ISSUE 01
It is with great pleasure that Flyme introduces its first issue of inflight magazine named “Fiya” that is filled with interesting and entertaining editorial contents to keep our customers entertained whether they are travelling for business or leisure. “Fiya” is a Dhivehi word and can have many meanings including “wings of the aircraft”, “flower petals”, “bird feathers”..etc. All these meanings of the word “fiya” denotes in someway airline and aviation industr y and this is the main reason “Fiya” has been chosen as the title for the in-flight magazine. As such, this first issue of Flyme’s in-flight magazine will focus on pink rose related to Maldivian culture.
Roses are iconic flowers with a divine fragrance that is enclosed within the folds of delicate petals. Its beauty has captivated our hearts and imagination for millennia. Roses are the silent messengers of love when words fail to express the secrets of the heart, the inspiring muse of the poets, sacred offerings for the divine, as wells as the welcoming and the parting gift for many occasions. Its many uses range from making perfumes to flavoring
beverages. Universally, roses are considered as the symbol of love, peace, gratitude and affection.
Dhivehi language, signifies the beauty and delicateness of Maldives, including the elegance and grace of the Maldivians.
Maldives adopted the Pink Rose (botanically identified as Rose polyantha) as the national flower on 25th July 1985 (7th Dh’ul Q’aidhaa 1405 AH). The polyantha shrubs are well suited for tropical climates and blooms throughout the year in the Maldives. Pink Rose or Fiyaathoshi Finifenmaa in local
FlyMe embodies ever ything roses stand for; from the elegance of our diligent team to the smooth gracefulness of the flight. It is our wish to make your journey with us always a start of something wonderful.
MANAGING DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Welcome Aboard Villa Air’s friendly FlyMe Experience. Whether you are flying with us for the first time, a frequent traveller, or just reading this magazine in the comfort of a lounge; I say, thank you for your patronage. We are happy to serve you and shall continue to work hard to offer you the best possible air transport service within Maldives. Just this February we have added our brand new ATR 72600 aircraft to our fleet and we expect to take delivery of our fourth aircraft towards the latter part of this year. We are constantly exploring ways to make your travel with us safe, comfortable, reliable and dependable. The new 72600 series offers you additional comfort. The aircraft cabin designed by Giugiaro Design of Italy, exclusively for Avions de Transport Regional (ATR) combined with full leather “Prestige” seats from Geven, creates the “FlyMe Premier” class at the front of the cabin with privacy and extra legroom; a class of unmatched comfort and luxury for turbo props in service today. Our safety and quality standards are pitched to the levels recommended by EASA and the FlyMe team consists of trained professionals, willing and eager to assist you throughout your flight and while on the ground, departing or arriving on our flights. Just over a year ago we started our operations with flights between Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, and Villa Airport Maamigili. We soon followed by adding Addu City’s Gan International Airport to our list of destinations. Early this year we started daily service to Dharavandhoo Airport in Baa
Atoll. It is our intention that within the first quarter of this year we shall be serving all the eight airports of Maldives. Villa Air is grateful to its customers who have given us strong support over the past fifteen months. It is the partnership between the owners and managements of our client resorts and us that create the value chain for our clients. We are happy to have as our customers some of the most sort after holiday destination resorts in the Maldives, such as; Sun Island Resort & Spa, Centara Grand Island Resort, Conrad Hilton, Royal Island Resort, Banyan Tree, Shangri La, LUX* Maldives and several others. I am also deeply thankful to our domestic clientele who use our services frequently to domestic destination. For our guests from China, February is a special month and we like to say “Xin Nian Kuai Le”. It is our hope that with our valued customers’ support and cooperation and the tireless efforts of our staff Villa Air and FlyMe Service will continue to grow in support of the socioeconomic development of the Maldives and expansion of tourism and other key sectors throughout the Maldives. Have an Enjoyable Flight……and Hope to see you again soon on FlyMe. Thank you Rilwan Shareef
05
ދެކުނުބުރީ މާމިގިލީގެ ވައިގެބަދަރު މެދުވެރިކޮށް ،ރިސޯރޓް ތަކާއި މާލެއާއި ދެމެދުގެ 12ގަޑިއިރުގެ ޚިދުމަތާއި އެކުގައެވެ .ވިލާ އެއަރޕޯރޓް –-މާމިގިލީގެ އިތުރުން މިހާރުވެސް ރާއްޖޭގެ އެންމެ ދެކުނުގައި އޮތް ގަން އިންޓަރނޭޝަނަލް
އެއަރޕޯރޓަށާއި
ބ .ދަރަވަންދޫ އެއަރޕޯރޓަށް ދަތުރުކުރަމުން އަންނަ ވިލާ އެއަރ މިދަނީ ރާއްޖޭގެ އެހެން އެއަރޕޯރޓް ތަކަށްވެސް ދަތުރު ފެށުމުގެ ތައްޔާރީތައް ވަމުންނެވެ .މި ފެބްރުއަރީ މަހު ވިލާ އެއަރގެ ފްލީޓަށް އިތުރުވި އާ ATR 72-600
ގެ މަތިންދާ
ބޯޓާއި އެކު އިތުރު މަންޒިލްތަކަށް ކުރާ ދަތުރުތައް ވަރަށް އަވަހަށް ފެށިގެންދާނެއެވެ .ބުރަފަތިލީ މަތިންދާބޯޓްގެ އިތުރުން ޖެޓް މަތިންދާ ބޯޓް ގެނެސް ރާއްޖެއިން ބޭރުގެ ދަތުރުތައްވެސް ކާރި ކުރިމަގެއްގައި ފެށުމަށް ވިލާ އެއަރއިން މިދަނީ ވިސްނަމުންނެވެ. ރާއްޖޭގެ އެކިދިމާލަށް "މެޑިކަލް އިވެކުއޭޝަން" ގެ ޚިދުމަތް ދިނުމަށާއި ،ފޮޓޯ ފްލައިޓްގެ ޚިދުމަތަށް މޫދުގައި ޖައްސާ ބޯޓް (ސީޕްލޭން) މަދު އަދަދަކަށް މި އަހަރުގެ ތެރޭގައި ގެންނަން ޚިޔާލުކުރަމެވެ. ހުނަރުވެރި ދިވެހިންގެ ޓީމަކާއި އެކު ފެށި ސައްތައިންސައްތަ ދިވެހި ކުންފުންޏެއްކަމަށްވާ ވިލާ އެއަރ ގެ ޚިދުމަތް ފުޅާކޮށް ހަރުދަނާ ކުރުމަށް ބޭނުންވާ ތަމްރީނު ފޯރުކޮށްދީ މި ދާއިރާއަށް އިތުރު ދިވެހިން އަހުލުވެރިކުރުމަށް ވިލާ އެއަރ އިން މެދުކެޑުމެއްނެތި މަސައްކަތް ކުރަމުންދާނަމެވެ .އަޅުގަޑުމެންގެ އެސެޓަކީ އަޅުގަޑުމެންގެ ގާބިލު ،ހީވާގި ،ކެރޭ ޓީމުގެ މެމްބަރުންނެވެ .ވިލާ އެއަރޓީމްގެ ހުރިހާ މެމްބަރުންގެ ޚިދުމަތަށް އަޅުގަޑު ސާބަސްދެމެވެ. ގައުމެއްގެ ތަރައްގީ ގައި ދަތުރުފަތުރުގެ ނިޒާމަކީ އެންމެ މުހިއްމު އެއްތަބެވެ .މުދަލާއި މީހުން އެއް މަންޒިލުން އަނެއް މަންޒިލަށް ރައްކާތެރިކަމާއި އެކު އަވަހަށް ގެންދިޔުމަކީ ތަރައްގީގެ ވިންދާއި ގުޅިފައިވާކަމެކެވެ. ރާއްޖޭގެ އެކިހިސާބުގައި ހެދިފައިވާ ސަތޭކައަށްވުރެ ގިނަ ރިސޯރޓަށް އަންނަ ފަތުރުވެރިންގެ 01%އަށްވުރެ ގިނަ ފަތުރުވެރިން ރިސޯރޓްތަކަށް ގެންދިޔުމަށް ވައިގެ ޚިދުމަތް ފުޅާކުރެވޭނީ އިތުރު އެއަރޕޯރޓް ތައް ހަދައިގެން ކަމަށްވުމާއި އެކު އަރިއަތޮޅު މާމިގިލީ ފަޅު ހިއްކައިގެން އެއަރޕޯރޓެއް ހަދާ 1122ވަނައަހަރުގެ އޮކްޓޯބަރ މަހުގެ 2ވަނަ ދުވަހު ޚިދުމަތަށް ހުޅުވާލެވުނު ވިލާ އެއަރޕޯރޓް މާމިގިލީ ވައިގެ ބަދަރަކީ ރާއްޖޭގައި އޮތް އެންމެ ފެންވަރު ރަގަޅު އެއް ވައިގެ ބަދަރެވެ .މި އެއަރޕޯރޓް އިތުރަށް ތަރައްގީކޮށް ފެންވަރު ރަގަޅުކުރުމުގެ މަސައްކަތް މިދަނީ ހުއްޓާނުލާ ކުރަމުންނެވެ.
