RAYS Issue 3

SAMPLE PARADISE ON A

MANTA SEAPLANE

Worry Free

THE LEGEND OF KOIMALA LADIES OF LIBAAS ISSUE 03 - 2019

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REVIEW

OH-SO TASTY Welcome to a place where almost everything is possible, and boredom simply does not exist. Spoilt for choice, you can choose from a total of 10 unique restaurants & bars offering mouth-watering flavours from all over the world. Whether you want to dine as a group, or slope off to somewhere more intimate for a romantic meal! Enter a world of choice in our one of a kind island (desti)nation.

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Dhaalu Atoll , Republic of Maldives T. +960 676 0077 I E. mykindofplace@kandima.com kandima.com I #MyKindOfPlace

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LEADING F&B RESORT

ISSUE 03 - 2019

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CONTENTS

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THE LEGEND OF KOIMALA The local forklore tale depicted around the throning of Dharumavantha Rasgefaanu (King)

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LADIES OF LIBAAS

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AMILLA FUSHI

Tranquil treetop living at Skyhouse with Bubble

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ATR Propelling you into life

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5 things to look for at INTERCONTINENTAL MALDIVES

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SAMPLE PARADISE ON A MANTA SEAPLANE WORRY FREE

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BAA ATOLL MANTA FESTIVAL: A once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity

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DHEEMA

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UNICEF

Gold Standard for Athletes teams up with govt for road safety

CREDITS Content Director Ali Naafiz Writers / Contributors Ali Naafiz Ibrahim Mahudhee Mohamed Hamdhoon Xavier Romero Frías Daniel Bosley Aminath Iffath Ashifa Musthafa Elissa Miolene Creative Direction Moobeen Jaleel Layout and Design Maldives Promotion House Sales and Marketing Ismail Faseeh Ibrahim Mahudhee Raidh Mohamed Ahmed Ali Naafiz Photography Ibrahim Asad Mifzal Amir Aishath Naj Aishath Shabana Ashifa Musthafa Resort photos: courtesy of the respective resort Cover Photo Manta Air For advertising with us please contact us on +960 792 0990 raidh@maldives.net.mv

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© MANTA AVIATION PVT LTD 2019

Dear passenger, Welcome to the third edition of RAYS, the official inflight magazine of Manta Air! The yearly peak season is now upon us, and as an airline it is an interesting period for us. We, at Manta Air, are gearing up, with our continued focus on improving our services, to cater your demands on your tropical experience.

We understand that there is nothing more thrilling than experiencing the paradise of the Maldives where a world of amazing underwater life and pristine beaches awaits you. If you are reading this right, you are either starting your adventure or reminiscing about the story of a one-of-a-kind experience.

Travelling in the Maldives was a challenge for many in the past, and we have made it our mission to make it as smooth and enjoyable as possible for everyone. And we are proud to say that in the past six months, we have been able to remove a lot of major pain points when travelling in the Maldives.

You can now say goodbye to the wait, which turns minutes into hours with flight uncertainties and worries. With us, you can now know exactly the flight you will be taking and when, all thanks to the fixed schedule and advance booking features introduced by Manta Air and the same extended to our partner hotels.

Some of you may now be experiencing our newest venture; our seaplane service. The Manta seaplanes -- DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft -- are fitted with the next gen avionics, and the operations are based on fixed, pre-published schedules. We aim to establish a smooth connection with hotels and resorts as you sit back and relax as we cruise you to your tropical destination. This will definitely allow you to plan early and have twice the fun you deserve as you enjoy your travel in the Maldives.

Thank you once again for choosing Manta Air, the only five star local airline, as your travel partner in the Maldives!

Warm regards, Mohamed Khaleel CEO, Manta Air

FOLKLORE

The legend of

Koimala

By Xavier Romero Frías

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RAYS | THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE OF MANTA AIR

ong ago, in the northern mainland, lived a poor couple in a hut deep in the forest. One day, the husband went to hunt and didn’t return. His wife, who was pregnant with her first child, went to look for her husband, dreading that something had happened to him. Whilst she was walking through the forest, the woman suddenly felt the pains of childbirth. She sat under a Nikabilissa (Asoka) tree and gave birth there alone. Whilst she was lying there exhausted, a tiger jumped out of a bush and devoured the woman. Since the child was hidden between two roots, the tiger didn’t see him and went away.

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Original image extracted from “The Legend of Koimala / Folk Tales of the Maldives ISSUE 03 - 2019

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FOLKLORE

A herd of cows arrived after some time at that particular spot and one cow with a full udder happened to stand right above the child whilst she was grazing. The child felt for the nipple with his lips and sucked the milk. The cow, whose swollen udders had been hurting, felt relieved and returned everyday to that place under the Nikabilissa tree. In this manner the baby grew and, as soon as he could crawl, he followed the herd of cows.

Years passed and the child became a handsome boy, but he walked on all fours and said only “moo” like the cows. Hunters who spotted him in the jungle told the king about this wonder. His interest aroused, the monarch went out with his court into the forest where a trap was set. Shortly thereafter, the boy was caught in a net and was brought to the palace in a cage. The king invited all the learned men and doctors of his kingdom to see this amazing individual. All agreed that the child was not a monster, but a normal human being.

Teachers were appointed for him and soon he learned how to talk and walk upright. The king remarked that he was an exceptionally handsome young man and gave him the name Maleffadakoi (the boy like a flower). Before long, the monarch discovered that he was full of wisdom and honesty, and came to trust him more than anyone else in his court.

One day the king asked Maleffadakoi, “During your life in the wilderness, what is the greatest wonder you saw?”

