation to all the hardworking individuals across the tourism sector whose dedication made this achievement possible.”

In a gesture highlighting the nation’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the one millionth visitor, Kajal, was invited to participate in the “Five Million Trees Planting Program” initiated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Kajal planted a tree at Hulhulé as part of this nationwide effort to combat climate change, enhance biodiversity, and promote a greener Maldives for future generations.
“This achievement is a clear indicator that we are well on our way to attaining H.E President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s national tourist arrival target of 2.3 million for this year,” said CEO & MD of MMPRC Ibrahim Shiuree. “We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with all our stakeholders, whose dedication and hard work are invaluable. Our commitment doesn’t end here; we are continually working to enhance the Maldives’ tourism industry and ensure the Sunny Side of Life remains a dream destination for everyone.”

The arrival of the 1 millionth tourist in 2025 marks a proud moment for Maldivian tourism, symbolizing the robust momentum generated by MMPRC’s strategic promotional efforts. Building on the resounding success of the recent Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, where the Maldives captivated the global travel trade community with its powerful and immersive showcase, this milestone highlights the effectiveness of our enhanced global visibility and affirmed key industry partnerships.
Complementing these efforts, the ongoing comprehensive Summer Campaign, with its multi-market strategy spanning Europe and key international markets, is actively driving increased visibility and stimulating early bookings for both the summer and upcoming winter seasons. MMPRC’s marketing initiatives such as high-impact campaigns, strategic partnerships, and targeted outreach are significantly enhancing the Maldives’ global brand, boosting booking confidence, and solidifying its position as a leading, year-round holiday destination.
Business
BBM: Stronger hospitality platform via Hotelier Maldives Awards, culinary development

Since 1990, Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) has been at the core of the Maldives’ hospitality supply chain. More than a distributor, BBM has become a trusted partner in shaping talent, raising standards, and building long-term capacity across the industry.
That commitment continues in 2025 through its title sponsorship of the Hotelier Maldives Awards, and its growing investment in culinary development and cross-industry collaboration.
Supporting the Ecosystem, Not Just the Event
BBM is the preferred partner for over 60 international brands. However, its true value lies in how it supports the people behind the brands. From chefs and service staff to back-of-house professionals, BBM works across the sector to create real impact.
This year, the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2025 expands its recognition with four new categories:
- Watersports Personality of the Year
- Diving Personality of the Year
- Airport Representative of the Year
- Resort Manager of the Year
These additions reflect a simple belief. Everyone who shapes the guest experience deserves to be seen. Not just the visible few. Everyone.
Hotel Asia and the Rise of Culinary Confidence
For more than two decades, BBM has served as the main sponsor of the Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge, endorsed by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS).
This platform has consistently raised the bar by bringing over 25 WACS A-Grade international jurors to the Maldives each year. Through this effort, local chefs get to test their skills on a global scale.
To further encourage excellence, BBM launched the Chairman’s Trophy, awarded annually to the most promising Maldivian chef:
- 2023 — Chef Mohamed Adhil
- 2024 — Chef Ahmed Mazim
Each name marks a growing movement. Maldivian chefs no longer compete to participate. They compete to win.
Backing Global Exposure for Local Talent
BBM has directly sponsored Maldivian chefs to represent the country at global events, including:
- HOFEX 2017 in Hong Kong, where Chef Ahmed Fatheen and Chef Ismail Naseer earned silver
- La Sial 2018 in Abu Dhabi, where Chef Mohamed Adhil won both gold and silver
- FHA 2018 in Singapore, supporting emerging talent
- Asian Pastry Cup 2018, where Chef Aminath Hameed was recognized as a pioneering female chef
- Chinese Cuisine World Championship 2019, where Chef Ahmed Mazim won bronze
- World Chefs Congress and Expo 2022, where BBM sponsored six MNU students under its Building Young Talent initiative
Creating Spaces for Knowledge Transfer
Beyond competitions, BBM hosts world-class chefs to lead pro bono Masterclasses, including:
- Chef Bruno Ménard, holder of three Michelin stars
- Chef Edwin Leow, gold medalist at the IKA Culinary Olympics
These sessions are designed to be open, practical, and rooted in the everyday reality of resort kitchens.
Recognition with Purpose
BBM’s sponsorship of the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2025 is part of a larger support system. These awards are not marketing. They are memories. They capture the faces, names, and efforts of those who make the Maldives one of the most admired hospitality destinations in the world.
“When people are seen, they rise,” said Ali Afrah Hassan, Head of HR, Admin, and Corporate Affairs at BBM. “This platform is our way of saying you matter. Not just once a year, but every day you show up to serve.”
Whether through product support, recognition, training, or infrastructure, BBM is building something larger than supply chains. It is helping shape the culture of Maldivian hospitality.
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.
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