ވިލާ އެއަރޕޯރޓް -މާމިގިލީގެ މަސައްކަތާއި އެކު އދ .މާމިގިލީގެ ރައްޔިތުންގެ ތަރައްގީއަށްޓަކައި ބޮޑެތި ޚަރަދުތަކެއް ކޮށްގެން ކުރެވުނުގިނަ މަސައްކަތްތަކުގެ ފައިދާ އެރަށާއި އެސަރަހައްދުގެ ރަށްތަކުގައި ދިރިއުޅޭ އަދި މަސައްކަތްކުރާ ރައްޔިތުންނަށް މިއަދު މިވަނީ ފެންނަންފަށާފައެވެ. ވިލާ އެއަރ އިން އުފުލަމުން މިދަނީ ވައިގެ ޚިދުމަތަށްބޭނުންވެފައިތިބި ފަރާތްތަކަށް ހިތްހަމަޖެހުމާއި އުފަލާއި އެކު ބަލައިގަނެވޭނެ ޚިދުމަތެއް ފޯރުކޮށްދިނުމުގެ މަސްއޫލިއްޔަތެވެ .ތިޔަ ބޭފުޅުންގެ ތަރައްގީގެ ބައިވެރިޔެއްގެ ހައިސިއްޔަތުންނެވެ .އެހެންކަމުން ތިޔަ ހުރިހާ ފަރާތްތަކުން އަޅުގަޑުމެންނާއި މެދު ބަހައްޓަވާ ގާތްކަމަށްޓަކައި ފަށްފަށުން ޝުކުރު ދަންނަވަމެވެ .ތިޔަ ބޭފުޅުން އަޅުގަޑުމެންނާއި އެކު ތިޔަ ހޭދަކުރައްވާ ވަގުތު ކޮޅަކީ އުފާވެރި ވަގުތުކޮޅަކަށްވާނެ ކަމަށް އަޅުގަޑު އުއްމީދުކުރަމެވެ .އަދި ތިޔަ އެންމެހާ ފަރާތްތަކުންވެސް ބޭނުންފުޅުވާ ގޮތަށް އެދިވަޑައިގަންނަވާ ފެންވަރަށް މި ޚިދުމަތް ފުޅާކޮށް ތަރައްގީ ކުރުމުގައި ،މާތް ﷲ ގެ ވާގިފުޅާއި އެކު ،ހިތްވަރާއި ޢަޒުމާއި އެކު މަސައްކަތް ކުރާނެ ކަމުގެ ޔަގީންކަން އަރުވަމެވެ. ޤާސިމް އިބްރާހިމް، ޗެއަރމަން
c ވިލާ އެއަރ (ފްލައިމީ) ގެ އިންފްލައިޓް މެގަޒިންގެ ފުރަތަމަ އަދަދަށް މަރުހަބާ ކުރައްވާ ކޮންމެ ދަތުރަކީވެސް ރައްކާތެރި އަދި އުފާވެރި ދަތުރަކަށް އެދެމެވެ.
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
ރާއްޖޭގެ ރަށްތަކަށް ފަތުރުވެރިން ޒިޔާރަތްކުރަން ފެށީއްސުރެ އަޅުގަޑުގެ ހިތުގައި
c
ތަކަކަށްފަހު ރާއްޖެއަންނަ ރާއްޖޭގެ ލޮބުވެތި ރައްޔަތުންނާއި ފަތުރުވެރިންނަށް ،އެމ ހޭދަކޮށްލަން އަންނަ ރިސޯރޓަކަށް އަވަހަށް ދެވޭނެ ފަސޭހަގޮތެއް ހޯދުމެވެ.
ނ ވިލާ އެއަރ އިން ޔ ބޭފުޅު ް ވިލާ އެއަރ (ފްލައިމީ) ގެ އިންފްލައިޓް މެގަޒިންގެ ފުރަތަމަ އަދަދަށް މަރުހަބާ ކިޔަމެވެ .ތި ަ ށ 1122ވަނަ އަހަރުގެތެރޭގ މތް ފެށުމަ ް އެހެން ކަމުން ވައިގެ ދަތުރުފަތުގެ ޚިދު ަ ކުރައްވާ ކޮންމެ ދަތުރަކީވެސް ރައްކާތެރި އަދި އުފާވެރި ދަތުރަކަށް އެދެމެވެ. ލ އއ ގެނެސް ،މާތް ﷲ ގެ ވާގިފުޅާއިއެކު 2 ،އޮކްޓޯބަރ 1122ވަނަ ދުވަހު ވި ާ ންރިކޮއަށްއި ،ރިމަން ރެރީ އަމާޅުމިގަގިޑުލީގެގެ ހިވަތުއިގަގެއިބަދަ ކ ސޒަޯރރަޓްކީ ތަކާދިއިގު މާދަލެތުއާރުއި ދެމެދުގެ މުވެ ހެދ ރުރެމ ސުބު ރާއްޖޭގެ ރަށްތަކަށް ފަތުރުވެރިން ޒިޔާރަތްކުރަން ފެށީދެއްކުނ
ވަތ ންން ދިމިރިހާއުރުޅޭވެ ރަ ންމިނަގިށް، ޓތުރު-ވެ ންަ،މެ ޗުދެއްކުޓީނުގައި އޮތ ސްށްރަރާށައްށްޖޭގެނުއެ ލީގެ އެއިމީތހުރު –ރިމާ ނާަރއިޕޯރފަ ް ންއ ތަކަކަށްފަހު ރާއްޖެއަންނަ ރާއްޖޭގެ ލޮބުވެތި ރައްޔަތު އެ
ދައް ހޭދަކޮށްލަން އަންނަ ރިސޯރޓަކަށް އަވަހަށް ދެވޭނެ ފަސޭބ.ހަގޮތެ ރަވަހޯންދުދޫމެވއެެ.އަރޕޯރޓަށް ދަތުރުކުރަމުން އަންނަ ވިލާ އެއަރ މިދަނީ ރާއްޖ
ފެށުމުގެ ތައްޔާރީތައް ވަމުންނެވެ .މި ފެބްރުއަރީ މަހު ވިލާ އެއަރގެ ފްލީޓަށް އިތ އެހެން ކަމުން ވައިގެ ދަތުރުފަތުގެ ޚިދުމަތް ފެށުމަށް 1122ވަނަ އަހަރުގެތެރޭގައި ATR 42-500ގެ ދެމަތިންދާ ބޯޓް ބޯޓާއި އެކު އިތުރު މަންޒިލްތަކަށް ކުރާ ދަތުރުތައް ވަރަށް އަވަހަށް ފެށިގެންދާނެއެވ ލ އެއަރ ވައިގެ ތެރެއަށް އުދުއްސާލީ އަރިއަތޮޅު ގެނެސް ،މާތް ﷲ ގެ ވާގިފުޅާއިއެކު 2 ،އޮކްޓޯބަރ 1122ވަނަ ދުވަހު ވި ާ މަތިންދާ ބޯޓް ގެނެސް ރާއްޖެއިން ބޭރުގެ ދަތުރުތައްވެސް ކާރި ކުރިމަގެއްގައި ފެށުމ ދެކުނުބުރީ މާމިގިލީގެ ވައިގެބަދަރު މެދުވެރިކޮށް ،ރިސޯރޓް ތަކާއި މާލެއާއި ދެމެދުގެ 12ގަޑިއިރުގެ ޚިދުމަތާއި އެކުގައެވެ .ވިލާ ރާއްޖޭގެ އެކިދިމާލަށް "މެޑިކަލް އިވެކުއޭޝަން" ގެ ޚިދުމަތް ދިނުމަށާއި ،ފޮޓޯ ފ ޓ –-މާމިގިލީގެ އިތުރުން މިހާރުވެސް ރާއްޖޭގެ އެންމެ ދެކުނުގައި އޮތް ގަން އިންޓަރނޭޝަނަލް އެއަރޕޯރޓަށާއި އެއަރޕޯރ ް (ސީޕްލޭން) މަދު އަދަދަކަށް މި އަހަރުގެ ތެރޭގައި ގެންނަން ޚިޔާލުކުރަމެވެ. ބ .ދަރަވަންދޫ އެއަރޕޯރޓަށް ދަތުރުކުރަމުން އަންނަ ވިލާ އެއަރ މިދަނީ ރާއްޖޭގެ އެހެން އެއަރޕޯރޓް ތަކަށްވެސް ދަތުރު
ATR ކާތު ލީޓަށްޓީމައި ސައްތަގެ ދިމަވެތިހންދާކުންފުންޏެއ 72-600ތައިން އިރުވިއެކުއާ ފެށި ސައް ފްގެ ގެހިނ ަރވ ފެށުމުގެ ތައްޔާރީތައް ވަމުންނެވެ .މި ފެބްރުއަރީ މަހުހުނަވިރުލާވެރިއެއދި