Then, the lad told the following story. “One day I was walking with the cows by the coast and I saw seven large ships sailing at a distance. Suddenly an enormous fish came out of the waters, opened its jaws and swallowed the seven vessels in one gulp. But before the fish could plunge back into the depths, a huge bird came from the sky and devoured the fish. However, the bird had flown but a short distance when an immense snake came out of a hole in a mountain and gulped down the bird.”

RAYS | THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE OF MANTA AIR

The king asked in amazement, “Would you be able to show me that mountain?” The boy agreed and the next few days were spent preparing for the journey, for it was in a very remote place.

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After travelling a long distance, the king arrived at the mighty mountain along with Maleffadakoi and the royal retinue. They climbed to the summit and stared at the gaping hole in awe, fearing the snake would come out at any moment. The king ordered that large quantities of wood be thrown into the hole. During the next few days, thousands of the king’s slaves carried logs of wood dumping them day and night into the hole, but it was so deep that it took three whole months to fill it. Then the king ordered his slaves to set fire to the wood. The pit burned for 40 days and the whole mountain became so hot that it took as many days to cool.

Finally, one day they climbed the mountain and stood again close to the hole. The king looked down and ordered that a very long rope be brought. He first asked his warriors whether they dared to go into the pit. Since none of them had the courage, Maleffadakoi said he would go down himself. The boy went on a long descent, disappearing down into the depths of the mountain, whilst the king waited anxiously for him to come up. A long time passed and, as the monarch was resenting of having let his trusted friend climb down the hole, Maleffadakoi reappeared out of the darkness unscathed.

He showed the king a fistful of gold dust he had kept in his robe and said, “I found it down there.”

The king realised that it was the purest gold he had ever seen and asked, “Is there a lot of it there?”

The boy answered that at the bottom of the pit there was nothing else but gold dust. However, he couldn’t tell how far down this went.

Then the king ordered his slaves to bring all this treasure to the surface and to transport it to his palace. After arduous work and a long journey back, the slaves stored so many basketfuls of gold dust that the palace vaults were overflowing with it.

The king was very pleased. His kingdom had never been so wealthy.

Full of gratitude, he went to Maleffadakoi to tell him, “I owe my good fortune to you. Ask me any favour you want and I will grant it to you.”

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FOLKLORE

RAYS | THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE OF MANTA AIR

The young man said, “O King, the only thing I want is a large ship with a crew of experienced sailors and a load of gold dust.� The kind monarch readily agreed, thinking it was a small price to pay for the blessings the boy had brought upon him and his kingdom. Once Maleffadakoi obtained his ship, he bade farewell to the king and sailed away from the coast, southwards into the Indian Ocean.

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The ship entered the Maldives from the north at Ihavandu Island (Thiladummati Atoll) and anchored there at sunset. On the following day, a large white bird sat on top of the main mast. After squawking loudly, it flew southwards. This bird came again the next day and did the same thing. On the third day, Maleffadakoi told his sailors to follow the bird. Sailing southwards they finally entered North Male Atoll and arrived at an islet where the bird landed. This islet is called Dhoonidhoo (bird-island) today. Then it landed on a large sandbank close by. This sandbank was where the fishermen of

Giravaru, an island not far away to the west, used to cut and cook their fish. The sea surrounding the sandbank was always coloured red by the fish blood. Thus its name was Mahalē (Great Blood).

There was no tree on Mahalē, but the bird was nowhere to be seen after it had landed there.

Maleffadakoi became friendly with the Giravaru people. They liked him and gave him the shorter name ‘Koimala’. They traded goods with him in exchange for gold dust. They also welcomed him to settle in Mahalē.

Koimala built the first house in Mahalē and also planted the first tree, which was a papaya tree. He also built a large warehouse to store his gold dust. After some time, people from all the atolls gathered in Mahalē and crowned Koimala king.

As the years went by, some wealthy traders settled in Mahalē, attracting other people until it became the most populous island.

Eventually, the name of the island was shortened to Male and it became the capital of the island kingdom.

The islands then became Muslim and Koimala became a Muslim king. His name became ‘Darumavanta Rasgefānu’ (The Righteous King).

One day, on the street, coming out of the mosque after Friday Prayers, the king saw a child drawing a ship on the sand. The monarch thought it was very beautiful and asked the boy to sell him the ship. The boy said, “Majesty, I offer it to you.” Then the king went to the palace and ate lunch. After having finished his meal, whilst he was washing his hands, the child he had seen before came to him and said, “The ship is anchored in the harbour.”

The king went there and saw a large ship. The people onboard were all dressed in white. Then a small dinghy brought Koimala aboard the mysterious vessel. As soon as the king had set foot on it, the ship flew away and disappeared.

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DESTINATION STORY

Tranquil treetop living with

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Fushi’s ‘Skyhouse with Bubble’ 16

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DESTINATION STORY

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ubble tent concept is being elevated to a whole new level in Maldives, with luxury resort trendsetter Amilla Fushi’s new Skyhouse with Bubble accommodation — tranquil treetop eyries with their own private transparent Bubble, breathtakingly suspended 12 metres up between a canopy of lush palms and the vast Maldivian skies.

RAYS | THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE OF MANTA AIR

Encircled by swaying palms, and measuring four metres in diameter, the bubble’s interior features custom-fitted wooden floors, a rotating daybed, telescope, Bang & Olufsen sound system and bespoke furnishings. A removable cover provides solar protection during the day – and come nightfall, unfettered views of the star-studded heavens above.

