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Sun Siyam Resorts launches new creative department; introduces key roles to elevate brand
Maldivian-owned Sun Siyam Resorts has introduced new key management roles as well as a recently developed Creative Department to its corporation with Sara Siyam as new Creative Director, Claudia Klingbeil as Director of PR & Communications, and Shammun Mohamed as Director of Digital Communications.
The new Creative Department will overlook the brand growth, all aspects of branding and visual content, implement new communications and PR initiatives, develop unique experiences as well as resort-based events.
The creators behind Sun Siyam Resorts strongly believe in local capabilities and have made it their mission to develop Maldivian talent in the hospitality industry, hence with Sara and Shammun joining the creative department, the company brings highly talented young and experienced locals to elevate the brand.

Sara has worked in Sun Siyam Resorts since 2017, starting her journey on a group-level PR Executive role and quickly developed into the Assistant Manager of PR and Marketing. In November 2020, she started her new role at Siyam World Maldives as the PR and Marketing Manager where she played an essential role in developing the branding, content, PR, and communications aspects of the resort. She worked with her team in launching the brand-new property on October 28th 2021.
In her new position as the Creative Director at Sun Siyam Resorts, she will determine the creative vision of the group and enhance brand awareness through public relations, advertising campaigns, brand stories as well as unique experiences and events for each of the Sun Siyam properties. Sara will lead the creative department in implementing new strategies and creative goals to boost the Sun Siyam brand globally. She will also be working closely with the Sun Siyam PR and Marketing teams to implement new strategies.
Sara has a Masters Degree in International Tourism and Hospitality, from James Cook University in Singapore and has a passion for creating new innovative ideas and events. Coming from a family with strong tourism and hospitality background and seeing and experiencing the company from within, Sara has an ambitious goal to make Sun Siyam a one-of-a-kind and unique local brand that emphasises on creating and delivering unique experiences.
Sara said: “Creating limitless and unique experiences has always been a passion of mine, with this dynamic age, there is constant need for innovation, in terms of branding, and experiences we offer, the messages that we convey through different digital platforms and what makes us unique or stand out from the rest. With five different properties in the Maldives, each unique with their offerings and experiences, Sun Siyam Resorts offers something for everyone and by enhancing our creative side and coming up with new ideas for guests’ experiences and events, we will surely be able to take this company to new heights!”

Originally from Germany, well-travelled, and having lived and worked in Australia, United Arab Emirates, the Maldives, and Europe, Claudia will serve Sun Siyam Resorts as a trusted brand and pr advisor in her new role as Director of PR & Communications and will do so from her base in Spain, Europe. She will develop and implement pr and communications strategies as well as spearhead all global Sun Siyam Resorts PR Agencies to boost brand awareness, cultivate relationships with media, press and journalists, as well as effectively drive global PR activities and editorial opportunities.
Being a versatile and accomplished public relations and communications specialist, Claudia comes with more than a decade of hands-on experience within the global tourism, travel, and luxury hospitality industries. She most recently served Sun Siyam Resorts as a Consulting Director of PR & Marketing during the opening of its newest game-changing Maldives island property Siyam World.
Claudia also played an integral part of the two luxury island openings of Amilla Fushi & Finolhu Maldives, as well as rebranding Huvafen Fushi Maldives while she held the Cluster Director of Communications role at The Small Maldives Island Co.
Having also worked and lived in the United Arab Emirates, with several PR & Marketing Manager roles at public, private, and corporate sector companies such Radisson Blu or The Abu Dhabi Country Club and Al Maya Resorts, Claudia also comes with film production project management know-how as an added value before she started working as a freelancer and consultant for several start-up and global travel, lifestyle, and hospitality brands to help them excel in their public relations, communications, and branding endeavours.
“Claudia’s expertise and in-depth knowledge of communications and PR will be a major asset in implementing our communications strategy, enhance brand exposure, and take the company to the next level. We are extremely excited to have Claudia on the team, leading our public relations and communications division,” said Deepak Booneady, VP of Commercial at Sun Siyam Group.