އން ރަފަ ށ ޖެއިޓްތުރު ދިވެހ ނުތިލީފޯރުމަކޮތިށްންދީދާބޯމިޓްގެ ދާއިއިތުރާރު ަ އެވެ.ތަމްބުރީ ނެވާ ދާ ް ންނު އަވަހަކުށްރުމަފެށްށިގެބޭ ބޯޓާއި އެކު އިތުރު މަންޒިލްތަކަށް ކުރާ ދަތުރުތައް ވަހަރަރުށްދަނާ
ނީގަޑުވިމެސްންނަގެމުންއެނެވ ސައްފެކަށުތްމަށް ކުވިރަލާމުންއެދާއނަަރމެއިވ ް ތިގެއްމަގައި ނެމަ އްރި ރިމެކު ސެެ.ޓަކީ އަޅުގ ދަޅު ނެ .މިއ ކާޑު ސްދު ެ މަތިންދާ ބޯޓް ގެނެސް ރާއްޖެއިން ބޭރުގެ ދަތުރުތައްވެ މެ
ގ ް ޓ ތއް ޓޯަރޓީފްމްލަގެއިޓްހުގެރިހާޚިދުމެމަމްތަބަށްރުންމޫގެދުގަޚިއިދުމަޖަ ރުންދި މަތް މެދު ރާއްޖޭގެ އެކިދިމާލަށް "މެޑިކަލް އިވެކުއޭޝަން" ގެ ޚި ޑު ސާބަސްދ ށސާއަޅުބޯ ަ ފޮއ އި،ލާ އެ ނުެ.މަށާ ި ވ ނެވ މްބ
(ސީޕްލޭން) މަދު އަދަދަކަށް މި އަހަރުގެ ތެރޭގައި ގެންނަން ޚިޔާލުކުރަމެވެ. ގައުމެއްގެ ތަރައްގީ ގައި ދަތުރުފަތުރުގެ ނިޒާމަކީ އެންމެ މުހިއްމު އެއްތަބެވެ .މުދަލާއ ސަކާއްތެތަރިކަދިމާވެއިހި އެކުކުންފު މަތްގުޅިފުފަޅާއިކޮވާށްކަމެކެވެ. ދުއި ންހަޏެށްއްކަގެމަންށްދިވާޔުމަވިކީލާ ތައެރައއްަރގީގެގެވިންޚި ާ އަވަ ހުނަރުވެރި ދިވެހިންގެ ޓީމަކާއި އެކު ފެށި ސައްތައިންރައް
ހަރުދަނާ ކުރުމަށް ބޭނުންވާ ތަމްރީނު ފޯރުކޮށްދީ މި ދާއިރާއަށް އިތުރު ދިވެހިން އަހުލުވެރިކުރުމަށް ވިލާ އެއަރ އިން ރާއްޖޭގެ އެކިހިސާބުގައި ހެދިފައިވާ ސަތޭކައަށްވުރެ ގިނަ ރިސޯރޓަށް އަންނަ ފަތުރ މެދުކެޑުމެއްނެތި މަސައްކަތް ކުރަމުންދާނަމެވެ .އަޅުގަޑުމެންގެ އެސެޓަކީ އަޅުގަޑުމެންގެ ގާބިލު ،ހީވާގި ،ކެރޭ ޓީމުގެ ރިސޯރޓްތަކަށް ގެންދިޔުމަށް ވައިގެ ޚިދުމަތް ފުޅާކުރެވޭނީ އިތުރު އެއަރޕޯރޓް ތ މެމްބަރުންނެވެ .ވިލާ އެއަރޓީމްގެ ހުރިހާ މެމްބަރުންގެ ޚިދުމަތަށް އަޅުގަޑު ސާބަސްދެމެވެ. މާމިގިލީ ފަޅު ހިއްކައިގެން އެއަރޕޯރޓެއް ހަދާ 1122ވަނައަހަރުގެ އޮކްޓޯބަރ މަހ
ނ އައޮނެ އް ތްއް އެމަންންމެޒިލަފެށްންވަރު ރަގ އް މަރާންއޒިޖޭލުގަ ި އެކީ ންދަރަ ލދަލާވައިއިގެމީހުބަ ތަބެވމާެ.މިގިމު ީ އްޓް ގައުމެއްގެ ތަރައްގީ ގައި ދަތުރުފަތުރުގެ ނިޒާމަކީ އެންމެވިލާމުހިއެއްއމުަރޕއެޯރ
ށި އ ތަގުރަޅިއްފަގީއިކޮވާށްކަމެފެކެންވެ.ވަރު ރަގަޅުކުރުމުގެ މަސައްކަތް މިދަނީ ހުއްޓާނުލާ ކުރަމުނ ރައްކާތެރިކަމާއި އެކު އަވަހަށް ގެންދިޔުމަކީ ތަރައްގީގެ އވިތުންރަދާ ް
07
ރާއްޖޭގެ އެކިހިސާބުގައި ހެދިފައިވާ ސަތޭކައަށްވުރެ ގިނަ ރިސޯރޓަށް އަންނަ ފަތުރުވެރިންގެ 01%އަށްވުރެ ގިނަ ފަތުރުވެރިން
EDITOR’S NOTE It is with great pleasure that i would like to welcome our readers to the first issue of FIYA, the inflight travel magazine of Flyme. As suspected, the first issue will contain a lot of information about Flyme and the operation for our readers. Also inside include information on Maldives and special locations in te Maldives most noticeably, the world famous Hanifaru Bay. Interesting times in the local tourism industry with new high profile hotels opening up in 2013 and the country exploring new areas of promotion as well as new sectors to attract more visitors to our beatiful island nation. If you have travelled to Maldives for the first time and are flying your way to your dream location, take a minute to view the beautiful archipelago outside the window on your flight.... welcome you to our beautiful country. Thank you
WRITERS
Mohamed Shafraz Hafiz @ShafrazHafiz
SARAH HARVEY Sarah Harvey is a travel journalist who has been based in the Maldives for three years. She is co-owner of Manta Media, editor of Travel News Maldives and a regular contributor to magazines and guidebooks.
MAIZAN AZLEEM Likes writing on culture, history and environmental issues. His works have been featured in local and online magazines. He founded Maldivian Psychedelic Arts, a group that advocates creativity and originality in the Maldives.