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Conceived and custom-designed by Eye In The Sky, the transparent inflatable bubbles are constructed with super-strong, high tech polyester fabric using exclusive Précontraint Serge Ferrari technology. UV-protected, fully waterproof and climate-controlled, the Bubbles create an inspiring environment where guests can enjoy a uniquely immersive, closer-to-nature experience — without compromising on high-spec design and luxurious creature comforts.

In addition to this spectacularly heightened hideaway, the enchanting 220sqm Skyhouse also boasts serene living spaces; a private infinity pool cantilevered out amongst the treetops; and a spacious bathroom. Formerly known as Tree Houses, Amilla’s five

Encircled by swaying palms, the Skyhouse with Bubble takes treetop living to a whole new level.

PHOTOS: AMILLA FUSHI

Skyhouses are available in one- or two-bedroom configurations, providing an ideal treetop hideaway for families and couples alike.

The Skyhouse with Bubble comes with its own immersive ‘SkyHouse with Bubble Experience’, which includes specially designed destination dinner, stargazing experience with digestives and floating breakfast.

Reaching up through the canopy, laughter aloft in the leaves -Amilla Fushi’s Skyhouse with Bubble is an inspiring environment where guests can enjoy an incredible, closer-to-nature experience without compromising on high-spec design and luxurious creature comforts.

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RAYS | THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE OF MANTA AIR

DESTINATION STORY

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The ‘SkyHouse with Bubble Experience’ includes specially designed destination dinner, stargazing experience with digestives and floating breakfast.

PHOTO: AMILLA FUSHI

Facilities: 7ft king bed in master bedroom Private courtyard and garden hammock Cotton linens Outdoor rain shower Private freshwater pool Hair dryer Air conditioning and overhead fans Two luxurious bathrooms Entertainment system 42” TV with Blu-Ray player & satellite channels Bose surround sound system iPads and docking stations Wifi Private Bar Safe Private BBQ

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RAYS | THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE OF MANTA AIR

WHAT’S COOL

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ou might not know it, but thanks to Franco-Italian aircraft manufacturer ATR, all over the world, propellers are your gateway to paradise. Whether it is remote archipelagos of stunning islands throughout the Caribbean, or the majestic atolls right here in the Maldives, propeller aircraft, such as the ATR turboprop you are currently sitting in, are often the perfect mode of transport to take you to your incredible island getaways, helping give you memories that will last a lifetime.

PHOTO: ATR ISSUE 03 - 2019

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WHAT’S COOL

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Manta Air currently has three brand-new ATR 72-600 series aircraft.

PHOTO : MAHUDHEE

Creating connections Tourists come from all over the globe to admire the Maldives. The incredible colour of the sea, beautiful coral and amazing marine life mean it is considered to be one of the most amazing, idyllic countries in the world. This outstanding natural heritage attracts over a million visitors yearly, so unsurprisingly, tourism is a key economic resource for the country, accounting for a significant percentage of its GDP and employment.

And turboprop aircraft play an essential role in connecting communities throughout the Maldives and boosting the local economy.

And it’s not just here! One third of the world’s roughly 3,800 commercial airports rely exclusively on turboprops – showing just how vital these smaller regional aircraft are for travellers and businesses. ATR aircraft serve over 1,300 airports every year, with over 200 operators in 100 countries, opening over 100 new routes on average, every year – so whether you’re travelling for important business, the perfect honeymoon or just getting back to your roots to connect with family – it is often propellers that are going to get you where you want to go.

Why are propellers so perfect for flying between islands?

To explain this, first you need to know what a turboprop is – simply put, it’s a type of engine.

You have probably flown on jets before.

A jet engine sucks air into the front of the engine using a fan. From there, the engine compresses the air, mixes it with fuel and ignites the mixture. The resulting force rotates a shaft, which in turn drives the fan, creating thrust. A turboprop engine works the same way! Instead of driving a fan, the created force drives the propeller, accelerating the flow of air to generate the thrust that makes the aircraft move forward.

The only difference? On a jet, the fan is inside the engine, whereas a turboprop proudly displays its propellers before your very eyes!

The great thing about turboprops is that they accelerate the air using less power, at a lower altitude and a lower speed. This means that they can take off from (as well as land on) the shorter runways that you often find on islands, where space is at a premium and creating larger airports or lengthening runways would potentially involve damaging the beautiful surrounding environment.

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WHAT’S COOL

Fly responsibly!

The other great thing about turboprop technology is its efficiency. For short flights, of up to an hour, ATRs burn 40 per cent less fuel and emit 40 per cent less CO2 than similarly sized regional jets. At a time when there is a global focus on reducing emissions to combat the effects of climate change, knowing that you are travelling as efficiently as possible can give you peace of mind – so you can simply focus on what is important – enjoying your time in the Maldives!

One of the consequences of global climate change is that islands all over the world are facing challenges from rising sea levels. With 80 per cent of the Maldives’ territory less than one metre above sea level, it is one of the states most exposed to global warming and directly threatened by rising water levels.

Thanks to their fuel efficiency, ATRs save 4,000 tons of CO2 emissions per aircraft per year, compared to jets. By flying responsibly, we can minimise our impact on the environment hopefully allowing future generations to enjoy the Maldives’ beautiful atolls for years to come.

RAYS | THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE OF MANTA AIR

Looking ahead…

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Studies are already being made regarding the future of the regional aviation ecosystem – including the feasibility of a hybrid aircraft which could produce even less emissions.

Though nothing is certain at the moment and the potential of these developments is only being discussed, what is sure is that with the pure efficiency of the propeller, turboprops and ATRs will be at the forefront of aviation, and taking you to beautiful places, for years to come.

