Featured
Sun Siyam Resorts promotes Mohammed Shihab to Group Director of Sales & Marketing, Ahmed Naufal to Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing
To boost and strengthen its business development team and to take the company’s commercial strategy to new heights, Sun Siyam Resorts has recently promoted Mohammed Shihab to Group Director of Sales & Marketing, and Ahmed Naufal to Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing.
In his new role, Shihab will be heading the sales & marketing teams at all six Sun Siyam Resort properties in the Maldives & Sri Lanka by creating and developing strong and effective sales & marketing growth strategies as well as overseeing all global relationships with key partners to successfully drive business.
Shihab joined the company in 2020 as Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing at Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives, moved up the career ladder to Director of Sales and Marketing before taking on a new project under the Sun Siyam Resorts umbrella, and to be part of an exciting pre-opening team, when he joined Siyam World in 2021 as Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing. Based at Siyam World, Shihab effectively led the Sales & Marketing team through the successful opening of the most revolutionary island resort and gamechanger to hit the Maldives tourism industry, and headed all Sales & Marketing matters for Sun Siyam Iru Fushi at the same time.
He has been proficient in the hotel industry since September 2011, starting his career as Sales & Marketing Supervisor at Meeru Island Resort and Spa, Maldives. He then took on a new challenge in the MICE sector, in September 2015, when he joined Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa as Senior Catering & Conventions Manager. Shihab also held the position of Director of Catering & Conventions at the same property before joining The Standard, Huravalhi Maldives in 2019 as Director of Sales & Marketing.
Born and raised in India and proudly half-Maldivian, Shihab speaks fluently Hindi, English & Dhivehi and brings more than 13 years of sales experiences in the hospitality industry with him.
Holding a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Bangalore, India and a passion for the hospitality industry, he is also avid about driving a business and successfully set new heights for this industry in days to come.
Based at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, Naufal takes on his new role as Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing from March 2023, overseeing all sales & marketing activities for Sun Siyam Iru Veli & Sun Siyam Olhuveli. He was promoted from his previous position as Director of Sales and Marketing at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, where he spearheaded the three connecting island property’s sales activities globally.
Originally from the Maldives, Naufal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Tourism Management from the Maldives National University, and has over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry in the Maldives. He additionally holds two successfully completed course certificates from internationally renowned Cornell University in Business Strategy and Revenue Management 360.
His Maldives hospitality career began at One & Only Kanuhura in 2008, where he worked as Reservations Agent and then Baros Maldives in 2011 where he worked his way up for over six years from Reservations & Sales Executive to Cluster Assistant Sales Reservations Manager.
He then joined Dhevanafushi Maldives Luxury Resort in 2017 as Associate Director of Sales and also held the post of Director of Sales at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo from 2017-2018. Naufal later joined the Radisson Blu Resort Maldives in 2019 and Movenpick Maldives 2020 as Director of Sales before taking on his most recent role at Sun Siyam Olhuveli in 2021.
Deepak Booneady, CEO at Sun Siyam Resorts says; “We are incredibly proud to be able to promote such trusted and skilled team members within our company, since growing and supporting our people is part of our core values at Sun Siyam Resorts. We are confident that with Shihab’s & Naufal’s impressive professional experience and their “can do” attitude, the company will be able to reach its targeted achievements and definitely makes a splash in the industry.”
To find out more visit www.sunsiyam.com
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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