PHOTOGRAPHY ISSUE 01
PUBLISHED BY Squid Media Pvt. Ltd. www.squidmedia.net studio@squidmedia.net
Mohamed Shafraz Naeem, Hussain Ihvan, Mohamed Shafraz Hafiz, Ibrahim Iujaz Hafiz
COVER Cover art by : Zumra Mohamed Waheed (Zummi) www. cargocollective.com/zummi
09
13
Welcome to the Maldives
24
Sun Island Resort & Spa
28 Flying Maldivian Skies
10
18
Face of VILLA
03
32
Hanifaru Bay
41 Pink Rose
Exploring the compact capital of the Maldives
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Villa Airport Marmigili
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Welcome to the
MALDIVES www.visitmaldives.com
C O U N T RY AT A G L A N C E Maldives has deep blue seas, turquoise reefs, white sandy b e a c h e s a n d p a l m t r e e s . I t i s a l s o a p l a c e f u l l o f c h a r a c t e r, where its people have long spent their days languishing in the very essence of idyll living. While it is the perfect place to sit on a beach and watch a sunset with a cocktail balanced on your hand, it is also a geographical marvel, knowing that there are thousands of fish swimming around the vivid corals just a few feet away from where you sit.
Time: GMT+5hrs Capital island: Male’ Total islands: 1,190 Inhabited islands: 200 Resort islands: 99 Population: Approx. 350,000 Major industries: Tourism and fishing Currency: Rufiyaa (USD 1 = MRF 15.42) Electricity: 240 AC Government Working hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Sunday to Thursday Bank hours: 9:00am to 03:00 pm Sunday to Thursdays
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The Maldives lies in two rows of atolls in the Indian O c e a n , j u s t a c r o s s t h e e q u a t o r. T h e c o u n t r y i s m a d e up of 1,190 coral islands formed around 26 natural ring-like atolls, spread over 90,000 square kilometers. These atolls structures are formed upon a sharp ridge rising from the ocean, making way for their secluded uniqueness. Each atoll in the Maldives is made of a coral reef encircling a lagoon, with deep channels dividing the reef ring. A string of islands take their places among this atoll ring; each island has its own reef encircling the island lagoon. The reefs
Ninety-nine percent of the Maldives is made up of sea. The people of the islands are widely dispersed across the atolls, with about 200 inhabited islands. About 90 islands are developed as tourist resort and the rest are uninhabited or used for agriculture and other livelihood purposes.
F o r M a l d i v i a n s , w h o l o v e a g o o d s t o r y, i t i s s o m e h o w fitting that the early history of the country is enshrined in myth and legend. There is the story of the Rannamaari, a tale about a sea monster than demands a virgin sacrifice every full moon, until a brave man from Morocco, Mr Abdul Barakaath-Ul Barbary decides to confront the monster and prohibit him from coming into the Maldives.
Invaders. These stories, while verymuch anecdotal, are based on the real facts that form the history of the c o u n t r y. W r i t t e n a c c o u n t s p o r t r a y a M a l d i v e s w h o s e people have traveled far and wide, adventurers whose geographical isolation had not limited the boundaries of their world. Maldives today remains very much like it had then – small, but not lacking; isolated, but not invisible.
There is the story of Bodu Thakurufaanu, renowned for its length, who saved the Maldives from Portuguese
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of the islands, alive with countless types of underwater creatures and vibrant corals, protect the islands from wind and wave action of the surrounding vast oceans. This unique structure of reefs and channels m a k e s n a v i g a t i o n a l m o s t i m p o s s i b l e f o r t h e p a s s e r- b y without sufficient information about these waters.
The islands of Maldives appear in-between the trading route of the Indian Ocean. Thus settlers, and visitors from neighbouring regions and around the world have come in contact with the islands for as long as history has been recorded. Such is the to-and-fro flow of people and their cultures, that a marked effect has been left in the Maldivian people, the language, beliefs, arts, and attitudes. The looks of the Maldivian people may differ from one a t o l l t o t h e o t h e r, a t t r i b u t i n g t o t h e g e n e s p a s s e d o n by South and Southeast Asians, Africans, and Arabians. The language, Dhivehi, differs in dialect in some regions in the south of Maldives, possibly due to the secluded nature and subsistent ways of island life. Maldivian beliefs have been very much based around religion and superstition, often used together in matters of significance but given separate positions in s o c i e t y. I n m a t t e r s o f f a i t h , I s l a m d o m i n a t e s , b u t i n f l u ence of the supernatural still continues to play a major role in most island communities, possibly giving credit to the folklores and Buddhist traditions of the islands’ first settlers before conversion to Islam in 1153 AD.
(a unique Maldivian sailboat) is an art form itself built with skilled craftsmanship, with significant similarities to the Arabian dows. The fine artistry of Maldivians, seen in the intricate details on wooden beams in antique mosques, represents what we have gained from Southeast Asian architecture. Then there is the undefined: the distinct geometric designs used in mats woven from local materials, the embroidered neckline o f w o m e n ’s t r a d i t i o n a l d r e s s e s a n d t h e i r o r n a m e n t s too, expose another story brought in from an unknown c u l t u r e t h a t h a s s e e p e d i n t o M a l d i v i a n s o c i e t y. Maldivians are quite open to adaptation and are generally welcoming to outside inspiration. The culture has always continued to evolve with the times. Locals still eat fish and fishermen still spend days out at sea, but tourism now takes a standing prominence. Most Maldivians still want to believe in upholding unity and oneness in faith, but recent waves of reform in the country have created a whole new culture of new ideas and attitudes. The effects of the modern world are now embraced, while still striving to uphold the p e o p l e ’s i d e n t i t y, t r a d i t i o n s a n d b e l i e f s .
The mixing of cultures is very much seen in Maldivian arts. The music played with the local bodu-beru (bigdrum) resemble that of African drumming. The dhoni
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The Maldivian President who dived underwater with his cabinet has given a new light to the association between Maldives and ‘environment’. The world now knows how dependent the Maldives is on its natural environment. The environment has a direct affect on all facets of a M a l d i v i a n ’s l i f e . T h e i s l a n d s a r e p r o t e c t e d b y t h o u sands of reefs that need to be alive for this unique archipelago to exist in future. The corals on our reefs need its countlessinhabitants to feed on them for the c o r a l s t o r e - g r o w. L o c a l s n e e d t h e f i s h i n t h e w a t e r for livelihood and they depend on the beauty of its r e e f s a n d i s l a n d s t o s u s t a i n o u r t o u r i s m i n d u s t r y. M o s t i m p o r t a n t l y, t h e M a l d i v e s n e e d s i t s c i t i z e n s a n d v i s i tors to take care of its wonderful natural environment
T h e w e a t h e r i n t h e M a l d i v e s i s u s u a l l y p i c t u r e p e rfect: sunlit days, breezy nights, balmy mornings, and iridescent sunsets. The temperature hardly ever changes - which makes packing for your holiday an easy task (see what to pack). With the average temperature at about 30 degrees Celsius throughout t h e y e a r, t h e s u n i s a c o n s t a n t o n m o s t d a y s , s h i n i n g through treetops, creating lacy patterns on your feet, healing cold-bones with its warmth. Throughout the d a y, t h e s u n w i l l m a k e i t s e l f k n o w n , e n s u r i n g t h a t i t will be remembered and missed, like an old friend, as you pack up your suitcases to leave. Maldives has two distinct seasons; dry season (north-
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in order to surviveas one of the most magical places on earth. Several government regulations have been set up to enable a system to provide natural protection for the o t h e r w i s e f r a g i l e 1 , 1 9 0 i s l a n d s o f M a l d i v e s . I m p o rtant marine areas are selected as protected regions, starting from 1995. Endangered marine species like the whale shark, turtles, dolphins as well as corals a r e a l s o p r o t e c t e d b y l a w. H a n i f a r u , a b a y l i k e l a g o o n in Baa atoll of Maldives, is among the most recently protected marine areas. This area is home to rays from around the Maldives that gather here to feast on the masses ofplanktons brought into the lagoon by water currents.
east monsoon) and wet season (southwest monsoon), with the former extending from January to March and t h e l a t t e r f r o m m i d - M a y t o N o v e m b e r. The rare thunderstorm in the Maldives (especially around the southwest monsoon months) can be a welcome respite from the sun. Cloudy skies and slate grey seas, and crashing thunder makes up for lovely r e a d i n g w e a t h e r. T h e w a r m t e m p e r a t u r e s w i l l a l l o w y o u to go for a walk in the rain, a verdant, wet, thoroughly enjoyable experience. For extra exhilaration, take a swim in the rain - the sea will be extra warm.