PHOTO: ATR ISSUE 03 - 2019

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LIFESTYLE

Ladies of

Libaas

RAYS | THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE OF MANTA AIR

By Daniel Bosley

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PHOTO: AISHATH NAJ

Top: Young Maldivian woman wearing traditional late 19th century dress with bangles PHOTO: C. W. ROSSET, 1885 Maldivian family portrait PHOTO : C. W. ROSSET, 1885

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he image of traditional Maldivian women’s dress is carried in the heart of every islander, and normally in their pockets.

The libaas lady in red, yellow, and black – cool, comfortable and confident – has become synonymous with Dhivehi culture and still sits proudly on (new) MVR100 notes and (old) passports.

(The masveriya in a mundu has to settle for the MVR20…sorry fellas) But, people’s pockets might be the most reliable place to spot this style nowadays, with just a few stoic fashionistas on far-flung fushis keeping the look alive. For the younger generations, the traditional dress is very much for dress-up only.

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While libaas simply translates as ‘dress’, boavalhu libaas specifically describes a longsleeved shirt with the wide neck, which is then often trimmed with the white and gold kasabu. The finished product is referred to as karufehi libaas, and is worn with an underskirt – feyli – often patterned in black and white.

The embroidery of this distinctive neckline is one of the few traditional crafts still practised in the country, with cultural events meaning a few small businesses are still kept busy embroidering – more often making child-size dresses (yours in around 2 weeks, for MVR2,500-3,000).

RAYS | THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE OF MANTA AIR

The origins of the libaas style can only be guessed at, though the stranded sailor Francois Pyrard’s description of Maldivian dress 400 years ago mentioned a fondness for jewellery among the elite, with women decorating themselves heavily about the waist (fattaru), neck (fattaru bai) and ankles (thakaholi) with gold and silver, apparently for reasons of status: “They have many Chaines of Gold about their neckes if they be women of ranke and fashion, or they knit together pieces of Gold Coine.”

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PHOTO: SHABANA

PHOTO: SHABANA

PHOTO: AISHATH NAJ

PHOTO: AISHATH NAJ ISSUE 03 - 2019

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LIFESTYLE

The embroidery of this distinctive neckline is one of the few traditional crafts still practised in the country.

RAYS | THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE OF MANTA AIR

PHOTO: AISHATH NAJ

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He went on to mention that such accessories required special permission – often purchased – from the king, and certain trends were even taxed. Maybe the golden collar and cuffs simply evolved from ladies who just wanted a little pazazz without all that paperwork.

That is until the mid-twentieth century, when the innovative (and fashionable) Prime Minister/President Amin Didi approved a new style of dress. Some believe his aim was to accentuate the female figure, but others have suggested a more functional need to combat a wartime scarcity of fabric.

Authentic images of the traditional dress can be seen in the historic first photos of Maldivians taken by German photographer CW Rosset in 1885, with little real change seen in more recent images from the 1960s and 70s. Indeed, Pyrard’s account, as well as his description of strict dress codes, suggests the approved dress – the only libaas allowed – had been similar for centuries.

Older photographs show that this simple but quickly-dated ‘mother-hubbard’ style was commonly worn in the 60s and 70s, though today is only seen at official functions, worn by ministers and Majlis members.

Unsurprisingly, this second state-sanctioned style is known as faaskuri hedhun, which translates roughly (and romantically) as ‘approved dress’.

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1. MATHEE HIRU

First line; is generally woven in gold thread.

2. BAGIYAA

Made in red, green and black; usually used for second, fourth and sixth order.

3. BAADHALAA HIRU

Sometimes used as an alternative to Bagiyaa; usually woven in red, green or black with gold or silver baadhalaa.

4. NUVAMALHEEGE HIRU

Usually placed third; comes in gold and silver.

5. HUDHU HIRU

Both the boavalhu libaas and faaskuri hedhun are hard to spot in 2017, with the widespread resurgence of the headscarf over the past 15 years obscuring the dresses’ defining features. But, the more traditional libaas continues to stand out even when adapted to evolving dress codes.

So, the classic libaas will definitely keep trending in the memories, traditions and pockets of Maldivians. Whether it will make it out of the school plays and cultural festivals and back into women’s everyday wear is harder to tell.

Placed on both sides of the Rodhigandu; is only woven in silver.

6. RODHIGANDU

Centrepiece of Kasabu; woven in different colours, depending on the design.

7. THIREE HIRU

Woven only in gold.

8. THUNDU-KAIRI HIRU

Placed next to “thundu” and is woven in gold.

9. THUNDU

Usually comes in gold and is placed last.

Today, these can be arranged in any order. The order of arrangement and design varies from the north to the south of the Maldivian archipelago.

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5

things to look for at InterContinental Maldives

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nterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has opened InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort. Known for occupying the very best locations around the world, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts’ first property in the region is situated on the southernmost tip of the Raa atoll near Baa atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and one of the most secluded locations in the Maldives.

InterContinental Maldives is inspiring, refined and made for stylish barefoot living.

PHOTO: INTERCONTINENTAL MALDIVES

The resort boasts 81 Beach, Lagoon and Overwater Villas and Residences and is the first to offer all guests access to the worldclass service and amenities of Club InterContinental throughout the entire island. These generous offerings, coupled with extensive wellness facilities, bespoke experiences and six restaurants and bars, combine to take this Maldivian gem to the next level.

Read on to discover the true hidden secrets of the newly-opened InterContinental Maldives.

