Business
Maldives Marine Expo 2019 begins

Fifth edition of Maldives Marine Expo, the official exhibition of the country’s liveaboard industry, began on Wednesday.
During a ceremony held Wednesday afternoon at the expo grounds, economic minister Fayyaz Ismail inaugurated expo.
“After 12 years, the Liveaboard Association has received national status and changed to National Boating Association of Maldives. We, the government, will hear and consider the voice of the organisation when making decisions regarding the development of tourism and marine industry,” the minister said.
“Approximately, 300 vessels are operating in the Maldives including safari boats, diving dhonis and fishing vessels. Almost 8,000 locals are employed on these vessels. In a very near future, a harbour will be built that is safe and closer to both Hulhule and Male.”

Top officials from the National Boating Association of Maldives and representatives from the marine industry attended the ceremony.
“This event has expanded over the years, especially this year. An event like this has always been a challenge. We appreciate the support from the event manager and industry,” Ismail Hameed Vice President of the National Boating Association of Maldives, said, in his opening remarks.
“This is the longest running event in the marine industry and the purpose of an event such as this is to bring the industry together on one platform and share their products with other businesses and state-of-the-art options available in the market.”

Held from Wednesday to Friday at the main convention centre of Dharubaaruge and the Fishermen’s Park in capital Male, the Maldives Marine Expo 2019 features 30 exhibitors occupying 52 stalls.
With the theme of marine technology, the fifth edition of the expo aims to explore new developments with the help of experts and specialists in the field. Technological developments that would improve maritime operations are being showcased during this expo.

This year’s expo also features a ‘Water Display Area’ at the Fishermen’s Park in capital Male, where exhibitors are showcasing their vessels.
Gulf Craft serves as the main sponsor of the Maldives Marine Expo 2019, whilst Al-Shaali Marine has been appointed as a co-sponsor. Other partners include:
- Dhiraagu: Digital Service Partner
- Event Maldives: Sound & Lights Partner
- Mihaaru: Media Partner
- Floating Asia: Magazine Partner
- Design Gallery: Production Partner
- Eliyz: Photography Partner
- Crowe Maldives LLP: Audit Partner
- Absolute Security & Advance Protection: Security Partner
- Habitat Pvt Ltd: Flooring Partner
- The Civil Coffee Society: Specialty Coffee Partner
- Print Lab: Printing Partner
- Loopcraft: Creative Partner
- Aqua Vita Residencies: Real Estate Partner
- Virtual Technologies LLP: Technology Partner
- Sunfront Pvt Ltd: Furnishing Partner
- Toddy Inc.: Apparels partner
Organised by Blak, the Maldives Marine Expo is an international platform that presents a diverse range of exhibitors that contribute to the marine industry.
Over the past five years, the Maldives Marine Expo has served as a link between manufacturers, suppliers and service providers, and has facilitated connections between large corporations and stand-alone businesses. The expo, held as the official exhibition of the National Boating Association of Maldives, continues to introduce newcomers and innovative technologies to the market.
The National Boating Association of Maldives, formerly known as Liveaboard Association of Maldives (LAM), is the official representative body for the Maldives’ liveaboard industry.
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.
-
Action1 week ago
India’s Sunrisers Hyderabad cricket team hits pause with Maldives retreat
-
News1 week ago
Barceló Nasandhura opens as Male’s largest hotel
-
News5 days ago
Anantara Veli Maldives Resort launches artist in residence programme with Cambodia-based artist FONKi
-
Action1 week ago
Napoli back on top of Serie A as De Laurentiis celebrates in Maldives
-
Awards1 week ago
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa earns triple nominations at 2025 World Travel Awards
-
Family1 week ago
Le Méridien Maldives Resort launches ‘Family Fun Summer’ escape
-
Drink1 week ago
Tacos, tostadas, and tropical vibes: Tex-Mex night at Cinnamon Dhonveli
-
News4 days ago
The Cocoon Collection launches Cocoon Circle: New loyalty programme offering exclusive rewards in Maldives