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BY : MOHAMED SHAFRAZ HAFIZ
One of the most powerful homegrown corporate entities in the Maldives, Villa Group has been leading trade and tourism for over twenty years. But unlike most corporations, Villa very decidedly has a face. Q a s i m I b r a h i m i s V i l l a . Yo u w o n ’ t f i n d a n y o n e t o d i s p u t e t h i s . Planted firmly as a leader in every field, it can’t be denied that the Villa group is what it is because of the vision of its f o u n d e r a n d p i o n e e r. T h e s c a l e o f Q a s i m ’s v i s i o n i s m o n u m e n t a l . I t ’s n e c e s s a r y t o touch upon the scope of his creation to appreciate this. The scale and the sure hand with which Qasim steers Villa Group past new boundries are amazing. One of the firmest foundations of Villa Group is in the tourism s e c t o r, w h e r e S u n I s l a n d , P a r a d i s e I s l a n d , L a n k a n f i n o l h u a r e established as premier destinations. There are standard and a quality attributed to the Villa brand, not least of which can b e a t t r i b u t e d t o Q a s i m ’s c o m m i t t e d p e r s o n a l i n v o l v e m e n t i n the development of the properties. Complementing the dest i n a t i o n s i s t h e t r a v e l a g e n c y V i l l a Tr a v e l s & To u r s , a n o t h e r giant on the scene. Another significant, perphaps the founding aspect of Villa is its role as an importer and trader of diesel, lubricants, and gas With facilities that rank as the strongest storage
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and production capacity for marine gas oil and motor gasoline in the region – a spectacular accomplishment for a homegrown company from a little nation like Maldives. Complementing the Villa Hakatha brand (hakatha can be translated as ‘energy’ or ‘power’) is a housing materials brand. Villa Group has been involved in the shipping since 1978, and currently operates a growing fleet including cargo ships, oil tankers, tugboats, barges and reefer vessels in addition to high-speed powerboats and dhonis (the local make of boat). V i l l a ’s E n g i n e e r & P r o j e c t D e v e l o p m e n t t e a m c o m p r i s es architects, civil engineers, land surveyors, among those from various other disciplines, and is responsib l e f o r m u c h o f t h e s u c c e s s f u l d r e d g i n g p r o j e c t s c a rried out in the Maldives, all the while being committed to community development. Villa Group has also been committed in the fishing ind u s t r y, s p e c i a l i z i n g i n c o l l e c t i o n , s t o r a g e , p r o c e s s i n g , and marketing of tuna. The Horizon Fisheries brand p r o c e s s e s a r o u n d 1 5 0 m e t r i c t o n n e s f r o m t h e n a t i o n ’s f o u r f i s h i n g z o n e s a d a y. V i l l a a l s o s e r v e s a s a p o w e r f u l f o r c e i n M a l d i v i a n I T, seeking to empower Maldives as a global force in addition to retail.
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It may surprise some to learn that this vast empire has the most humble of origins. Qasim Ibrahim founded the group in 1986 as a local trading enterprise. This w a s p r e - d a t e d b y t h e h u m b l e o r i g i n s o f Q a s i m ’s ‘ Q I M ’ Mafannu Villa proprietorship in 1977, which would eventually become the giant we know as Villa Group t o d a y. T h e r e ’s a n a s p e c t o f V i l l a G r o u p o f t e n o v e r l o o k e d . T h e c o m p a n y i s a l s o a f a m i l y. Q a s i m I b r a h i m ’s s t r o n g p r i n c i p l e s o n c r e a t i n g a n d d e v e l o p i n g n e w t a l e n t r e v e rberate through the entire corporate frame; his vision i n c o r p o r a t e s t h a t i t ’s t h e e f f o r t s o f t h e e m p l o y e e s t h a t a r e t h e h e a r t o f t h e c o r p o r a t i o n . Yo u d o n ’ t a p p l y f o r j o b s a t V i l l a . Yo u a p p l y f o r c a r e e r s . T h e r e ’s p r o g r e s sion and growth. Something Villa isn’t commonly acknowledged for is being a pioneer of corporate social responsibili t y, e s p e c i a l l y i n e d u c a t i o n . T h e V i l l a F o u n d a t i o n h a s been financing higher studies for Maldivian students for years, and the recent advent of the Villa College further cements this image. Health care, various community and social projects, and eco-responsibilities only added to this. Villa has recently broken new ground in the Maldives o n 1 s t O c t o b e r 2 0 1 1 w i t h i t ’s f i r s t p r i v a t e a i r p o r t i n t h e c o u n t r y. M a a m i g i l i a i r p o r t i s a V i l l a G r o u p e n t e r p r i s e , a n d i s a c c o m p a n i e d b y V i l l a A i r, t h e a i r l i n e
offering affordable and efficient service throughout the region. Q a s i m I b r a h i m ’s w o r k d o e s t h e t a l k i n g f o r h i m . H e h a s m a d e a f o r m i d a b l e e m p i r e o u t o f t h i s a i r. H e h a s m a d e himself a key figure in a deeply significant period of political Maldivian history by taking on key roles during a long transitional stretch. He has created sust a i n e d c o m m u n i t y p r o j e c t s t o g i v e b a c k t o t h e s o c i e t y.
No matter how you look at it, Qasim Ibrahim is a major f i g u r e i n m o d e r n M a l d i v i a n c o r p o r a t e h i s t o r y. F r o m developing top class resorts, creating strong models f o r c o r p o r a t e r e s p o n s i b i l i t y, o w n i n g a n a i r l i n e a n d t h e first private airport in the Maldives, Qasim is a pioneer of every industry he touches.
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BY : SARAH HARVEY
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The sandy beach is dotted with sunloungers and coconut-thatch sunshades. It stretches around the island like a powdery white stripe against the emerald green foliage
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Affordable and Fun Experiences at Sun Island Sun Island Resort & Spa ticks a lot of boxes for holidaymakers searching for an affordable break in the Maldives with plenty of things to do for all ages and a great beach. As the largest resort island in the Mald i v e s t h e r e ’s l o t s o f l u s h t r o p i c a l v e g e t a t i o n , b i g w i d e pathways, extensive recreational facilities, multiple dining options and a spacious beach encircling the entire i s l a n d . Yo u c a n e v e n h i r e a b i c y c l e a n d n a v i g a t e t h e i s l a n d u n d e r y o u r o w n s t e a m w i t h t h e b r e e z e i n y o u r h a i r. Parts of the resort have been modernised and others are s t i l l a w a i t i n g r e f u r b i s h m e n t b u t t h i s a d d s t o t h e c h a racter of Sun Island; it feels as though each area has a
slightly different atmosphere which contributes to the overall feeling that you can have a new experience every d a y. The sandy beach is dotted with sunloungers and coconut-thatch sunshades. It stretches around the island like a powdery white stripe against the emerald green foliage. The turquoise lagoon is calm and shall o w. A l t h o u g h t h e r e ’s n o t t o o m u c h i n t h e w a y o f c o r a l , those seeking some excitement can hire a snorkel and discover a vast array of marine life including turtles, rays and reef sharks.