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First-of-its-kind villas InterContinental Maldives has been created to give families and couples the time and space to disconnect from the everyday in an environment designed to enhance the unrivalled beauty, light and landscape of the atoll.

RAYS | THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE OF MANTA AIR

Inspiring, refined and made for stylish barefoot living, the design was conceptualised by Singaporebased architects’ Eco-ID to be in perfect synergy with the incredible surroundings and views. The private villas feature contemporary Maldivian interiors by Avalon Collective Interior Design Studio and offer expansive areas with breathtaking vistas of the Indian Ocean.

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The first-of-its-kind in the Maldives, the two-story Lagoon Villas combine overwater views with direct beach and lagoon access, as well as private infinity and jacuzzi pools. Overwater Villas offer expansive outdoor decks and Beach Villas provide direct beach access. The resort also has four exclusive two- and three-bedroom Residences, with the largest, the three-bedroom Royal Beachfront Residence, offering 790sqm of luxurious privacy.

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Traditional healing The resort’s signature AVI Spa features six overwater treatment villas along with steam rooms, ice fountains, a yoga pavilion and a fitness centre.

A leading Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner, who is specialised in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, uses the pillars of Chinese wellness to restore harmony and balance to guests through various treatments. These include antiageing facial acupuncture, cupping therapy, remedial tui-na massage, body therapies, dietary plans and herbal medicine.

In addition to the onsite TCM, InterContinental Maldives can tailor menus to any dietary need, enabling guests to enjoy a flexible and balanced wellness retreat experience without compromising their overall experience.

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First and only all-Club InterContinental resort Exceptional service and experiences are at the heart of any InterContinental property, but the InterContinental Maldives takes it a step further. As the first and only all-Club InterContinental resort, InterContinental Maldives provides guests with access to exclusive benefits and personalised service throughout their stay. A dedicated Island Curator commits to creating ever-lasting memories and thoughtful details. Club InterContinental benefits include afternoon tea with rare loose-leaf varietals selected by the in-house tea sommelier, after-dinner drinks and all-day refreshments by the pool or beach.

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Distinct dining experiences The resort offers six distinct restaurants and bars.

The Retreat: an adults-only enclave with a private bar and its own infinity pool at the water’s edge.

CafĂŠ Umi: a Japanese-inspired restaurant providing elevated comfort and classic favourites, inspired by natural, organic and sustainable cuisine.

Fish Market: a unique sea-to-table interactive kitchen concept blending the best Maldivian seafood with aromatic flavours from South East Asia.

The Lighthouse: delivers a memorable dining experience with 360-degree views of the Indian Ocean.

The Collective: a more casual affair with grab-and-go offerings.

Sunset Bar: provides a stylish and romantic ambience with the best sunset moments on the island.

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Big on sustainability, conservation InterContinental Maldives enjoys an enviable location enclaved within Maldives’ largest natural lagoon, with emerald blue waters, unfettered sunset views and pristine white sands. The island is located near the Maldives’ only UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and is home to Hanifaru Bay, one of the very few places in the world where visitors can snorkel amongst feeding congregations of whale sharks and large groups of enigmatic and graceful reef manta rays.

Committed to preserving the ocean for future generations and guests, InterContinental Maldives has launched two key conservation initiatives.

The first is a dedicated manta ray sanctuary in partnership with the Manta Trust. The partnership, which is in support of the Maldivian Manta Ray Project, will nurture a safe habitat for the manta rays within the resort’s lagoon as well as providing guests with invaluable information and an opportunity to swim alongside these graceful creatures and snorkel over underwater coral gardens.

InterContinental Maldives is also focused on minimising its environmental impact with a commitment to reducing waste from both plastic and glass, composting bio waste and giving it new life with the IHG Green Engage system. The resort has also entered into an agreement with Parley Maldives, which works to reduce reliance on single-use plastics, intercept sources of plastic waste, and prevent it from entering the oceans or being disposed of in destructive ways. Parley will take the resort’s plastics and recycle them to make usable products.

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BAA ATOLL MANTA FESTIVAL: A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME LEARNING OPPORTUNITY

By Aminath Iffath

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maging a rock concert in Melbourne or a literature festival in London.

If not, an art fest in Rome or a food carnival in Valencia. Lifetime experiences, right? Now, imagine a Manta Festival in the Maldives. Yes, it’s a thing!

RAYS | THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE OF MANTA AIR

The inaugural Baa Atoll Manta Festival was hosted in the island of Dharavandhoo located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on November 24, 2018, for the first time ever celebrating the majestic manta rays. The island is part of Baa atoll, which is home to Hanifaru Bay -- a world-renowned site for reef manta rays and a reproducing ground for dim sharks, stingrays and whale sharks.

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This year, the second Baa Atoll Manta Festival, collaboratively spearheaded by Manta Trust, the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa Atoll Education Centre (BAEC), Baa Atoll and Eydhafushi Island Councils, and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, engaged over 50 businesses and environmental organisations from September 20-21, 2019.

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Dozens of stalls and activities featured educational games designed to excite 320 participating students from 13 schools about marine conservation.

A total of 13 stalls open to the public featured marine conservation themed games and goodies from NGOs, including the Olive Ridley Project, the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, Atoll Marine Centre, Zero Waste Maldives and BeLeaf.

Visitors engaged in competitions offering sustainable prizes, printed their own personalised reusable bag and shopped from Male businesses including Island Bazaar, Oevaali Art shop and Pepper Dots.

