Featured
Emirates offers expanded multi-risk travel insurance coverage
Emirates customers can now plan their travels and fly with even greater assurance and peace of mind, with the airline’s latest industry-first initiative to provide expanded, multi-risk travel cover on top of its current Covid-19 cover.
Provided by Emirates at no additional cost to its customers, and provided by AIG Travel, this cover is the first of its kind in the airline and travel insurance industry. It is designed to provide all Emirates passengers a truly unique offer for stress-free and hassle-free travel.
“Emirates was the first airline to offer complimentary global COVID-19 cover for travellers back in July, and the response from our customers has been tremendously encouraging,” Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Chairman and Chief Executive, said.
“We’ve not rested on our laurels and instead continued to look at how we can offer our customers an even better proposition. We’re very pleased to be able to now provide this new multi-risk travel insurance and COVID-19 cover, which is another industry first, to all our customers.”
The new multi-risk travel insurance and COVID-19 cover will automatically apply to all Emirates tickets purchased from 1 December, and extends to Emirates codeshare flights operated by partner airlines, as long as the ticket number starts with 176.
“We see a strong appetite for travel around the world, especially heading into the winter holidays as people seek warmer climates and family destinations like Dubai. By launching this new multi-risk travel insurance and COVID-19 cover, we aim to give our customers even more confidence in making their travel plans this winter and moving into 2021,” Al Maktoum added.
Emirates customers will be covered when they fly to any destination, in any class of travel. Highlights of the coverage include:
- Out-of-Country Emergency Medical Expenses & Emergency Medical Evacuation up to $500,000, valid for Covid-19 (contracted during the trip) and other medical emergencies while traveling abroad.
- Trip Cancellation up to $7,500 for non-refundable costs if the traveler or a relative (as defined in the policy) is unable to travel because they are diagnosed with Covid-19 before the scheduled trip departure date, or for other named reasons – similar to other comprehensive travel cover products.
- Trip Cancellation or Curtailment up to $7,500 if the school year is extended due to Covid-19 beyond the departure date, and the traveler or a relative (as defined in the policy) is a full-time teacher, full-time employee, or a student at a primary or secondary school.
- Trip Curtailment up to $7,500 for non-refundable trip costs and additional costs to return to their country of residence if the traveller or a relative (as defined in the policy) falls critically ill, for instance, contracts Covid-19 while traveling abroad.
- Travel Abandonment up to $7,500 if the traveller fails a Covid-19-related test or medical screening at the airport and is required to abandon the trip.
- $150 per day per person, for up to 14 consecutive days if, while outside of their country of residence, the traveller tests positive for Covid-19, and if they are unexpectedly placed into a mandatory quarantine outside their country of residence by a governmental body.
“We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Emirates and we are excited to work with them to tailor this product to meet the needs of Emirates customers worldwide,” Jeff Rutledge, CEO of AIG Travel, siad.
“Our hope is to help alleviate some of the concerns travellers may have when planning travel during this time.”
Similar to other multi-risk travel insurance products, Emirates’ generous cover also has provisions for personal accidents during travel, winter sports cover, loss of personal belongings, and trip disruptions due to unexpected air space closure, travel recommendations or advisories.
Customers do not need to register or fill in any forms before they travel, and they are not obligated to utilise this cover provided by Emirates. For more information, please visit www.emirates.com/multi-risk-travel-insurance

Flexibility, assurance
Emirates’ booking policies offer customers flexibility and confidence to plan their travel.
Customers who purchase an Emirates ticket for travel on or before March 31, 2021, can enjoy generous rebooking terms and options, if they must change their travel plans.
Customers have options to change their travel dates or extend their ticket validity for two years.
Health and safety
Emirates has implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey to ensure the safety of its customers and employees on the ground and in the air, including the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes to all customers.
For more information on these measures and the services available on each flight, visit www.emirates.com/yoursafety.
Ten weekly flights to Maldives
Emirates, which runs the world’s biggest airline by international traffic, resumed services to the Maldives on July 16 after a three-month hiatus in the wake of border closures by the Maldivian authorities to control the coronavirus outbreak.
The Dubai-based airline now offers 10 flights per week to the Maldives, with a daily Dubai-Male connection, and a second service operating on Mondays, Wednesday and Sundays.
The Maldives reopened its borders on July 15.
With the border reopening, 30-day free on-arrival visa is issued to all tourists with a confirmed booking for a stay at any registered tourist facility in the country.
There is no mandatory quarantine or testing on arrival, but tourists have to complete an online health declaration form and provide a negative PCR test result taken at least 96 hours prior to their departure.
Visitors with symptoms of the Covid-19 respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus or those travelling with someone who has similar symptoms are also tested at their own expense.
Action
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau unveils ‘Calm Waters: Swim with Nurse Sharks’
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has introduced “Calm Waters: Swim with Nurse Sharks”, a new package combining marine adventure, wellness and education in Raa Atoll.
The package is designed for travellers seeking experiences that go beyond leisure, offering opportunities to engage with the natural environment through activities that are both educational and responsible. Located close to one of the most accessible nurse shark snorkelling sites in the Maldives, just a 10-minute boat ride from the resort, InterContinental Maldives is offering guests the chance to observe the species in its natural habitat.
At the centre of the package is a guided swim with nurse sharks, giving guests the opportunity to observe the animals at close range in the water. Ahead of the excursion, guests are invited to attend a complimentary presentation led by one of the resort’s resident marine biologists. Held two days before the swim, the session is designed to address common misconceptions about sharks while providing information on their behaviour and ecological role. The presentation also includes refreshments and an interactive question-and-answer session.