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T h e r e a r e a l s o p l e n t y o f t o p - n o t c h d i v e s i t e s n e a r b y. The South Ari Atoll region is renowned for crystal-clear water and superb diving. If you’re lucky enough you may even be able to catch sight of a whale shark (a gentle plankton-eating giant) as it migrates through the atoll. Whale shark sightings are usually between June and O c t o b e r. T h e i m p r e s s i v e PA D I d i v e c e n t r e i s t h e l a r g e s t i n t h e Maldives and the multi-lingual staff are extremely helpful. If you’ve never dived before, the clear water of the r e s o r t l a g o o n i s t h e p e r f e c t p l a c e t o l e a r n . Yo u c a n b e c o m e a c e r t i f i e d O p e n Wa t e r d i v e r i n a s l i t t l e a s t h r e e days. The watersports centre offers a range of equipment and trips including jet-skis and non-motorised watersports like windsurfing. They also offer dolphin-spotting trips and fishing excursions. If you prefer to whip up some a d r e n a l i n e o n d r y l a n d t h e r e ’s t e n n i s , s q u a s h a n d b a d minton courts, plus a modern gym. For a more sedate p a c e o f l i f e , g u e s t s c a n a l s o p l a y s n o o k e r, m i n i - g o l f , darts or computer games. T h e e l e g a n t Wa t e r B u n g a l o w s a r e t h e s w i s h e s t o f t h e rooms, with plenty of space and a private sun deck with a ladder down into the lagoon. Guests can choose between sunrise or sunset views. The Super Deluxe and Deluxe Rooms on the island itself are semi-detached.
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They have private verandas and sun loungers where you can stretch out in the sun surrounded by lazy palm trees a r c h i n g u p t o w a r d s t h e s k y. T h e r e ’s a r a n g e o f a t t r a c t i v e d i n i n g v e n u e s a n d b a r s t o c h o o s e f r o m , s e r v i n g a r a n g e o f We s t e r n a n d E a s t e r n dishes including fresh seafood, Thai curries and classic European fare. The Beach Bar is a great spot to chill out, while the Mekunu Bar comes alive with a disco on c e r t a i n n i g h t s . T h e r e ’s e v e n a s w i m - u p p o o l b a r w h e r e guests can enjoy a refreshing cocktail without leaving t h e w a t e r. The Araamu Spa is another of the highlights of Sun Island. It offers a wide variety of massages and beauty t r e a t m e n t s i n s p i r e d b y t r a d i t i o n a l M a l d i v i a n k n o w - h o w. T h e s e i n c l u d e t h e s i g n a t u r e ‘ Ve l i M o d u n ’ t r e a t m e n t which combines a massage and body scrub in one using virgin coconut oil and sand, leaving your skin glowing and your body refreshed. The design of the spa is an O r i e n t a l - i n s p i r e d o a s i s o f p e a c e a n d t r a n q u i l l i t y. All-in-all, Sun Island is a great value and popular resort which has been delighting guests for many years and will no doubt continue to do so for years to come.
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T h e AT R 7 2 - 6 0 0 s e r i e s i s a t w i n - e n g i n e t u r b o p r o p short-haul regional airliner built by the French-Italian a i r c r a f t m a n u f a c t u r e r, AT R . T h e n e w 7 2 - 6 0 0 s e r i e s i s a significant upgrade compared to the existing 42500 series; the aircraft that is being utilized by Flyme c u r r e n t l y. I t h a s t h e l o w e s t G r e e n h o u s e g a s e m i s s i o n s and reduced CO2 and fuel consumption by 50% per p a s s e n g e r k i l o m e t e r. I t i s t h e o n l y a i r c r a f t w i t h f u e l c o n sumption lower than 3 liters per pax per 100 km. With low noise levels and flying at lower altitudes as to not d i s t u r b t h e O z o n e l a y e r, i t r e a l l y i s n o w o n d e r t h a t t h e 72-600 series has been dubbed “The most eco-friendly aircraft in the world”. It has reduced maintenance cost by a staggering -15% and better reliability as well.
f i c , w e a t h e r, i c i n g ) a n d a u t o m a t i c f a i l u r e d e t e c t i o n w i t h appropriate procedure pop-ups have all been installed in the 72-600. In addition to this, it is also equipped w i t h a m u l t i - p u r p o s e c o m p u t e r f o r p e r f o r m a n c e m o n i t o ring, enhanced surveillance and automatic dependant surveillance.
W h i l e e n v i r o n m e n t - f r i e n d l y, i t a l s o d o e s n o t d i s a p p o i n t technology-wise. The 72-600 series comes with outstanding improvements to avionic technology in-flight. To e a s e p i l o t s t r e s s a n d w o r k l o a d , a u t o m a t i c c h e c k lists, automatic surrounding monitoring (terrain, traf-
T h e 7 2 - 6 0 0 s e r i e s AT R A i r c r a f t i s y e t t o b e r i v a l e d i n terms of performance, versatility and economics; it is currently the most advanced aircraft in the world, which i s w h y i t ’s s u c h a g r e a t p r e s t i g e f o r M a l d i v i a n a v i a t i o n t o w e l c o m e a b r a n d n e w 6 0 0 s e r i e s AT R A i r c r a f t .
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The passengers have certainly not been forgotten as the 6 0 0 s e r i e s c o m e s w i t h i m p r o v e d p a s s e n g e r ’s c o m f o r t and appeal as well as in-flight entertainment. The new light and slim seats give more legroom and overhead compartments are also wider for easier and more efficient usage. 5” LED screens have been installed every t w o r o w s t h a t f o l d a n d u n f o l d a u t o m a t i c a l l y.
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BY : SARAH HARVEY
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tists have here scien bers to w d rl o w ces in the high num e only pla ng in such th ti f a o g e re n g o g a ay is d mantas Hanifaru B sharks an le ed. a fe h w d recorde
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stay at least three metres away from these creatures and do not attempt to touc h them
Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll is famous for a spectacular phenomenon that occurs during the Southwest Moonsoon when a special recipe of elements including moonlight, tide and weather combine in the right way to bring the bay alive with vast concentrations of zooplankton. The zooplankton remains trapped in the bay attracting f i l t e r- f e e d i n g ‘ m e g a f a u n a ’ l i k e w h a l e s h a r k s , m a n t a r a y s and giant oceanic mantas in unusually high numbers. In fact, Hanifaru Bay is one of the only places in the world where scientists have recorded whale sharks and mantas aggregating in such high numbers to feed. The incredible natural spectacle of several whale sharks together and up to 200 mantas in one place draws spectators from across the globe. For many people visiting the Maldives, one of their biggest dreams is to swim with whale sharks or manta rays and if they’re lucky enough to be at Hanifaru Bay during the right time o f y e a r, t h e y ’ l l h i t t h e j a c k p o t . ( M a n t a r a y s a n d w h a l e sharks can also still be spotted in smaller numbers at o t h e r s i t e s i n t h e M a l d i v e s f r o m J u n e t o O c t o b e r. ) Gentle, plankton-eating whale sharks are officially the biggest ‘fish’ in the ocean and are capable of growing up to twelve to fourteen metres in length – around the size of a double decker bus. Oceanic mantas can measure at least seven metres in width while reef mantas can measure around five and a half metres. According to the I n t e r n a t i o n a l U n i o n f o r C o n s e r v a t i o n o f N a t u r e ’s T h r e a t ened Species assessment, whale sharks are classed as ‘vulnerable’ while manta rays are ‘near threatened’, making the natural marvel at Hanifaru Bay all the more incredible. Hanifaru Bay was made a special Marine Protected Area by the Government of the Maldives in 2009 in recognition of its importance as an ecosystem and in 2011 the w h o l e o f B a a A t o l l w a s d e s i g n a t e d a s a U N E S C O Wo r l d
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Biosphere Reserve. Hanifaru Bay was declared a key protected area within the reserve. The goal is to try to protect mantas and whale sharks within the area and safeguard their future through a combination of conservation measures, education and interaction with the local community and stakeholders. In turn, this helps to safeguard the revenue they generate for the future benefit of all - Hanifaru Bay tourism is estimated to generate U S $ 5 0 0 , 0 0 0 p e r y e a r. In an effort to minimise damage to the ecosystem from the large numbers of visitors, the Government introduced some measures in Hanifaru Bay which include a ban on diving, making it effectively a snorkelling-only zone. Divers can still dive in the area outside of the bay and in the rest of Baa Atoll but inside Hanifaru Bay all visitors must adhere to the new regulations. Under the regulations, only five boats can drop off visi-
tors near Hanifaru Bay at one time and vessels must stay at least 50 metres from the mega fauna. No vessels can enter the bay and all vessels and visitors must have H a n i f a r u To k e n s w h i c h e n t i t l e s t h e m t o 4 5 m i n u t e s o f s n o r k e l l i n g i n t h e b a y. T h e r e i s a l s o a r e s t r i c t i o n o n t h e number of visitors allowed in the water at one time. Visitors also have to abide by special guidelines (the n a t i o n a l M a l d i v i a n W h a l e S h a r k To u r i s m G u i d e l i n e s ) when they come across any of the mega fauna, which includes staying at least three metres away from the creatures and not attempting to touch them. It is hoped that these measures will help to minimise the i m p a c t o n t h e u n i q u e e c o s y s t e m i n H a n i f a r u B a y, a n d in turn that visitors will be able to continue enjoying the incredible sight of majestic manta rays and whale sharks for generations to come.