TOP: 200 students and teachers swam with manta rays inside Hanifaru Bay as part of the festival initiative Photo: Flossy Barraud-Manta Trust

TOP: Hundreds of students participated in the live art competition hosted by Baa Atoll Education Centre Photo: Thoriq Abdul Rahman-BAEC LEFT: 13 schools learnt how to segregate recyclables using waste students cleaned from their beaches for World Coastal Cleanup Day - Photo: Thoriq Abdul Rahman-BAEC

Manta Trust offered the unique opportunity to swim with manta rays in virtual reality, whilst Maldives Post offered the international crowd the chance to send manta-themed postcards home.

Despite unfavourable weather, which affected snorkelling-based activities, students were able to engage in a wide range of educational events at the school.

Saturday, September 21, saw the students getting involved in a waste segregation session for World Coastal Clean-up Day, hosted by BAEC, Soneva Fushi, Parley and Manta Trust. Students from 13 islands bought jumbo bags of beach cleanup waste to the event and engaged in a hands-on session to learn how to properly separate recyclables. A live art competition saw exciting prizes awarded to paintings, which creatively highlighted the plight of the ocean, with the adult category winner receiving return flights from festival Airline Partner, Manta Air.

Saturday afternoon brought the school drama competition, with each performance centred around a different charismatic megafauna species. BAEC received a standing ovation following an emotional performance focused on the threats of fishing on manta rays. Thulhaadhoo took home the second prize, whilst K. Dhiffushi won third place following a performance packed with creative costumes.

In the month leading up to the festival, 200 students of 10 schools from Baa and Raa atoll were taken snorkelling with manta rays by partner resorts and the Biosphere Reserve team. Students spent an hour inside the world-renowned Hanifaru Bay, snorkelling with up to 50 of these gentle giants. The trips built on the event’s aim to inspire young Maldivians to become ocean advocates and engage more with waterbased activities, featuring snorkelling equipment funded by donations from last year’s festival.

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For Ifaasha Abdul Raheem, the festival’s school coordinator, the experience was memorable.

RAYS | THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE OF MANTA AIR

“This has been one of the best experiences in my life! Manta festival has not only boosted my love towards nature, but it also has made me a better person in every possible way. This festival has brought an immense impact to our youth to fall in love with our environment and made them realise the crucial role they can play in their community!

Most importantly, this was an opportunity for our students to explore, learn and a golden chance to show their creativity and love towards nature.

I loved every bit of it! Glad to be part of this amazing event,” she said.

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The festival was generously sponsored by 15 resorts: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Vakkaru Maldives, Ocean Dimensions at Kihaa Maldives, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, The Nautilus Maldives, Reethi Faru Resort, Milaidhoo Island Maldives, Sea-Explorer and Reethi Beach, Finolhu, Amilla Fushi, Dusit Thani Maldives and Ocean Group, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, Euro-Divers Maldives and Meeru Island Resort, and Soneva Fushi.

TOP: Chief Guest Vice President Faisal Naseem gave a thought-provoking speech during the opening ceremony Photo: Thoriq Abdul Rahman-BAEC

How well do you know the Manta?

Mainly often found in tropical waters and more probable in the Maldives, you will be in the ideal spot to experience these pelagic creatures. Mantas are mainstream due to their colossal size and in light of the fact that they are effectively habituated to people. Scuba divers may get an opportunity to watch mantas visiting cleaning stations and night plunges empower watchers to see mantas benefiting from microscopic fish pulled in by the lights.

An inconceivable truth is that manta rays are shockingly savvy. They may even act naturally mindful having a brain bigger than any other sea creatures. They are fun loving, inquisitive and may even perceive themselves in mirrors, an indication of mindfulness.

Manta rays are mammoth creatures. Their size can reach up to nine metres and can weigh as much as two tons.

TOP: Manta Trust and BAEC Moodhu Madharusaa students performed a welcome dance during the opening ceremony Photo: Thoriq Abdul Rahman-BAEC BOTTOM: MI College Preschool students show off outfits made from recycled materials during the opening ceremony Photo: Thoriq Abdul Rahman-BAEC

Manta rays are harmless. They are even innocuous and can’t hurt any diver or swimmer. They are typically inquisitive and swim around the divers. They can once in a while even bounce out of the water to get free off their parasites.

As the most passionate diver dreams of diving with such noble creatures in the sea; it is one of the best experiences they could ever have. Imagine diving near a squadron of manta rays. Exciting heartfelt moments of which a curious diver would treasure being around such glorious creatures, for a lifetime!

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SPOTLIGHT

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PHOTO: MALDIVES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

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DHEEMA

GOLD STANDARD FOR ATHLETES

by Mohamed Hamdhoon

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heema, 11, was born in neighbouring Sri Lanka, to Maldivian parents, Aishath Waheeda and Abdul Sattar Ali. Her excellent academic performance made her teacher to suggest that she take up a sport. Dheema’s parents initially took her to a badminton academy, but she was rejected for being too short.

She was then taken to a table tennis academy. She first practiced on the dining table at home!

At the academy, Dheema was paired with a girl who was three years older than her. After seeing the pair practice, Waheeda wanted Dheema to reach the level of her partner when she reached her age. But when Dheema reached that age, she was already a national champion!

Dheema’s talents were discovered in 2016, when she was crowned the champion in the under-11 category of a table tennis championship held in Malaysia. She won eight games, winning all three sets in seven of the eight games! Dheema, who was just eight years old at the time, participated in the tournament while being on her year-end school holidays.

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SPOTLIGHT Dheema was the star at IOG 2019.

