By Naureen Ahmed
Photos by Geff Sagala
The crossroad of the ancient trading routes has become one of the greatest beach destinations in the world offering opulent resorts, honeymoon getaways, and family-friendly hotels. The tropical nation of Maldives mixes up luxury and local life to bring the sunny side of life to everyone.
When we think of vacation, the island life comes to mind. With clear skies, turquoise waters, and white sands, the Maldives is the perfect away-from-it-all retreat. Its unrivalled beauty and paradisiacal islands bring about superlatives of wonders and good vibes. Truly, a trip to the Maldives is a brilliant opportunity to indulge in world-class resorts and immerse in the hospitality and culture of the locals.
The warmth of the Maldivians transcends through their happy faces and generosity. Their tourism is their first and foremost income-generating aspect of their economy. Fisheries and agriculture are the second largest contributors of foreign currency and the country has many untapped resources still to be developed. Over the years the Maldives has rapidly grown into a middle income country. The Maldives economy has diversified beyond tourism and fishing and has experienced reforms in both employment and public finance. The country is open to foreign investments and doing business in Maldives is relatively easy and simple. Saudi Arabia has a massive role in the development and investments in Maldives. The two countries’ cooperation is tantamount to a stronger trade and relations between the two.
The Republic of Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have a huge difference in terms of their location; the former being in the middle of the Indian Ocean comprised of 1190 islands and the latter being in the Middle East thriving in undulating desert under a hot and dry weather. However, the two countries enjoy a robust international relations and Saudi Arabia contributes immensely in the socio-economic sector of the Maldives. While the Kingdom is dominated by Sunni Islam, Maldives is 100% Sunni. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques HRH King Salman, during his reign as Crown Prince pledged to build 10 world-class mosques in the archipelago and the work is in progress. Scholarships has also been increased to Maldivian students to study in Saudi Arabia. To mention a few projects assisted by the Kingdom, the Saudi Fund for Development is financing a major development programme of Velanaa International Airport and is also in developing the infrastructure in HulhuMale’ Phase II.
Recently, news of Saudi Arabia developing Faafu Atoll in the Maldives was announced by President Abdulla Yameen. This forthcoming investment is said to be part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and its call for stronger economic alliance with East Asia. This mixed development project is in its planning stages and it shows how Saudi Arabia sees the Maldives as a key ally in its vision and vice-versa.
The Maldives has long been a great tourist destination for many Saudis because it’s the perfect place to have a holiday with the family. International hotel brands like Club-Med, Four Seasons, Shangri-La, Anantara, One & Only, Sheraton, Hilton, Jumeira, Viceroy, Centara, Banyan Tree, and many more have been welcoming guests into their posh islands for years. There are a lot of various facilities and activities available in different resorts. Everything is just a barefoot walk from rooms in fabulous resorts. Packages are customizable according to needs and wants.
There were more than 50,000 travelers from the Middle East in 2016 and 48% of them were Saudis; a 22.3% increase from the year before. Saudi Airlines, the Kingdom’s national carrier, also introduced flights to the islands paradise and is now operating two flights a week from Riyadh and two flights a week from Jeddah to Male, the capital of Maldives. The perfect vacation is just a few hours away.
The Maldives has proven time and again that what they lack in land area as a country, they make up for their beautiful 1,190 islands; each a paradise on their own. Tourists can choose from over 100 resorts to enjoy a sunny weather that shines all year long, waves that curl on the doorstep, and waters that sparkle and unfolds beauty above and underneath it. Truly, the sunny side of life is in Maldives!
WHERE TO GO
- MALE, the capital of Maldives is rich in culture and history. Visit the Old Friday Mosque, the National Museum, or the National Art Gallery.
- PRODUCE MARKET, hawkers and shoppers gather to sell and buy home-grown and imported fruits, vegetables, and betel leaf.
- VILLIMALE, the quiet streets of this small island near Male provides a more serene side to the city life.
- DHADIMAGI KILHI, the most popular among all freshwater lakes in Maldives; its calm water is most conducive for swimming.
- WHAT TO DO
- Dine with the beautiful creatures of the ocean surrounded by vibrant coral gardens at the Ithaa Underwater Restaurant, rated as “the most beautiful restaurant in the world” by the New York Daily News.
- Dive and swim with the whale sharks in the many affordable PADI dive centers in Maldives. The waters offer incredible visibility.
- Spot dolphins in the waters of Maldives through the excursions offered by most resorts.
- Island hop in one of the 202 inhabitated islands and meet the friendly locals.
- Have an under-the-sea massage at Huvafen Fushi’s LIME, home to the world’s underwater spa.