Hanifaru Bay tourism is estim ated to generate US $5 00,000 per year
several ral spectacle of tu na le ib ed cr in The 0 mantas ther and up to 20 ge to ks ar sh le wha m across the s spectators fro aw dr e ac pl e in on globe.
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BY : MAIZAN AXLYM
V i l l a A i r p o r t M a a m i g i l i ( VA M ) l o c a t e d o n M a a m i g i l i Island was developed as an airport hub in the largest tourism precinct of South Ari Atoll. The massive project of reclaiming 500,000 square meters of land and building the first privately owned domestic airport was initiated in 2003. It was a bold milestone and a longtime vision realized by the chairman of Villa Group, M r. Q a s i m I b r a h i m s i n c e t h e c o n c e p t i o n o f V i l l a A i r i n 1995.
The airport employs 95% local staffs that are mostly from the region. The team ensures to deliver excellent service to tourists and locals alike. The well trained ground handling crews and engineers overlooks the operational safety and health of the passengers witho u t a n y m a r g i n f o r e r r o r. VA M h a n d l e s m o r e t h a n 3 0 0 0 flight movements with over 100,000 passengers per y e a r. T h e s e f i g u r e s a r e e x p e c t e d t o i n c r e a s e s i g n i f i cantly in 2013.
V i l l a A i r ’s F l y M e d o m e s t i c a i r c r a f t t o u c h e d d o w n o n t h e VA M t a r m a c o n 1 s t O c t o b e r 2 0 1 1 , e s t a b l i s h i n g a m u c h n e e d e d a i r- c o r r i d o r b e t w e e n I b r a h i m N a s i r A i rport and the atoll. Ari Atoll has the greatest concent r a t i o n o f p r e m i e r l u x u r y r e s o r t s o f t h e c o u n t r y. VA M s u b s e q u e n t l y b e c a m e t h e o n l y M a l d i v e s C i v i l Av i a t i o n Authority (MCAA) certified privately owned domestic airport in Maldives.
T h i s i s a s p e c i a l y e a r f o r VA M . I n a d d i t i o n t o I b r a h i m Nasir International Airport and Gan Airport, Villa Air Villa Air will be expanding the reach to Dharavandhoo, Hanimadhoo and Kaade’dhoo. FlyMe currently flies to seven atolls: Haa Dhaalu, Laamu, Baa, Kaafu, Alifu Dhaalu and Seenu atoll.
VA M u s e s c u t t i n g e d g e t e c h n o l o g i e s f r o m L E D l i g h t s that light up the runway at night to state of the art a i r t r a f f i c c o n t r o l t o w e r. V i l l a G r o u p i s c o m m i t t e d t o r e d u c e t h e a i r p o r t ’s c a r b o n f o o t p r i n t b y u s i n g e n e r g y s a v i n g t e c h n o l o g i e s . VA M b o a s t s t h e o n l y a i r p o r t i n the Maldives with private hangarage facilities completed with aircraft monitoring service via internet. Clients can easily monitor their aircrafts at leisure at a n y g i v e n m o m e n t o r w e a t h e r. I t i s t h e w i s h o f VA M t o increase the number of private jet operators by providing unparallel service and facilities in Maldives.
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Villa Air also will be expanding the fleet with addit i o n a l AT R - 6 0 0 S e r i e s a i r c r a f t s a n d w i l l b e o p e r a t i o n a l t h i s F e b r u a r y. T h e s e e l e g a n t l y p e t i t e a i r c r a f t s a r e designed for comfort, outstanding performance and s m o o t h t a k e o f f o n s h o r t r u n w a y s . AT R - 6 0 0 a i r c r a f t s are recognized for its eco-conscious technology that minimizes any adverse effect on the environment. This new addition to Villa Air will be a safe and an enjoya b l e f l y i n g e x p e r i e n c e t o a n y t r a v e l e r.
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BY : SARAH HARVEY
Male’ has to be one of the most unique cities on earth. The high-rise buildings perched on a sliver of land less than two metres higher than the ocean itself makes for a fascinating spectacle. It is the second most densely populated island in the world, after Ap Lei Chau in Hong Kong. More than 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 p e o p l e ( a r o u n d a q u a r t e r o f t h e c o u n t r y ’s e n t i r e p o p u l a t i o n ) l i v e s o n t h e 2 . 2 s q u a r e m i l e landmass. H i s t o r i c a l l y, M a l e ’ w a s w h e r e t h e k i n g s o f t h e M a l d i v e s l i v e d . A l t h o u g h t h e r o y a l p a l a c e w a s d e stroyed after the monarchy was abolished, several interesting historical buildings are still intact. To d a y, M a l e ’ i s a b u s t l i n g h i v e o f a c t i v i t y. S c o o t e r s w e a v e i n a n d o u t o f t r a f f i c , c a r g o b o a t s s t e a m i n a n d o u t o f t h e h a r b o u r, f i s h i n g v e s s e l s b r i n g b a c k t h e i r c a t c h e s a n d p a s s e n g e r f e r r i e s c o n t i n u a l l y chug between neighbouring islands. The buildings are painted in yellows, pinks, blues and greens, leading many to dub the colourful miniature city ‘Lego Land’! M a n y r e s o r t s o f f e r g u i d e d e x c u r s i o n s t o M a l e ’ , a l t h o u g h i t ’s e a s y e n o u g h t o n a v i g a t e o n y o u r o w n i n an afternoon.
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Friday Mosque (or ‘Hukuru Miskiiy’) The mosque dates back to 1656 and was built by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar. A tin roof has replaced the coconut thatch that it was initially roofed with but take a closer look at the coral walls and you’ll be astonished by the intricate patterns carved into them. The interior is decorated with wooden engravings.
Fish Market Spot some eye-popping hauls being brought in from the ocean. Enormous tuna, sailfish, swordfish and other deep-sea catches are sold here by fishermen who use traditional pole and line fishing techniques to catch them.
Fruit and Vegetable Market You’ll find all kinds of unusual-looking discoveries here, ranging from spiky breadfruit to huge juicy papayas and coconuts. You can also pick up some local treats such as ‘Addu bondi’ – a long, chewy
Sultan Park The magnificent rain trees are one of the highlights of the small park, with their enormous, ancient boughs providing plenty of shade. It’s built on the site of the former royal palace. Check out the beautiful tropical blooms while you relax on a shady bench.
National Museum Adjacent to Sultan Park is the USD $7.8million National Museum which opened in 2010 and was a gift from the Chinese Government. The museum collection includes royal thrones, ancient stone carvings, pre-12th Century Buddhist relics, beautifully-decorated Muslim Qurans and a whale skeleton.
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Islamic Centre and Grand Friday Mosque The white building topped with glittering gold domes was completed in 1984 and is one of the most attractive modern landmarks in Male’. The Grand Friday Mosque is the biggest in the Maldives and can hold 5,000 worshippers. Wood carvings and calligraphy decorate the interior.
Artificial Beach The small sandy beach is surrounded by benches, a couple of cafes and a shower/toilet block. Tourists are welcome to take a refreshing dip, but women are advised to respect local customs by wearing a t-shirt and shorts over their swimwear.
Souvenir Shops You can find everything you want in Chandhanee Magu, from postcards and t-shirts to shell jewellery, sarongs and ornaments. Some of the best souvenirs are made by local craftsmen such as lacquer-work boxes and hand-woven reed mats.
Traders Hotel The rooftop restaurant offers spectacular views across Male’ and the surrounding islands. It’s particularly beautiful at sunset when the call to prayer floats across the evening breeze from the local mosques and the sky turns golden. If you visit during the daytime, for a fee you can take a dip in the infinity pool.