PHOTO: MALDIVES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

RAYS | THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE OF MANTA AIR

Four months later, Dheema was crowned the champion in the under-10 category of the Sri Lankan Junior National Table Tennis Championship 2017. She beat players who were at least three years older than her, to be ranked amongst four of the best under-12 players of the tournament.

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This win brought in countless training opportunities from coaches and associations in Sri Lanka. The Western Province Table Tennis Association’s chairman was quoted in the media as saying that Dheema was one of the most important players to the Sri Lankan table tennis squad. The Sri Lankan Table Tennis Association even sought to arrange citizenship for Dheema!

Despite countless opportunities to train with and play for the Sri Lankan national table tennis team, Waheeda wanted her child to play for the Maldives; she wanted her child to represent her native country at the international arena. After all, Waheeda had

been dreaming of helping her child become the Maldives national table tennis champion!

To make that dream come true, the family moved back to the Maldives in 2018.

Dheema competed in the Maldives National Table Tennis Championship. Despite losing the chance to play in the Sri Lankan Junior National Table Tennis Championship, Dheema’s family wanted her to represent the Maldives.

“Our priority is the nation. We want our child to win medals for our nation. Even today, we want Dheema to bring glory to the Maldives,” Waheeda said.

In her second ever appearance at the Maldives National Table Tennis Championship, Dheema took home the National Table Tennis Championship Trophy, becoming the youngest player to have ever won the championship.

PHOTO: MALDIVES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

Dheema was selected to the squad of both the junior and senior national table tennis team as the first-ranked player. She was the youngest player at the World Team Table Tennis Championship, held in Sweden in April 2018.

“Asian players often think Indian players are the best in the region; that everyone else are second-tier players. We want Dheema to become the player who changes that perspective. Our hope is that Dheema will become the player who proves that other countries in the region can beat India and lead the way,” Waheeda said.

Dheema was the silver medalist in the under-12 category of the South Asian Junior Table Tennis Championship, held in 2018.

Following that win, she was qualified to the Asian Junior Table Tennis Championship, where she won a silver in the women’s division. Dheema, who had by then become the first player to have won an international medal in table tennis for the Maldives, advanced to the World Junior Table Tennis Championship.

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SPOTLIGHT

PHOTO: MIHAARU

RAYS | THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE OF MANTA AIR

But as circumstances would have it, Dheema wasn’t able to compete in the World Junior Table Tennis Championship. It coincided with the Indian Ocean Island Games (IOG) 2019 and her parents preferred the IOG because of its national significance.

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At IOG, the Maldives table tennis team was the centre of attention! Dheema led the Maldives women’s table tennis team to win the team event, making it the first ever gold medal won by the country in a team event at a multi-sport international tournament.

She also beat fellow Maldivian, Aishath Rafa Nazim, to win a gold in the singles event.

In the doubles event, Dheema and Rafa beat fellow Maldivian players, Mueena Mohamed and Fathimath Jumana Nimal, to win a gold.

“At the age that we started playing, Dheema is winning golds for the nation. Now imagine how advanced she’d be in the future. This is impressive; almost unbelievable. This is an extraordinary win,” Dheema’s coach Ibrahim Shiuree, who himself began playing at the national level at the age of 11, said.

PHOTO: MALDIVES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

“This is a proud win. Hopefully I’ll win many more golds in the future,” Dheema said, after IOG 2019.

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WHAT’S UP

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SAMPLE PARADISE ON A MANTA SEAPLANE WORRY FREE!

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he arrival of Manta Air has been a game changer, transforming the domestic air travel industry of Maldives from what had essentially been a ‘bus service’ to a professionally managed and operated airline, which offers safe, reliable, comfortable and seamless journeys throughout the archipelago.

Manta Air began its operations in February 2019 with a four weekly service between the Maldives’ main Velana International Airport and its hub at Dhaalu Airport in Kudahuvadhoo. The airline has since expanded its fleet to include three brand new ATR 72-600 aircraft, expanding its operations to Dharavandhoo in Baa atoll and Kooddoo in Gaafu Alif atoll.

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WHAT’S UP Manta Air’s DHC-6 Twin Otter planes come with the latest technology.

In just a year, Manta Air has removed the fear of uncertainty for passengers flying in the Maldives, and set new standards in service excellence along the way with pre-published schedules and a tailored approach to provide an amazing experience to all passengers.

Manta Air aims to replicate this success in its recentlylaunched seaplane service too!

Just like its strategy in domestic operations, Manta Air’s seaplane service follows an approach that is different from existing seaplane operators in the Maldives. For instance, Manta Air’s seaplane operations also follow a pre-published schedule, which is devised in coordination with client resorts. Most routes are direct, whilst the few requiring transit points restricted to maximum one stop. For seaplane as well, transfer confirmation are sent to guests along with their resort booking confirmation.

RAYS | THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE OF MANTA AIR

“Our aim from day one has always been to make a significant difference in how our customers experience air travel in Maldives.

We are starting with fixed schedule, advanced booking capabilities.

For the first time in Maldives, we are making the seaplane service reliable to all our passengers by operating on a fixed schedule dedicated to on-time performance. And we want to keep pushing these boundaries and to keep improving our service. Our customers will have guaranteed seats the moment the booking is confirmed with exact flight timings, thus removing all uncertainties for passengers travelling to their destinations on seaplanes,” Ahmed Maumoon, Chief Marketing Officer of Manta Air, said.

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“The overwhelming support of the public has been a driving force for us. And we would like to assure everyone that we would keep on expanding our services so that everyone can enjoy their tropical way to fly.”

For its seaplane operations, Manta Air has already brought in six DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, with another four expected to join its fleet by year-end.

