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Universal Enterprises donates PCR machines for Maldives coronavirus response

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Universal Enterprises has donated two PCR testing machines to help the Maldives contain the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Health minister Abdulla Ameen received the donation Tuesday.

“Ministry of Health wishes to thank Universal Enterprises Pvt Ltd for the timely contribution of 2 PCR machines to strengthen COVID19 testing capacity in the country,” health ministry said on Twitter.

Health minister Abdulla Ameen. PHOTO/ HEALTH MINISTRY

It follows a donation in June of 20,000 test kits.

One of the largest conglomerates in the Maldives, Universal owns and operates the largest collection of resorts in the Maldives.

Universal has suspended the operations all of its resorts, as the Maldives reels from the economic impact of a series of drastic preventive measures aimed at containing the virus outbreak.

The group’s resort’s will remain closed until October.

The coronavirus outbreak has hit the Maldivian economy hard, as travel restrictions and other preventive measures affect the country’s lucrative tourism industry, which contributes the bulk of the island nation’s state revenue and foreign reserves.

Before the pandemic, the government had been bullish about tourism prospects, targeting two million, high-spending holidaymakers this year after last year’s record 1.7 million.

However, only 382,760 tourists visited the Maldives before the country closed its borders on March 27. It was a 40.8 per cent decline over the 646,092 that visited the Maldives from January to March last year.

With arrival numbers falling, several resorts across the Maldives had been closed.

Meanwhile, the government’s best case scenario now puts total tourist arrivals for 2020 just above 800,000. 

Tourism has been the bedrock of the Maldives’ economic success. The $5 billion-dollar economy grew by 6.7 per cent in 2018 with tourism generating 60 per cent of foreign income.

However, the government is at present projecting a possible 13 per cent economic contraction this year — an estimated $778 million hit.

On March 8, Maldives reported its first cases of the novel coronavirus, as two hotel employees tested positive for Covid-19 at a luxury resort in the archipelago.

Eighteen more cases — all foreigners working or staying resorts and liveaboard vessels except five Maldivians who had returned from abroad — were later identified.

A six-case cluster of locals, detected in capital Male on April 15, confirmed community transmission of the coronavirus. Several more clusters have since been identified, bringing the total number of confirmed case in the Maldives to 3,506.

Fifteen deaths have been reported, while 2,547 have made full recoveries.

The Maldives announced a state of public health emergency on March 12, the first such declaration under a recent public health protection law.

The public health emergency declaration allowed the government to introduce a series of unprecedented restrictive and social distancing measures, including stay-at-home orders in capital Male and its suburbs, a ban on inter-island transport and public gatherings across the country, and a nationwide closing of government offices, schools, colleges and universities.

Non-essential services and public places in the capital such as gyms, cinemas and parks were also shut.

Restaurants and cafes in the capital were asked to stop dine-in service and switch to takeaway and delivery.

A nationwide shutdown of all guesthouses, city hotels and spa facilities located on inhabited islands was also ordered.

These measures allowed authorities to contain the outbreak.

The restrictions are now being eased in phases, with the third phase measures now active. Borders have also reopened.

Drink

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island welcomes world-class vintner Kai Schubert to Ithaa

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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will welcome internationally acclaimed winemaker Kai Schubert, co-founder of Schubert Wines in New Zealand, for an exclusive wine dinner at the resort’s iconic Ithaa Undersea Restaurant on Monday, 6 October 2025.

Renowned for producing world-class Pinot Noir and an exceptional portfolio of wines, Schubert Wines has earned a place on prestigious wine lists worldwide. Schubert’s visit presents Maldivian wine enthusiasts and resort guests with a rare opportunity to engage with a distinguished vintner whilst enjoying an extraordinary culinary experience.

The evening will showcase a specially curated five-course gourmet menu, each dish thoughtfully paired with Schubert Wines to highlight their elegance and complexity. Guests will be guided through the pairings by Schubert himself, gaining personal insights into his winemaking philosophy and journey.

With the breathtaking underwater setting of Ithaa providing a remarkable backdrop, the dinner promises an unforgettable occasion that brings together fine cuisine, distinguished wines and one of the most unique dining environments in the Maldives.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island forms part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty programme for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members booking directly through preferred Hilton channels enjoy instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows nearly any combination of Points and money to be used for bookings, exclusive member discounts unavailable elsewhere, and complimentary standard Wi-Fi. Members also benefit from contactless technology via the Hilton Honors mobile app, enabling digital check-in, room selection, and room access through Digital Key.