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RTA
RTAކަމަށްވާ ATRއިން ފަރުމާ ނފުންޏެއް ATR 600މަރުކާގެ ބޯޓަކީ ފްރާންސް އާއި އިޓަލީގެ ކު ް
އ މަތިންދާބޯޓަކީ ފްލައިމީ އިން މިހާރު ބޭނުން ކުރަމުންދާ 42-500މަރުކާގެ ބޯޓަށް ކޮށްފައިވާ މަތިންދާ ބޯޓެކެވެ .މި ާ ށ ަހ ާ ކ ް ބަލާއިރު މާ ފެންވަރު ރަނގަޅ ު◌ ޮ ދ ަފ ިއ ާވ ބޯޓެކެވެ .މި ބޯޓަކީ ތެލުގެ ހަރަދަށް ބަލާ އިރު ހަރަދު ކުޑަ އަދި ގްރީން ހައުސް ގޭސް މަދުން ޖައްވަށް ބޭރުވާގޮތަށް ފަރުމާ ކުރެވިފައި ވާ ބޯޓެކެވެ .މި ބޯޓަކީ އަޑުމަޑުކަމަށާއި އަދި ތިމާވެއްޓަށް ގެއްލުން ކުޑަކަމަށް ފާހަގަކުރެވިފައިވާ ބޯޓެކެވެ.
RTA
ATR 600މަރުކާގެ މި ބޯޓަކީ ޓެކްނޮލޮޖީގެ ގޮތުން ބެލިޔަސްވެސް ވަރަށް ޒަމާނީ ފެންވަރަކަށް
ތައްޔާރު ކުރެވިފައި ވާ ބޯޓެކެވެ .މި ބޯޓުގެ “އޭވިއޮނިކްސް ޓެކްނޮލޮޖީ”އަށް ފާހަގަ ކުރެވޭ ބޮޑެތި ބަދަލުތަކެއް ގެނެސްފައިވެއެވެ .މީގެ ތެރޭގައި ޕައިލަޓުންގެ ސްޓްރެސް އަދި ވޯރކް ލޯޑް ލުއިކުރުމަށްޓަކައި އޮޓޮމެޓިކް ޗެކްލިސްޓް
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ހެދުމާއި ،އޮޓޮމެޓިކް ސަރައުންޑިން މޮނިޓަރ ކުރުމާއި ،ފެއިލިއަރ ޑިޓެކްޓް ކުރުމުގެ ޓެކްނޮލޮޖީ ހިމަނާފައިވެއެވެ .އަދި މީގެ އިތުރުން މި ބޯޓުގައި ހަރުކުރެވިފައިވާ މަލްޓި-ޕާޕާސް ކޮމަޕިއުޓަރު ސިސްޓަމުގައި އެހެނިހެން ގިނަ ކަންތައްތަކެއް މޮނިޓަރ ކުރެވެއެވެ. މި ބޯޓު ފަރުމާ ކުރުމުގައި ދަތުރު ކުރައްވާ ޕެސެންޖަރުންގެ ހިތްފަސޭހަ ކަމާއި ލުއިފަސޭހަ ކަމަށް ބާލާފައިވެއެވެ. “އާމޯނިއާ ކެބިން” ނަމަކަށް ކިޔާ މި ބޯޓުގެ ކެބިން އިންޓީރިއާ ފަރުމާ ކޮށްފައިވަނީ އިޓަލީގެ ޑިޒައިނަރެއް ކަމަށްވާ ގިއުގިއާރޯ އާއި ގުޅިގެންނެވެ .ރާއްޖޭގައި މިހާރު އެތެރޭގެ އުދުހުންތަކަށް ބޭނުންކުރެވޭ ބޯޓުތަކުގައި ޕަސިންޖަރުންގެ ގޮނޑިތައް އަތުރާފައިވާ ގޮތާ ހިލާފަށް މި ބޯޓުގެ ގޮންޑިތައް އެތުރިފައިވާ ވަނީ ބޮޑު ޖާގައެއް ދީގެން ލުއިފަސޭހަވާނެ ގޮތަކަށެވެ .މީގެ އިތުރުން މަތީ ކަލިވަތްތައް ބޮޑުވެފައި އަދި ކޮންމެ ދެ ގޮނޑި ބަރިއަކުން މަތީގައި 5އިންޗީގެ އެލް.އީ.ޑީ ސްކްރީން ވެސް ހަރުކުރެވިފައި ވެއެވެ.
RTA
ATR 600މަރުކާގެ މަތިންދާ ބޯޓަކީ ހުރިހާ ގޮތަކަށް ބެލިޔަސް މިވަގުތު ދުނިޔޭގައި އެންމެ
ހ ރާއްޖެއަށް ފްލައިމީއިން މީބޯޓު ގެނައުން ވާނީ ދިވެހި ރާއްޖޭގެ އޭވިއޭޝަން ވ އެއް ބޯޓެވެ .ވީމާ ދިވެ ި ކުރިއަރާފައި ާ ޔ ުތ ް ނ ިއ ި◌ ަ ނ ާ މ ެގ ުމ ަވ ްއ ަޒ ުފ ް ނ ނ ވަރަ ް ށ ލިބިގެންދާ ެ ރ އަ ް އިންޑަސްޓް ީ ރ ްއ ި ށ ބޮޑު ކުރިއެރުމަކަށެވެ .އަދި މި ބޯޓަށް ްފ ަލ ިއ ީ
މަރުހަބާ ކިޔާނީ ވަރަށް ފަހުރުވެރިކަމާއި އެކުގައެވެ.
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MAP OF
MALÉ
18 22
11 SULTAN PARK
2
1
10 3
12
13
21
20
17
14
5 4
19
16
15
8
9
7
PLACES OF INTEREST HOUSE 1PARLIAMENT PALACE 2PRESIDENTIAL MOSQUE / MINARETE 3FRIDAY OFFICE 4PRESIDENT’S CENTRE 5ISLAMIC COURT 6 SUPREME
MARKET 7 FISH MARKET 8 LOCAL 9 NO.1 JETTY ART GALLERY 10 NATIONAL MUSEUM 11 NATIONAL FERRY TERMINAL 12 HULUMALE’
13 POST BULDING OF MALDIVES 14 BANK TRADE CENTRE 15 STO HEADQUARTERS 16 POLICE FEERY 17 AIRPORT HOSPITAL 18 ADK
SHOPS 19 SOUVENIR OF CEYLON 20 BANK 21 HSBC BANK OF INDIA 22 STATE
MAIN ROADS Boduthakurufaanu Magu
Fareedhee Magu
Majeedhee Magu
Ameer Ahmed Magu
Orchid Magu
Medhuziyaaraiy Magu
Chaandhanee Magu
OTHERS ATM
HOTELS
6
MAP OF
MALÉ
18 22
11 SULTAN PARK
2
1
10 3
12
13
21
20
17
14
5 4
19
16
15
8
9
7
PLACES OF INTEREST HOUSE 1PARLIAMENT PALACE 2PRESIDENTIAL MOSQUE / MINARETE 3FRIDAY OFFICE 4PRESIDENT’S CENTRE 5ISLAMIC COURT 6 SUPREME
MARKET 7 FISH MARKET 8 LOCAL 9 NO.1 JETTY ART GALLERY 10 NATIONAL MUSEUM 11 NATIONAL FERRY TERMINAL 12 HULUMALE’
13 POST BULDING OF MALDIVES 14 BANK TRADE CENTRE 15 STO HEADQUARTERS 16 POLICE FEERY 17 AIRPORT HOSPITAL 18 ADK
SHOPS 19 SOUVENIR OF CEYLON 20 BANK 21 HSBC BANK OF INDIA 22 STATE
MAIN ROADS Boduthakurufaanu Magu
Fareedhee Magu
Majeedhee Magu
Ameer Ahmed Magu
Orchid Magu
Medhuziyaaraiy Magu
Chaandhanee Magu
OTHERS ATM
HOTELS
6
Inner Maldives Holidays | H. East Light | Ameer Ahmed Magu, Male' | Republic of Maldives Tel: +960 300 6886, Fax: +960 3330 884 | E-mail: info@innermaldives.com @innermaldives
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