Shammun Mohamed brings with him a new level of innovation and creativity. Shammun has a Degree in Mass Communication from NICC in Bangalore, started his creative journey at Ahmed Fahud Studio, a local advertising firm, and has worked at Sun Siyam Resorts as a PR Executive and as the Cluster PR Manager for Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and Sun Siyam Iru Veli, His true calling and passion lies in the creation of content and storytelling. As the Director of Digital Communications, Shammun will be responsible for developing, managing, and executing communications strategies through all digital platforms and ensure that Sun Siyam digital experiences align with and support its mission, vision, values, brand, reputation, and strategic goals.
Shammun said: “I am really excited to take on this new challenge, with an amazing team and bright and new ideas we will really be able to create something unique and beautiful here at Sun Siyam Resorts and we want to make sure the World knows it! Working at the cutting edge of technology and innovation across multiple platforms by connecting creative approach to the business strategy has always been my calling.”
Featured
Amilla Maldives presents ‘Eid in Harmony’ island celebration
Amilla Maldives is inviting guests to mark Eid al-Fitr with a series of island celebrations under the theme Eid in Harmony, bringing together cultural experiences, family activities and festive dining.
Eid, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is widely celebrated across the Maldives as a time of gathering and shared moments. At Amilla Maldives, the occasion will be observed through a programme of relaxed events designed to reflect the atmosphere of island life and community.
During the celebrations, guests will be able to take part in cultural performances, family-friendly activities and island gatherings highlighting Maldivian traditions. These will include performances of Bodu Beru, interactive island games and creative workshops that offer visitors insight into local culture.
The resort will also present a range of culinary experiences for the occasion. Chefs will prepare festive dishes inspired by both regional and Maldivian flavours, with dining experiences ranging from relaxed daytime offerings by the beach to evening dinners served under the stars.
Set within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the celebrations are designed to offer guests an opportunity to experience the traditions and atmosphere of Eid in a natural island setting.
Guests interested in the full programme of celebrations can access the resort’s Eid 2026 brochure online.
Featured
SO/ Maldives unveils three-day Easter celebration
SO/ Maldives has announced a three-day Easter programme taking place from 3 to 5 April 2026, featuring dining experiences, sunset gatherings, beach cinema and family activities across the island.
Set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ lagoon waters, the programme is designed to combine culinary events, music and leisure activities, offering guests a variety of experiences over the Easter long weekend.
The celebrations begin on Good Friday, 3 April, with the Ocean Harvest & Wine Soirée at Citronelle Club. The event features a five-course seafood dinner inspired by South African cuisine, accompanied by a curated wine pairing hosted by a master sommelier. The experience will be limited to 20 guests.
Later in the evening, entertainment will continue at Lazuli Beach Club, where the Vintage Nights at Lazuli event will feature curated wines and DJ music in a beachfront setting.
On Saturday, 4 April, guests will be invited to a Golden Hour Sundowner at the Pavilion Bar, where cocktails will be served during sunset overlooking the lagoon.
The evening will continue with the Starlit Holy Saturday Feast at Lazuli Beach Club, featuring a three-course dinner served outdoors. The programme will conclude with an open-air beach cinema experience, where guests can watch a film on the beach accompanied by popcorn and refreshments.
The programme concludes on Easter Sunday, 5 April, with a series of events along the island’s shoreline. The evening begins with Easter Bloom Cocktail Hours, offering floral-inspired drinks prepared with fruit and botanical ingredients.
The highlight of the celebrations will be the Easter Grand Beach Barbecue at Citronelle Club, featuring grilled dishes served in a seaside setting. The event will also include live saxophone performances and music.
Throughout the weekend, children will have access to a dedicated programme at The Nest, where activities will include Easter crafts, egg decorating, dance sessions and an Easter egg hunt. Additional activities such as face painting, piñata games and creative workshops will also be available.
Through its Easter programme, SO/ Maldives aims to provide a mix of dining, entertainment and family-friendly activities, offering guests the opportunity to mark the holiday while enjoying the island setting.
Featured
Oaga Art Resort brings back Kula Kula Festival with global influences
Kula Kula Festival will return for its fourth edition at Oaga Art Resort from 20 to 25 March, bringing together cultural influences from the Maldives, Brazil and India in a programme centred on art, music and community.
The festival combines the traditions of Eid al-Fitr, the vibrant spirit of Brazilian Carnaval, and the colours of Holi, creating a multi-cultural celebration that highlights performance, heritage and shared experiences.
The programme begins with Eid-related traditions, inviting guests to take part in cultural rituals and performances inspired by Maldivian heritage. The festival continues its collaboration with Kiyavahi Culture Studio, which will present workshops, demonstrations and interactive installations showcasing traditional Maldivian crafts and storytelling.
Guests will have opportunities to explore cultural practices such as Fangi Viyun (thatch weaving), Roanu Veshun (coir rope making), Kasabu Gethun (lacquer work) and Thundu Kunaa Viyun (mat weaving). Through these sessions, participants will also learn about the history and cultural significance of these crafts.
The festival begins with Eid Malhi, a bonfire lit by Oaga’s Rahvehin on 19 March to mark the sighting of the new moon. This is followed by Eid prayers and Eid Sai, a traditional breakfast at Kaa Kada. Throughout the day, guests can take part in activities such as Eid Kulhivaru beach games and Fen Kulhi, which combines water and colour play. The Maali Parade, inspired by Maldivian folklore, will lead guests to a high tea gathering at Raa Baa Beach featuring live performances and traditional attire experiences.
Live entertainment forms a central part of the festival programme, with performances from local and international artists. Guests will experience Boduberu fusion performances by Nuff and Ciam, storytelling rhythms by the Harunulaa Boduberu Group, and electronic music performances by Digital Flock during the Kula Kula Rave.

Dhivehi music will also be featured through performances by solo artist Naffah, while storyteller Amney will share Maldivian folklore through music sessions at O’Fire.
Indian classical music will be represented by sitar player Kalyan, who will perform across multiple sessions during the festival. Brazilian performer Alikko will introduce elements of Brazilian culture through fire shows and performances accompanying dining experiences at Kaa Kada.
Dining experiences will also highlight cultural diversity, with lunch and dinner services featuring themed presentations such as Eid Jaafaiy and Indian-inspired cuisine prepared in collaboration with Kalyan.
Evening programmes will include live music, fire performances, communal barbecues and a collaborative live art and music showcase titled Unethical Projection, featuring both resident and guest artists.
For the first time at the festival, Brazilian Carnaval will be incorporated into the programme. The segment will feature a Brazilian-inspired buffet at Kaa Kada, performances by Alikko and a Kula Kula Rave hosted by Digital Flock.
The final days of the festival will bring together Maldivian, Indian and Brazilian cultural influences under the theme Made of Many, Felt as One. Activities will include music sessions, collaborative performances featuring the Rav drum with Nuff, and storytelling by Amney.
The festival will conclude with a Deserted Day Picnic at Hastheem Sandbank, where guests can enjoy watersports, snacks and DJ sets by Afruh.
Through its programme of performances, cultural workshops and shared experiences, the Kula Kula Festival continues to position itself as a platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange, reflecting the creative identity of Oaga Art Resort.
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