The package also incorporates wellness elements in line with the resort’s broader focus on wellbeing. On the morning of the excursion, guests may take part in a 60-minute Morning Meditation & Slow Stretch session at the resort’s Yoga Pavilion. The session includes guided breathwork and mindful movement intended to help participants feel prepared before entering the water. The group session is priced at USD 35++ per person.
Before the swim begins, the resort’s marine team assesses shark activity and water visibility in Maamunagau Lagoon to ensure suitable conditions. The experience does not involve feeding or pursuing the sharks. Instead, guests observe them from a respectful distance as they rest on the seabed or move along the reef. The activity is positioned as an accessible marine encounter for a wide range of guests, including families, while also serving as an introduction to marine ecosystems and conservation. The guided swim is priced at USD 120+.
After the excursion, guests may choose from a selection of spa treatments at AVI Spa. These include Floating Sound Healing, which places guests in water while sound vibrations are used to support relaxation, priced at USD 150+. Another option is the 120-minute Maldivian Essence ritual, a full-body treatment drawing on local healing traditions and designed to relax muscles, nourish the skin and restore balance. This treatment is priced at USD 280+.
Through the “Calm Waters: Swim with Nurse Sharks” package, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is bringing together marine education, responsible wildlife interaction and wellness experiences in a single programme. The package presents ocean exploration as both a nature-based activity and a restorative experience, allowing guests to engage with the marine environment in a considered and structured way.
Featured
SO/ Maldives to celebrate Eid Al Adha with dining, wellness and entertainment
SO/ Maldives has announced its Eid Al Adha programme, “Eid, the Island Way”, set to take place from 26 to 28 May 2026, presenting a resort-led celebration that blends cultural elements with contemporary luxury.
Set in the Indian Ocean, the resort is positioning the three-day programme as an immersive experience aimed at travellers seeking leisure, wellness and curated island activities. The celebration will bring together a series of daytime and evening experiences built around relaxation, dining, entertainment and family-oriented programming.
During the mornings, guests will be able to begin the day with sunrise yoga overlooking the lagoon or take part in snorkelling and diving activities designed to showcase the surrounding marine environment. The programme is intended to reflect a style of luxury travel in the Maldives centred on personal experience and wellbeing.
Throughout the day, Lazuli Beach Club will serve as a social venue for guests, offering tropical milkshakes, live music, and Karak tea paired with shisha. The setting is designed to create a relaxed atmosphere for guests to gather and mark the occasion of Eid.
In the evenings, the resort will shift its focus to live entertainment. The programme will include Oud performances, DJ sessions by the shoreline, and fire dance performances. Pavilion Bar will also host its Sunset Hour, where guests can enjoy drinks alongside views of the sunset.
Dining will be a central part of the Eid offering. At Hadaba, SO/ Maldives’ signature restaurant, guests will be offered a four-course menu inspired by traditional flavours and presented through a contemporary approach. The menu will feature dishes influenced by shawarma, slow-cooked lamb and pistachio-based desserts.
The resort will also offer a range of wellness and activity-based experiences during the celebration. These will include spa treatments such as the Eid Aroma Deep Journey, as well as fitness sessions aimed at relaxation and rejuvenation. Marine excursions will give guests opportunities to explore coral areas and observe marine life.
Families travelling to the resort will also have access to activities for children, including workshops and cultural sessions, intended to reflect the spirit of Eid across different age groups.
Through the programme, SO/ Maldives continues to develop its identity as a luxury lifestyle resort in the Maldives, combining design, hospitality and curated guest experiences. With “Eid, the Island Way”, the resort is presenting Eid Al Adha as a multi-day celebration centred on connection, dining, entertainment and island living.
Awards
Sirru Fen Fushi secures dual nomination in Condé Nast Traveler Awards
Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort has been nominated in both the Condé Nast Traveller (UK) and Condé Nast Traveler (US) Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, reflecting recognition across two of the travel industry’s established global platforms.
The annual awards highlight hospitality brands based on guest feedback, with nominations reflecting performance across areas such as service, design, wellness and overall guest experience.
Located within one of the Maldives’ larger resort lagoons, Sirru Fen Fushi is known for features including the Coralarium, an underwater art installation, as well as its approach to sustainability and wellness. The resort said the dual nomination reflects its continued focus on delivering guest experiences aligned with international expectations.
According to the property, its offering combines accommodation, dining and wellness programmes within a natural island setting, supported by service and curated activities.
In a statement, resort management said the nomination acknowledged both the contribution of its team and the support of its guests.
“We are honoured to be nominated in both editions of the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards,” the resort said. “This recognition is a testament to our dedicated team and the heartfelt support of our guests. We remain committed to creating experiences that resonate long after our guests return home.”
Voting for the Condé Nast Traveler (US) Readers’ Choice Awards and Condé Nast Traveller (UK) Readers’ Choice Awards is open until 30 June 2026.
-
News1 week agoMachchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives unveils Eid al-Adha getaway packages
-
Cooking1 week agoYou & Me Maldives announces gourmet week with Chef Andrea Berton
-
Love1 week agoCentara Grand Lagoon Maldives unveils romantic getaway offers
-
Awards5 days agoAnantara Kihavah Maldives Villas named to 2026 T+L 500 list
-
News5 days agoGrand Park Kodhipparu introduces Maldives’ first resort membership concept
-
Awards1 week agoInterContinental Maldives Maamunagau secures Readers’ Choice Awards nomination
-
News5 days agoMeyyafushi Maldives opens with focus on premium all-inclusive travel
-
Action1 week agoSiyam World expands activity line-up with 3K run and race