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RAYS | THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE OF MANTA AIR

WHAT’S UP

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Manta Air is the only airline offering scheduled seaplane service in the Maldives.

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Manta Air’s DHC-6 Twin Otter planes come with the latest technology; the Garmin G950 NXi next generation integrated flight deck avionics, combined with a weather radar and custom upgrades allow the aircraft to be lighter, reducing maintenance costs and providing crew with enhanced capabilities to increase dispatch reliability.

“At Manta Air, we strive to provide the best service to our customers. We believe there is a need to invest in the latest technology and not rely on the obsolete legacy navigation systems to make our service as customer-centric as possible. This is why we invested in G950 and the latest aviation software. This upgrade removes 100s feet of cable from the cockpit and makes the aircraft lighter, reduces maintenance costs and provides our crews with enhanced capabilities to increase the dispatch reliability of our service,” Edward Alsford, Chief Operating Officer of Manta Air, said.

Seaplane is the preferred mode of transport between the main Velana International Airport and dozens of resorts, especially those located in outer atolls.

The rapid growth of the Maldivian tourism industry has pushed the domestic aviation industry to meet the increasing demands and challenges faced by the country’s main economic activity. Through a combination of domestic and seaplane operations, Manta Air aims to address this by providing a unique flying experience, which is seamless, reliable and hospitable, whilst providing an extraordinary experience in the skies of the Maldives.

On a Manta seaplane, it’s not just the breath-taking views of the Maldivian archipelago that will leave you speechless, but also the level of service and experience that you rightfully deserve on your way to a paradisiacal island.

So, sit back, sample paradise and enjoy the journey – with Manta Air!

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COMMUNITY

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PHOTO: ELISSA MIOLENE, UNICEF

UNICEF TEAMS UP WITH MALDIVES GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE SAFE, RESPONSIBLE USE OF ROADS

By Elissa Miolene, UNICEF

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n Thursday, February 28, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation distributed helmets to approximately 300 people at Maldives National University, signaling the start of a national road safety campaign. These helmets included a shipment of 3,300 contributed by UNICEF to make the roads a safer place for children and their families.

The distribution kicked off a countrywide initiative to increase road safety: over the next few weeks, helmets would be distributed to individuals in accident hot spots, not only including the Greater Male Area, but also Laamu atoll and Addu city.

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PHOTO: ELISSA MIOLENE, UNICEF

“The traffic in Male city is really bad these days,” said Ahmed Hussain, Sergeant of the Maldives Police Service. “Helmets are a way to keep people safer.”

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Around the world, road traffic deaths are the leading killer of children and young adults.

More people die from road accidents than from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and diarrheal diseases combined – but around the world and in the Maldives, countless people do not wear helmets while riding motorbikes.

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In Male, over 82,000 motorbikes are registered to the tiny city, a situation that causes constant congestion and chaos on the road. According to the Ministry of Health, road traffic accidents have increased by 75 per cent between 2012 and 2016. As such, increasing road regulations – and changing driving behaviours – is essential to keep people safe.

PHOTO: ELISSA MIOLENE, UNICEF

PHOTO: ELISSA MIOLENE, UNICEF

To mitigate this situation, all motorbike riders crossing the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge and highway – a massive structure that connects Male to Hulhumale – are required to wear a helmet. The helmet distribution prepared people for this new policy, which came into effect on March 10, 2019, and increased dialogue around its importance.

“There have been so many accidents on the [China-Maldives Friendship] bridge,” said Ema Aboo, who attended the distribution and received a helmet. “Accidents happen every day, and sometimes they are fatal. We all need to be wearing helmets – not just because it will soon be mandatory, but because it keeps us safe.”

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PHOTO: ELISSA MIOLENE, UNICEF

RAYS | THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE OF MANTA AIR

Such awareness is especially important amongst youth, as young motorbike riders are almost twice as likely to be involved in a road accident than those who are above age 25 in the Maldives1.

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In 2018, UNICEF advocated for increased attention toward safe and responsible use of the roads in the Maldives. We advocated for the safety of motorbike riders, drivers and pedestrians alike, and as a result, the government incorporated this focus into their action plan for the administration’s first 100 days. In support of this commitment, UNICEF contributed 3,300 helmets for the distribution, half of which were reserved for children and young people under the age of 18. In response, the government provided 2,700 helmets of their own, which were also distributed for free throughout the country.

1 http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.868.5508&rep=rep1&type=pdf PHOTO: ELISSA MIOLENE, UNICEF

PHOTO: ELISSA MIOLENE, UNICEF

UNICEF is also advocating for increased road safety in other ways. Over the past few years, accidents have been on the rise – and many of those injured have been children.

In December, for example, a seven-year-old girl passed away after being hit by falling construction debris. She wasn’t driving, and she wasn’t refusing to wear a helmet. She was just walking down the street.

“We want to make the road a safer place for everyone, including children, elderly people, and those with disabilities,” said Mohamed El Munir A. Safieldin, UNICEF Representative to the Maldives. “To do that, we need to think about all road accidents, including different irresponsible uses of the road and the violation of safety regulations on the street.”

The helmet distribution is the first step in this process. UNICEF is working with the government to continue expanding awareness and deter road traffic violations, safety violations, and street harassment. We are also working with the Maldives Police Service to strengthen enforcement policies and procedures on the road focusing attention on these issues at the highest level, UNICEF is ensuring policymakers keep children at the forefront of their minds.

“I don’t feel safe on the roads, but this helmet could help,” said Aminath Munawwara, a Male resident who received a helmet.

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REVIEW

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