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Celebration

Siyam World unveils ten days of sports, music, dining, and Halloween spectacle

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Siyam World Maldives, part of the Sun Siyam Resorts Lifestyle Collection, is preparing to host ten days of activities and entertainment from 20 to 31 October 2025. The programme will combine sports, culinary showcases, music events, and a large-scale Halloween experience.

The line-up begins with a three-day Rugby Camp from 20 to 22 October, led by England rugby player Danny Care. This will be followed by a Football Camp from 23 to 27 October, with former professionals Marco Negri, Marco Materazzi, and Ciru Caruso guiding young participants through drills, games, and training sessions.

Culinary highlights will feature Chef Junichi Tanaka and sake sommelier Yasuyuki Suzuki at the resort’s Japanese fine-dining venue, Arigato. Chef Tanaka, co-founder of Bincho Tanaka in Ito, Japan, is recognised for his approach combining charcoal cooking, fermentation, and cultural storytelling. Together with Suzuki, they will present a set menu paired with Japanese sake.

On 28 October, the resort will mark its fourth anniversary with a beachside celebration featuring DJ performances by LOVRA and Tom Zanetti. The event will create a festival-style atmosphere with live music and dancing.

For Halloween on 31 October, Siyam World will introduce a themed haunted walkthrough inspired by The Conjuring Universe. Characters including Annabelle, The Nun, La Llorona, and the Crooked Man will be featured. Guests who complete the walkthrough will be able to attend a dance performance inspired by one of the franchise’s stories, followed by a Halloween party with DJs and live acts.

Sara Siyam, Director of Marketing at Siyam World, commented: “At Siyam World, we don’t just host events, we create legendary experiences. Our fourth birthday and Halloween takeover are more than celebrations – they are experiences that continue to redefine events in the Maldives.”

Alongside the scheduled events, guests will have access to Siyam World’s wider facilities and activities, including spa treatments, watersports, horse riding, the island’s go-kart track, and the resort’s 24-hour WOW! All-Inclusive package.

The October programme reinforces Siyam World’s positioning as a resort designed for large-scale experiences, combining sports, entertainment, and dining with its ‘no-rules, just vibes’ philosophy.

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From elves to Bond-inspired parties: Mercure Maldives Kooddoo reveals Festive Royale 2025

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This festive season, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo is set to host Festive Royale, a holiday celebration designed exclusively for adults, where glamour meets playful mischief and every evening offers a new story. Running from 22 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, the resort will transform into a lively stage for cheeky elves, daring parties, and sparkling celebrations that extend well beyond midnight.

Santa’s scout Elf and his companions will take charge at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo, bringing mischief and energy to the celebrations. On Christmas Eve, Alita Restaurant will be transformed into a lively Elves’ playground for the Elf on a Shelf Christmas Eve Gala Dinner, followed by a DJ-led party beneath the stars. On Christmas Day, the Grinch will make a dramatic appearance, while guests will enjoy a festive breakfast, followed by indulgent lunch and dinner buffets. With the Elves in charge, the holiday mood will remain playful, spirited, and delightfully mischievous.

As the year concludes, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo will unveil Operation Countdown, a New Year’s Eve event inspired by the suave world of James Bond. The evening will begin with cocktails at the Pool Bar Deck, leading into a gala dinner marked by style, intrigue, and celebration. The night will culminate in a poolside countdown party, with DJ performances carrying the festivities into the early hours of 2026. On New Year’s Day, Alita Restaurant will welcome guests for an extended champagne brunch.

Beyond the nightly festivities, the resort will provide opportunities for both fun and rejuvenation. Guests may join pool gatherings, cocktail-making and cooking classes, or restore balance with yoga, meditation, and treatments at Suvadiva Spa. Mornings will bring ‘Elf on a Shelf’ hunts with hidden prizes, while evenings will offer reflective experiences such as sound healing under the stars, creating a balance between playful energy and mindful renewal.

Cluster General Manager, Riaan Drever, remarked: “This is the season where Elves run wild, the Grinch takes centre stage, and the New Year feels like the set of a Bond film. At Mercure Maldives Kooddoo, guests can expect celebrations that combine mischief with glamour, keeping the island alive with energy from morning hunts to late-night beats.”

This December, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo invites guests to embrace a festive playground of charm, cheek, and celebration, where no two nights are ever the same and every moment holds the promise of something unexpected.

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